Which boots have no plastic in the leather finish, the lining, the sole or the glue?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in boots
A leather boot is not automatically a plastic-free boot. Most "finished" leather carries an acrylic or polyurethane topcoat, and corrected-grain leather always does. Lug soles are synthetic rubber or polyurethane. Linings are polyester mesh or a waterproof membrane, insoles are EVA foam, and heel counters and toe puffs are thermoplastic. Laces are polyester, stitching is bonded nylon, and the sole is cemented on with polyurethane glue. The heel's top lift is rubber or polyurethane. The plastic-free construction is unfinished or oil-tanned leather on a leather or natural gum sole, stitched with waxed cotton or linen thread.
What to check before you buy
- Leather: full-grain and unfinished, oil-tanned, pull-up or waxed, or "finished" and corrected-grain?
- Lining: leather, wool or cotton, or polyester mesh and a waterproof membrane?
- Outsole and heel: leather or natural crepe or gum rubber, or unnamed "rubber", lug rubber or polyurethane?
- Midsole and insole: cork, leather and wool felt, or EVA and foam?
- Construction: welted with a named thread and glue, or cemented with an unnamed adhesive?
- Laces and hooks: leather, cotton or waxed cord and steel hooks, or polyester and plastic?
- Stiffeners and shank: leather and steel, or thermoplastic and nylon?