Summary
When you look at the Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot, it’s almost impossible to see that it’s made with a purely vegan material – unless you’re an expert on the subject and can detect the almost imperceptible differences between genuine leather and synthetic materials used in boots. I loved that this boot lets me enjoy the classic beauty of the original Doc Martens boot, while at the same time having the option to go animal-free with this particular footwear. I was expecting to see and feel significant variations between the vegan option and genuine leather, but I’m glad that the only major difference can be experienced in the way the upper felt. The synthetic material felt thinner than genuine leather, resulting in an upper structure that had more softness and flexibility compared to the original 1460 leather boot.
This boot still has the timeless 8-eyelet profile, delivering an enduring style edge that has made this boot style a well-loved wardrobe staple by countless fashion-forward individuals from the time it was first introduced in 1960 until now. This vegan version also has the same air-cushioned sole that’s built into the original leather boot, delivering that welcome bounce for a high energy return. Just like its leather counterpart, this vegan boot is built with a Goodyear welted construction, with the distinctive yellow stitching running along the footwear’s perimeter. The solid construction can be depended on to last for a long time, although I do have concerns that the thin laces may not be strong enough to resist premature deterioration. We’ll have take a closer look at the boot’s features, divulging which ones bring out the greatest number of benefits and if there are components that can be enhanced for improved performance.
If you prefer footwear that doesn’t have any animal products, this timeless boot is an outstanding choice offering superb form and function.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot doesn’t completely stand out among other boots with similar features, but that doesn’t mean that it’s uncomfortable to use. I felt that this vegan version comes out offering a higher level of comfort because the synthetic material is thinner than genuine leather. This makes the upper considerably softer, making the boot a lot easier to wear compared to the original 1460 leather boot, which needs a longer break-in time for the leather to become soft enough for comfortable use. The softer vegan material makes the boot feel comfortable out of the box, eliminating the need to spend more time and effort on breaking in the boot. Its pliable structure followed my foot’s movements quite easily, providing a comfortable walking experience since the upper didn’t dig painfully into my foot with each step – something that can often be felt when using boots made out of thick, stiff leather. The insole had enough padding to cushion the blow of walking on hard surfaces, but it didn’t have the foamy feel of other DMs, so this boot isn’t my top choice for activities and jobs that require long hours of walking or standing.
The fit is another aspect that stopped this boot from becoming super comfortable. The very snug fit didn’t leave enough space for my foot to shift a bit, so cramping is a huge risk, especially when staying upright for most of the day.
I’ll admit, though, that this snugness also has its advantages. It increased the stable feeling as my foot was prevented from sliding unintentionally inside the boot, making it more comfortable to walk on inclined or unstable surfaces without compromising my safety. The snug fit also kept my ankle secured in place, protecting it from the pain that can result when it gets twisted accidentally, especially with quick sideways movements.
I appreciated the bouncy feeling provided by the exclusive AirWair sole, bringing back most of the energy to every step so my foot didn’t feel extremely fatigued at the end of the day.
Weight
This boot had a solid weight that helped increase the stable feeling – which was a great thing when walking on rough ground, helping me maintain my balance as my foot was planted more firmly on the surface. It’s not the heaviest boot I’ve tried but it also isn’t the most lightweight. Most of the weight is concentrated on the thick air-cushioned sole, giving the boot a solid feel for enhanced support and stability on various ground conditions. I noticed that the vegan upper felt lighter compared to genuine leather, bringing down the overall boot weight a notch so it’s saved from becoming extremely heavy and bulky.
Traction
The high-traction outsole is resistant to slipping so it was easier for me to walk on unstable or slick surfaces without compromising my balance in the process. The AirWair sole is built to be resistant to fat, oil, alkali, and acid, giving this boot the increased strength to fight structural deterioration in case of exposure to these harsh substances. The thickness of the sole increased the stable feeling, making walking on tricky surfaces a lot easier to manage as the boot bit more firmly into the ground.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true to its size but had a very snug fit, holding the ankle in its secured position so it doesn’t easily twist with lateral movements. The snugness also prevents an unstable feeling as it prevents the foot from sliding inside the boot. However, without much room inside the boot to allow the foot to move a bit, the snug fit can quickly become uncomfortably tight, especially for those with wide feet.
Waterproofing
I don’t recommend this boot for extremely wet environments because it doesn’t have fully waterproof components. However, the high-quality synthetic material still offers minimal water resistance, preventing small amounts of liquid from penetrating to keep the foot dry with limited exposure to moisture sources.
Breathability
The solid vegan material doesn’t allow a lot of air to come in, so the boot’s interior tends to heat up, especially when worn for long periods in humid or hot locations. The tall boot also prevents air from easily getting in and circulating, making this boot unsuitable for those who’d like their boots to remain cool and fresh for hours.
Quality and Durability
The Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot retains almost the same quality and durability that generations continue to love about the original 1460 leather boot.
I liked that the vegan upper has a thinner structure compared to leather, giving it a pliable quality that more easily accommodates the foot’s movements, so I didn’t feel like my foot was restricted from moving naturally.
This version’s upper has a softer quality that increases comfort, making it easier to walk and move around without too much discomfort because there aren’t any rigid materials on top that can painfully dig into the skin with each step. The synthetic material has a two-toned finish, delivering a fascinating dimension to the boot’s style and giving it a unique characteristic. The 100% vegan material offers a great option for those who’d like footwear that’s not made with animal products, delivering the superb aesthetics and function of premium quality Doc Martens boots in a cruelty-free way.
I love how the classic 1460 silhouette makes this boot a fantastic match to different outfits, enabling me to fully maximize this vegan choice in different environments for work and leisure without worrying that my footwear won’t look good with my chosen ensemble.
This boot showcases the same solid construction that Doc Martens boots are known for, providing dependable strength that can last through challenging environments and activities without prematurely deteriorating. I liked how the metallic eyelets discreetly enhanced the boot’s look, giving it a subtle edgy vibe while offering lasting durability to ensure that the components can be used for a long time. I especially liked the way the signature AirWair sole delivers an air-cushioned quality that returns energy, giving the boot enough bounce so that walking feels more comfortable. The thick sole offers increased support without the rigidity underfoot that can lead to pain, especially with long hours of continuous boot use. The Goodyear welted construction offers impressive strength, keeping the bond between the upper and sole as durable as possible so the boot can be relied on to deliver long-term benefits. The yellow stitching on the perimeter gives that distinctive Dr. Martens look while working to reinforce the attachment between the two boot components.
I’m just a bit concerned that the boot’s laces look too slim and may not be strong enough to last long.
Other Versions
The Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot is offered in Black Felix Rub Off and Cherry Red Oxford Rub Off. It’s also available in the following versions: Bex mono with the elevated sole and the high-shine Gloss Pull-Up.
The Challengers
The Bhava Charlie Lace Up Combat Boot
The Bhava Charlie Lace Up Combat Boot is made with vegan leather, offering a way for you to enjoy the supple boot structure without animal cruelty. Manufactured in Spain, the boot showcases the brand’s fine craftsmanship with its sleek silhouette, delivering a premium appearance that works remarkably well with dress pants for more formal occasions. It also has just a touch of ruggedness that pairs well with jeans, giving you the chance to maximize this boot’s aesthetic in different environments. The interior is fitted with cork cushioning, delivering just the right amount of padding to keep pain at bay with long hours of use while ensuring that the inside doesn’t become too tight at the same time. This boot is made with a synthetic material that doesn’t contain formaldehyde, PVC, PCP, and other potentially harmful substances so you can be sure of a safer boot-wearing experience. The metallic eyelets are designed to keep up with the frequent lace adjustments that you may need to make to maintain a comfortable boot fit, without easily breaking apart, ensuring that you’ll be able to reap the functional and aesthetic benefits of this boot for a long time. The breathable lining permits air to come in unhampered, enabling it to move continuously within the boot to stop overheating from building up with long hours of nonstop boot use. This boot isn’t made for long periods of use under the sun, though, as the materials used for its components may be damaged with prolonged sun exposure.
The Vegetarian Shoes Combat Boot
The Vegetarian Shoes Combat Boot is constructed with the brand’s toughest vegan material, offering superior quality and durability that you’ll be able to enjoy for a long time. This material is also water-resistant, acting as a reliable barrier to stop liquid penetration when you’re in wet conditions so that your foot can easily maintain a comfortably dry feeling for much longer. This non-leather material only needs a short break-in period, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the boot’s comfortable yet protective features without the need to wait for an extended breaking-in period to be completed. The breathable material doesn’t hamper the entry of air, allowing it to flow freely throughout the boot so that excess moisture and warmth won’t have a chance to build up and instead will be encouraged to disperse to prevent overheating. The vegan material has a distinctive grain that develops a beautifully aged look with long-term use, providing you with the chance to maximize the remarkable appearance the more you wear the boot. The bellows tongue further increases the boot’s water resistance, blocking wetness and even debris from entering to guarantee that the boot’s interior will remain free from unwanted elements that can cause discomfort and even compromise foot safety. The sole tends to get damaged easily, though, and may not last as long as the strong vegan material used for the upper.
The Cambridge Select Lace Up Combat Boot
The Cambridge Select Lace Up Combat Boot is made with synthetic materials, giving you the chance to enjoy a stylish boot while being animal friendly at the same time. It’s available in a variety of colors and even some options with embroidery, enabling you to easily match your footwear to different outfit choices without worrying that the aesthetics will clash either way. The metallic eyelets are built to maintain their strong attachment to the upper, making it easier for you to deal with numerous lace modifications to get to the perfect fit all day long without fearing that the constant movements will result in the components’ early damage. The deeply cushioned collar offers enhanced comfort as it supportively embraces the calf, keeping the ankle held in its proper position so it won’t easily twist when you’re walking quickly over slippery or unstable surfaces. The thick padding on the collar also protects the skin from rubbing continuously against the boot’s interior to prevent blisters from forming, especially with long hours of nonstop walking. This boot has a lightweight structure that won’t weigh the foot down, making it more comfortable to stay on your feet for longer since you won’t need to carry bulky boots for hours. The rubber sole features deep lugs that deliver strong traction, biting firmly into the ground to encourage you to walk naturally and confidently while maintaining a balanced gait at the same time. It’s not a waterproof boot, though, so this isn’t the best option if you need to work in exceptionally wet conditions for a long time.
The Avesu Vegan Lace-Up Combat Boot
The Avesu Vegan Lace-Up Combat Boot is built with high-quality synthetic leather, offering remarkable form and function without animal cruelty to mar the amazing boot-wearing experience. The upper is designed to hold up to heavy use in different surroundings, ensuring that you’ll be able to do your job and other activities without the boot succumbing to premature damage. The 10-eyelet profile allows you to adjust the laces until you achieve the fit that feels most secure and comfortable. The metallic eyelets are constructed to maintain their strong bond with the upper for superior durability that’ll keep up with numerous lace fit adjustments. The padded footbed creates a comfortable base for the foot, cradling it to ward off the pain that can result from extended periods of walking or staying upright on hard surfaces. The soft inner lining surrounds the foot with a welcoming texture while preventing blister formation that can occur if the skin constantly rubs against the boot’s interior. The thermoplastic rubber sole forms a solid platform that keeps the foot fully supported, delivering a strong level of traction to prevent slipping when you’re walking on uneven or slick ground conditions, especially at a rapid pace. However, without waterproof materials, this boot isn’t recommended for use in wet surroundings.
The Jazamé Combat Boot
The Jazamé Combat Boot is made with vegan leather that’s sturdy enough to withstand heavy use for a variety of activities without easily getting worn down, giving you the chance to fully maximize the boot’s function and form for a long time. The lace-up design allows you to modify the fit until the boot feels comfortable and secure enough to support your foot’s movements all day long. This boot is also fitted with an inner zip closure, providing increased convenience as it enables you to quickly slip on the boot without needing to tinker with the laces with every use. The padded insole cradles the foot comfortably to prevent pain from setting in, at the same time offering long-lasting support for a more stable feel. The boot has a secret zippered pocket built into one side, enabling you to stash small items such as cash, keys, or credit cards in a safe place that no one will think to search. This boot doesn’t offer any water resistance so it’s unsuitable for environments with plenty of moisture sources around.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Boot is a superb choice for those looking for a cruelty-free way to enjoy combat boots. It showcases the classic Dr. Martens leather boot profile, making it a great partner for a variety of outfit choices. I liked how the vegan upper feels softer and more flexible than genuine leather, offering a more comfortable way of boot-wearing without needing to go through an extended break-in period. The boot is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but without waterproof materials or a safety toe, it’s not recommended for wet environments or settings exposed to compression and impact hazards.
