Question from Dianna
Hello. I am moving to Colorado, and I am looking for warm hiking boots that are non-toxic. Any suggestions?
Debra’s Answer
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn hiking boots. Used to wear them all the time when I lived out in a forest in California.
If I remember correctly, I didn’t particularly have a problem with them. I had a pair that were all leather with rubber soles.
Some of the toxic elements of a hiking boot could be tanning chemicals used on leather, synthetic materials, waterproofing…
Readers, any brands you like? I just have no recent experience with this living in Florida where I wear sandals 364 days of the year.
When I first got the MCS I would just buy all shoes and boots ahead of time and let them air out by my Austin Air Machine for about 3 months because I was afraid to wear anything new that I couldn’t wash first. I don’t have to do that now. I’ve had good luck with Rocky and Vasque hiking boots. FYI….The waterproof boots I got from LL Bean leaked after walking in dewing grass one year after purchase (They did take them back and refund my money.) but I didn’t have a reaction to them. I would wear any of the boots walking most days for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Colleen