🥾 What Hiking Companies Don’t Make Their Shoes in China?

If you’re a hiker who cares about where your gear comes from, you’re not alone. Many outdoor enthusiasts are now paying attention to manufacturing origins, and some want to avoid products made in China—whether for quality concerns, ethical reasons, or to support local industries.
So, what hiking shoe brands make their boots and shoes outside of China? Here’s what you need to know.
🤔 Why Avoid China-Made Hiking Shoes?
Before we jump in, it’s worth noting: China manufactures a huge percentage of the world’s shoes—and many are excellent quality. However, some hikers prefer to avoid China-made gear due to:
- Supply chain transparency
- Labor practices
- Geopolitical or environmental concerns
- Desire to support domestic or European manufacturing
🏕️ Hiking Brands That Don’t Make Their Shoes in China (or Not All of Them)
1. Zamberlan 🇮🇹
- Made in: Italy
- Why it stands out: Handcrafted, premium leather boots with a focus on tradition and sustainability.
- Popular model: Zamberlan Vioz GTX
- Great for: Backpacking and long treks
2. Asolo 🇮🇹
- Made in: Italy, Romania, Eastern Europe
- What to know: Family-owned brand known for durable, performance-driven hiking boots.
- Popular model: Asolo Fugitive GTX
- Note: Some lower-end models may be made in Asia, but most premium ones are EU-made.
3. Lowa 🇩🇪
- Made in: Germany, Slovakia
- Highlights: Lowa has a strict European production policy and exceptional build quality.
- Popular model: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
- Trusted by: Mountaineers and alpine hikers
4. Hanwag 🇩🇪
- Made in: Germany
- What to expect: 100-year-old brand with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and sustainability.
- Popular model: Hanwag Tatra II GTX
- Bonus: Repairable boots = eco-friendly
5. La Sportiva 🇮🇹
- Made in: Italy
- Specialty: Known for trail runners, mountaineering boots, and approach shoes.
- Popular model: La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
- Ethos: Family-run with a focus on quality and performance
6. Scarpa 🇮🇹
- Made in: Italy
- About the brand: High-performance footwear for hiking, mountaineering, skiing
- Popular model: Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
- Eco-conscious: Offers resoling for select models
🟡 Bonus: Brands That Partially Manufacture Outside China
- KEEN: Some models made in the U.S. (Portland, OR), Thailand, or Cambodia
- Danner: Their “Stitchdown” boots are handcrafted in Portland, OR
- Vasque: Some boots made in Vietnam and the U.S., but many still in China
- Oboz: Primarily made in Vietnam
✅ Quick Tips to Identify Non-China-Made Hiking Shoes
- Check the label inside the tongue of the shoe
- Visit the brand’s website and look for “Made in” info
- Stick to high-end models, which are more likely to be made in Europe or the U.S.
- Ask customer service if the site doesn’t make it clear
🧭 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to sacrifice quality or performance to avoid hiking shoes made in China. Whether you’re looking for European craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, or simply more transparency, there are plenty of brands stepping up with alternatives.
Choose boots that align with your values and your trail needs—because a great hike starts from the ground up.