Vegetarian/non-leather boots

[MattXD]

Wow, this seems to have stimulated a lot of interesting comments then. It's been a few days since I've checked it, so apologies for summarising/replying in one go.

 

If someone can demonstrate how you fit climbing spikes on to clogs, screw it, I'll give them ago. Sustainability at its finest.

 

On a more serious note:

 

Dave D - good point about animal derived glues in rubber boots. I have to admit this isn't something I've thought about before, and makes finding a specifically vegan/vegetarian boot all the more important. I've been vegan for nine years now, and it's something I feel very strongly about.

 

Pedroski - I live in Brighton myself. I went into Vegetarian Shoes earlier this week to ask them about the posibility of making me a one-off pair, but them seem really un-interested unfortunately. And anyway, presumably they'd have to get them independently tested/verified, which would be really expensive.

 

HOWEVER, in really good news, I've just spoken to another ethical footware manufacturer who said it's something they've thought about, and have even produced some samples, which looked great. They sent me over a picture and the design spec and it all looks spot on. I'm going to persue them about getting a pair made.

 

Would anyone else (Dryadude?) be interested in getting some made at the same time - might be cheaper if there are a couple of orders at once? Let me know.

[Mark Bolam]

TBH mate loads of people climb in non-chainsaw protective boots, on the basis that if you cut your feet when climbing you probably have some serious work-positioning issues.

However, this won't help get you through your assessment!

Another cost consideration is that most climbers will struggle to get two years out of a pair of boots.

 

Good luck with your search. I'm virtually a carnivore, but I admire your commitment to your beliefs.

[Daniël Bos]

but I admire your commitment to your beliefs.

 

+1:thumbup1:

[scottythepinetree]

Probably a bit cheeky H&S wise, but would you consider borrowing a pair for the assessment, then taking your chances as Mark has said above. Maybe go on to use a pair of wellies on the ground, and climb in whatever you feel safe in. Maybe work ouit a waiver with your employer.

 

If you borrow a pair, you wouldn't be contributing to your perceived probablem. Your ethics would suffer for a few hours and then it would be over. I don't think the manufacurer will be CE compliant, and thus the boots won't be acceptable for the assessment either.

[felixthelogchopper]

Probably a bit cheeky H&S wise, but would you consider borrowing a pair for the assessment, then taking your chances as Mark has said above. Maybe go on to use a pair of wellies on the ground, and climb in whatever you feel safe in. Maybe work ouit a waiver with your employer.

 

If you borrow a pair, you wouldn't be contributing to your perceived probablem. Your ethics would suffer for a few hours and then it would be over. I don't think the manufacurer will be CE compliant, and thus the boots won't be acceptable for the assessment either.

 

Unfortunately, any waiver wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on. It is not a matter of choice for either party so the employer would be leaving themself wide open

[scottythepinetree]

Unfortunately, any waiver wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on. It is not a matter of choice for either party so the employer would be leaving themself wide open

 

Good point, but wouldn't non-CE boots leave you just as wide open? Forget the waiver, and don't cut your feet.

[felixthelogchopper]

Good point, but wouldn't non-CE boots leave you just as wide open? Forget the waiver, and don't cut your feet.

 

Yes to the non CE boots part

[MattXD]

I don't think the manufacurer will be CE compliant, and thus the boots won't be acceptable for the assessment either.

 

These boots are CE compliant, so seems all good. Interesting that it's common to not wear them when climbing. Presumably that would invalidate insurance policies?

[scottythepinetree]

These boots are CE compliant, so seems all good. Interesting that it's common to not wear them when climbing. Presumably that would invalidate insurance policies?

 

It will only invalidate your insurance policy if you cut your feet. Possibly invalidate it if you injure your feet. Glad you got sorted, would hate to think someone as dedicated to their beliefs as you are would have to relent for the sake of a career. Don't agree with you though. I am as carnivorous as they come. Its not a meal if it doesn't have some form of meat in it, but that's best left to another thread.

 

Just out of interest, did they get back to you with a price? If you do go ahead and get a pair could you stick a piccy up?

[Daniël Bos]

.

 

If someone can demonstrate how you fit climbing spikes on to clogs, screw it, I'll give them ago. Sustainability at its finest.

 

 

I think you had the answer all along:biggrin: