This article is for all the vegans or at least for people who want to support less killing of animals. In fact, it’s pretty difficult to identify vegan hiking boots. There are only a few brands in the market.
However, due to its recent popularity, some huge outdoor brands started manufacturing vegan hiking boots. Also, to clear further doubts, I have included a guide on how I chose vegan hiking boots. It should sufficiently cover what areas we should look out for when picking vegan hiking boots.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Best Vegan Hiking Boots Comparison Table
How to choose vegan hiking boots
1. Looking at the material used
The most important to lookout for is the materials used to manufacture the boots. Now, there are many synthetic and non-leather boots being manufactured in the market.
Non-vegan materials include leather or coated leather. It would be wise to avoid any of these boots if you are going vegan.
Other fabrics include natural fibers, cotton, bamboo, jute and hemp.
Vegan materials include textile or ‘other materials. Other examples include fur, wool, silk, alligator skin, sheepskin and suede.
Usually, it’s safe to assume that Other Materials means that it’s made from materials other than animal skin.
The boots made from vegan materials actually perform equally well or even better than leather hiking boots. Most hikers prefer synthetic hiking boots rather than leather hiking boots.
2. Understanding the construct of a shoe
Usually, shoe manufacturers are compelled to list out the composition of the whole shoe, from the upper area, the lining & sock and outer sole.
Just by reading the description contained on the shoe box or on the manufacturer’s website, you should be able to get sufficient details on what the shoe is made of.
By reading the description, we will know whether we should avoid the shoe or not.
3. Paying attention to the Glue used on the boots
Most vegans miss out this aspect. The glue that keep the boots together must be given attention too.
Most of the synthetic hiking boots in the market are not able to advertise as vegan boots because of the glue they use which contains animal products.
Glues that contain animal ingredients include gelatin, which is made from the connective tissues and bones from animals. If the glue is made from synthetic material, then we can give the green light.
Best Vegan Hiking Boots
1. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX – Reasonably Priced and Solid

Company Overview – Adidas has been actively engaged in distributing and marketing sporting lifestyle products. They have it’s roots in Germany, but has now become a globalized company.
Their mission is to be the best sports company in the world. How? By creating the new. Their aim is to create the best sports and fitness product in the world.
Characteristics of the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX

Material – The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX is generally made from Textile and synthetic upper, Textile lining and Rubber outsole. Also, it’s made with breathable GORE-TEX® membrane. The GORE-TEX membrane is basically a kind of synthetic textile that is able to stop water from getting in, but it let’s your sweat perspire out.
Size – For men, the available sizes are from 6 – 15. For women, you can choose between size 6 to 11.5.
Colors – For men, the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX is available in 3 colors which are Night Cargo, Black and Base Green. For women, it is available in 3 colors as well which are Raw Grey, Black and Semi Frozen Yellow.
Weight – For men size 9, it weighs 12.3 ounces. For the Women’s Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX, it weighs 13 oz. for a size 8.5 shoe.
Product Dimension – For men, the shoes have a dimension of 13.8 inches x 9.2 inches x 4.8 inches. For the women’s version, it has a dimension of 11.4 inches x 7.6 inches x 4.2 inches.
Features of the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX

Breathable Ripstop Mesh – The shoe comes with a breathable rip stop mesh upper that comes with TPU overlays which gives added durability and support.
GORE-TEX® membrane – The GORE-TEX® membrane helps to ensure high breathability while giving waterproof protection from outside elements.
Bungee lace-up system – The Bungee lace-up system allows you to make adjustments quickly and with ease. However, the laces aren’t as smooth as the Salomon’s Quicklace design. Further, there is a heel pull loop which helps you put on or take off the shoes easily.
Molded TPU Toe Cap – The toe cap is molded with TPU to give extra protection. The shoes are made to provide sufficient protection on your feet without compromising on the weight.
Cushioned textile footbed – The shoe comes with a cushioned textile footbed that gives underfoot support and comfort. The textile used is the lightweight EVA midsole, which is made to last for a long period of time.
TRAXION® rubber outsole – The TRAXION® rubber outsole comes with a grippy Continental™ Rubber that delivers exceptional traction, even in wet conditions. The rubber on the soles of the shoes are really grippy, which is made for steep areas. Even if you step on snow or a slippery rock, the shoes should be able to keep you standing firmly on the ground. Although the soles feel harder than most sneakers, your feet will still feel comfortable wearing them.
Warning
Shoes tend to run narrow – This pair of shoes tend to run narrow. I thought it would be better to go for shoes that is a little larger in size. Since it’s a waterproof sneaker, it may feel stiff when you first put them on. The shoes can be deemed to have less cushioning than most shoes too. Hence, it may get pretty uncomfortable if the shoes are really tight.
Does not breath well – Although the shoes are supposed to ensure high breathability by having the GORE-TEX® membrane, it doesn’t breathe that well.
My Thoughts
Suitable for tricky terrains – This shoe is made for tacking tricky terrains or even wet weather. The Terrex Swift R2 GTX® trail shoe is made to be lightweight, where it’s designed to allow fast movement on the mountain.
Excellent for hiking – The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX is made to be lightweight, suitable for moving fast on the mountain. In fact, this would be one of the top picks for a lightweight hiking shoe. If you want to lighten your load for backpacking, I would highly encourage you to pick this shoe. Even if you go hiking for days, you will feel comfortable when you wear this pair of shoes. Furthermore, the soles of the shoe are similar to those used on hiking boots, which provides you good stability with every step you take. Even when there are thousands of elevations gained or lost, the shoes will be able to keep your feet supported.
Made for wet terrains – These shoes do not get submerged in water that fast and it only takes a short span of time to dry the shoes!
Extremely solid – The shoes are really solid and are made to withstand abuse. Since it supports your feet really well, I’m sure most people have great experiences with this pair of shoes. I am sure you will be impressed by how much protection it gives you despite the environment. Not to mention, it looks really good too.
Great for backpacking – With this pair of shoes, you will be able to carry a fully loaded pack while on the trail without any problems. It allows you to have ankle mobility despite the heavyweight pressed onto you.
2. Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boots Review – Great for Mountaineering

Company Overview – Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor clothing and sporting goods company. The name and logo used refer to Archaeopteryx, which is one of the earliest known birds. As of now, Arc’teryx currently operates globally with 32 brand stores including in well-known cities such as New York, Beijing, Tokyo and London. One important fact to note is that the product collections are activity based. For example:
Ascent – is a collection for rock climbing and alpinism
Whitline – is for skiing and snowboarding
Characteristics of the Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX

How is it made – This product is manmade.
Colors – The available colors for this shoe is either Tundra or Reed Green.
Materials – The shoe is made with a rubber sole. Generally, the shoe is made from a one-piece textile and a synthetic upper. The shoe features a thermolaminated construction too, which is highly abrasion resistant, lightweight, durable, and hydrophobic. Since the shoe is thermolaminated, it helps keep the shoe irritation-free as well.
Weight – The boots weigh around 1 lb 10 oz.
Product Dimension – The boot has a dimension of 14 inches x 13 inches x 5 inches.
Liner – The liner on the Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX is not removeable for airing out. If you want a removeable liner, you should check out Arc’teryx Bora 2 Mid GTX.
Features of the Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX
Lace-up closure – The lace-up closure should be able to help you to keep the boots firmly worn on your feet. There are even front and rear pull loops which allows you to easily put on and take off the shoes.
Protective heel and toe caps – The shoes come with laminated and protective heel and toe caps.
Adaptive Fit GORE-TEX® bootie liner – The boots are made with the removeable GORE-TEX® bootie liner where its function is to help keep debris and moisture out from your shoes. The mid-cut lightweight liner design helps to allow quick drying.
Removable 3D molded Ortholite™ footbed – The Ortholite™ footbed will be able to provide optimal comfort, high breathability and proper arch support.
EVA foam midsole – The boot comes with an EVA foam midsole that is capable of lasting for years. It helps to absorb impacting shock from your surroundings.
Vibram® rubber hiking outsole – The 14-millimeter Vibram® rubber hiking outsole is made with a pronounced lug pattern to provide you excellent stability, traction and grip.
Y-groove heel split – There is even a Y-groove heel split to enhance braking. This is essential if you are coming down really steep slopes. The heel comes in a Spherical heel shape which allows sharp heel brakes. This is a definite must-have for mountaineering. There is even a mountaineering heel tread for stable traction and braking too.
Warranty
The boots comes with the Arc’teryx Limited warranty. The items that are covered under the warranty will be replaced or repaired according to their discretion.
Products which are damaged through wear and tear, misuse or neglect maybe repaired for a reasonable price.
Also, the warranty department will insist on having the online Product Service Request Form filled before they will send an instruction on how you can send your product to their Product Service Centre.
Warning
Okay breathability – For this price point, most users would expect great breathability for the boots. However, the boots have an okay breathability, but not great. You may still get wet or sweaty inside the boots when the weather is hot.
My Thoughts
Runs True to Size – You need not worry about getting a bigger shoe. The shoe would be able to fit your legs well. There is no need to look to a bigger size.
Really good grip – It does not matter whether you are on solid ground or different conditions (such as walking on snow or wet ground), the Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX® hiking boot has a really effective grippy outsole that keeps you firmly standing on the ground. Also, the durable upper construction will assist you in keeping your feet steady too.
Made for Mountaineering – First off, I would like to highlight that both ‘hiking’ and ‘mountaineering’ are DIFFERENT.
Hiking usually means walking on trails that are already marked. Hiking usually take up around half-day to one-day depending on the route you go.
Mountaineering is one of the most challenging type of sport, if we compare between hiking, trekking and mountaineering. Mountaineering refers to the activity of climbing 5000 meters above sea level. This would mean multi-day trips that require prior physical training. The equipment that you utilize must be able to withstand the pressure too.
The Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX built to deliver agility, stability and protection which is expected from a mountaineering boot. It is capable of meeting such high standards.
Pros
- The shoes are flexible to be used in any weather
- Really comfortable boots
- Fairly priced
- Removeable footbeds
Cons
- Takes some time to break-in
3. La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boots – Really solid Mountaineering boots

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX hiking boots is a pair of really solid hiking boots that has a solid reputation for safely getting you through rough terrains.
On a preliminary note, ‘GTX’ which appears in the name of the boot refers to ‘GORE-TEX’. The boots can also be named as the La Sportiva Trango Cube GORE-TEX Mountaineering Boots.
About the Company – La Sportiva is a company that was founded since 1928 in Italy. Narciso Delladio (the founder) started his business by manufacturing boots for farmers, and eventually ventured into manufacturing boots for the army. Later in the 1950s, he started manufacturing ski boots, which is when the company started to venture into the outdoor niche.
About the Series – La Sportiva’s Trango series was introduced to help you find the best boot for hiking up the mountain.
The range of products were made with the intention of facilitating movement when you are on the mountains, with a range of specilized features. Even if you want to go for ice-climbing, there will be a suitable boot in the Trango series as well.
The La Sportive Trango Cube GTX is one of the most technically advanced boots in the Trango line. Without exaggeration, I can say that this is one of the high-end boots in the Trango line too.
Characteristics of the La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boots
Color – For men, the available colors include: Flame, Highlander and Blue/Red. For Women, you can choose between Light Grey/Mint or Malibu Blue/ Yellow.
Sizes Available – The available size for sale is size 8.5 for men. If you have bigger feet, you can opt for size 11.5 (45 M EU).
For women, you can choose from 36 M EU until 41.5 M EU. Also, size 42.5 M EU (10.5 US) and 43 M EU (size 11 US) are also available.
If you are mountaineering in these boots, it’s better to be generous with the size. This help to ensure that your toes don’t get jammed when you are descending down the mountain. Also, the extra space is really important for you if you would like to wear a pair of warm socks. You wouldn’t want cold feet to get in your way when you are hiking up the mountain. You can check out our post on the Best Warmest Socks for Hunting too. You will be able to put on a pair of thick Darn Tough socks with ease.
Even with the bigger size, you can be sure that this solid pair of boots wouldn’t feel loose.
Weight – The Boots has a weight of 5.63 pound.
Product Dimension – The boots have a dimension of 14 inches x 14 inches x 5 inches.
Materials – The Boots is made from Synthetic materials.
Features of the La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boots
Mesh Back – The boots comes with Mesh Back which is important for fitting. The mesh back makes the shoe breathable too.
Waterproof upper with protective rand – The La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boots comes with a new seamless and waterproof upper. There’s even a protective rand that comes with the boots.
Direct-inject lacing system – With the direct-inject lacing system, you will be able to keep the boots on you with ease.
Integrated Removeable tongue – The boots come with an integrated removable tongue that is made from a soft stretch fabric.
La Sportiva “One” sole by Vibram – The soles has a lower overall weight as compared to other soles that you find on boots.
Replaceable Sole – The boots comes with an approach shoe sole which is going to wear out quite fast. Since you can replace the soles easily, a nearby cobbler should be able to fix your shoes once the soles wear out. Unlike some brands where only certain stores can resole the shoes, you can easily resole this pair of boots.
Warning
Hard to break in – The construction of this pair of boots is solid but it’s quite hard to break-in. If you are wearing it for the first time, there is a possibility that you will have blisters. Only after frequent use, they will start to soften up.
Make sure to return the goods if you find that the size is too small and the shoes are too stiff. You wouldn’t want to torture yourself.
My Thoughts
Superior construction – The boots are extremely solid. You can even say its quality is superior too. The boots are extremely sturdy which is excellent for supporting your foot. Even after aggressive use, the general construction of the shoe and shoe lace eyelets will be able to hold up well despite being really lightweight!
Excellent mountaineering boots – The La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Hiking Shoes are one of the best quality lightweight mountaineering boots ever made. It has an excellent durability because of the new plastic coatings and a wide forefoot too.
If you compare these boots with any of its peers, I’m sure you will say that it’s incredible.
What is it suited for – These boots will be able to show its maximum potential if you use it for mountaineering, technical mixed climbing or ice climbing.
Designed for extended use – They are designed for extended use where the manufacturer included cutting-edge seamless technology that comes with an ultralight sole. You will be able to be on your feet for hours without feeling much discomfort.
Also, if you are hunting and you need to be on your feet for hours, this pair of boots will be able to take the fatigue out too.
4. XPETI Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot – Flexible Hiking Boots

Company Overview – Xpeti is a company that is primarily focused on manufacturing boots for the general public.
The Xpeti brand is created by outdoor enthusiasts and they run with the belief of being “Inspired by Nature”. With this belief, the company motivates their people to manufacture shoes that are suitable for their journey through the mountains.
Model – This shoe comes from the Model line named Dimo. The Dimo Model is aimed to make lightweight and comfortable shoes for hiking. The concept behind it is that it’s designed for “All Weather” except extreme cold winter.
Also, it’s made with a variety of outdoor sports in mind including hiking, travelling, fishing, backpacking or camping. You don’t have to worry whether it’s versatile enough for different activities.
Characteristics of the XPETI Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot

Material – The whole of the shoe is made from fabric and synthetic. There is no leather used in the manufacture of this shoe. The soles are made from rubber.
Color – The available colors include Black, Coffee and Grey. These colors are great for the outdoors because if the boots get stained it wouldn’t be too obvious.
Product Dimension – The product dimension for this pair of shoes is 4.50 inches x 12.50 inches x 10.00 inches.
Weight – The weight of the shoe is 1.80 lbs.
Features of the Adidas XPETI Dimo Mid Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot

Waterproof Mesh Upper and Hydroshield Membrane – This feature helps keep your boots waterproof and helps ensure that your feet remain dry. The waterproof mesh upper and hydroshield membrane will be able to help keep water outside of the boots, helping you ensure that the inside of the boots is dry.
Rubber Toe Cap protection – The Rubber Toe Cap will be able to protect your toes sufficiently and at the same time maintain optimal trail grip when you are hiking.
Rubber Outsole – The Rubber Outsole has an excellent grip which is suitable for hiking in steep areas. The sole will be able to aggressively grab onto rocks and provide good traction.
Molded TPU Ankle Support – The shoes come with TPU Ankle support which is helpful if you are on your feet for long hours. This is useful for protecting your feet as well.
Moisture-wicking mesh lining – This helps to guarantee that no water get into your boots.
Integrated inserted EVA midsole – This is vital for keeping the shoes lightweight and sturdy even when you are moving around with weight on. Also, the EVA midsoles helps in making the boots durable too.
Warning
Shoe size is smaller than the norm – The shoes may be a bit smaller than it’s stated shoe size. It is highly recommended that you get a shoe that is half or one full size above your normal size.
Defective insoles – The insoles of this pair of shoes are not perfect. In fact, they are pretty thin and some of them may not fully fill the shoes. Since the insoles are removable, you can change it if you want something different.
My Thoughts
Excellent Functionality – The XPETI Dimo Hiking boots features a range of special technology which helps to protect your feet. The shoe is basically waterproof, and it has a high degree of friction. The Molded rubber toe cap and Molded TPU (placed at the heel area) would provide sufficient protection.
You will feel really stable too because the cushioned EVA midsole helps make the boots feel stable and lightweight. If you desire lightweight hiking boots, this is definitely the boots to pick.
Great for long-hours of hiking – The boots are made to be durable, comfortable and versatile. It is able to offer sufficient ankle and arch support to help you feel stable and secure even when you are hiking rugged trails.
If you select the correct size, they should fit just right and support your foot. Even after hiking for long hours, the XPETI Dimo Hiking boots should be able to sufficiently support your feet and prevent you from feeling too sore.
Suitable for everyday use – The boots is great for day-to-day use too. It’s not too thick and is really flexible as well. It’s lightweight and sturdy, which makes it great for running daily chores.
Suitable for hiking rugged trails – The XPETI Dimo Hiking boots provides high-traction grip which is necessary to allow you to feel securely fastened on the ground when hiking rugged trails. Since the soles is able to give good traction, it will be suitable for challenging trails. Also, the shoes offer stability and support which is helpful when you are hiking on uneven ground.
Feasible for any outdoor activities – The boots are designed for the outdoors. It helps keep your feet dry even when you are on the trail and it helps keep you comfortable all-day which is vital if you want to feel comfortable when you are outdoors.
Since it’s sufficiently durable and breathable, it’s an excellent footwear for hiking, long hours of walking or other sports.
You can use it even in snow – The boots are insulated and can keep you warm even when you have to walk on snow. Of course, you need to wear thicker socks with it.
Pros
- Excellent protection for your feet
- Really lightweight
- Offers Great Stability
Cons
- May be too stiff if you get a small pair
5. XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Insulated Outdoor Boots – Excellent Cold-Weather Hiking Boots

Since I have given a brief overview of Xpeti above, I wouldn’t repeat it here.
Model – The model for this pair of shoes is the Thermator line.
To give a general overview, the Thermator hiking boots provide special technology so that your feet is protected even when you are doing outdoor activities. It’s made with Thinsulate insulation to help keep your feet warm too.
The XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots is made for avid hikers, allowing you to hike through a variety of terrains such as rocky or muddy areas with ease. Even if the terrain is uneven or there’s snow on the terrain, these boots are made to keep you comfortable all day long.
Characteristics of the XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots

Material – This fully vegan boots is made from fabric and synthetic. The soles are manufactured from rubber.
Size – For men, you can choose from size 7 to size 14. For women, it’s between size 6 to size 11.
Colors – For men, the XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots comes in 3 colors – Camouflage, Black and Light Grey. For women, the shoes come in 5 colors – Black, Camouflage, Blue, Light Grey and Off White.
Weight – The boots weigh around 2.75 lbs
Product Dimension – The package dimension is 4.00 inches x 11.50 inches x 11.00 inches.
Shaft Measurement – The shaft measures about 8-inches from the arch.
Features of the XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots
Waterproof mesh upper & Hydroshield Membrane – With both these features, the boots are waterproof. It should be able to keep your feet dry even if you decide to walk through mud or snow.
Rubber Toe Cap Protection – This helps to give sufficient protection to your feet for aggressive outdoor activities. With this, you have some leeway to be more careless.
Rubber Outsoles – The Rubber Outsoles provide optimal trail grip when you are hiking up the hill. The rubber outsoles should be able to aggressively grab onto the ground and provide sufficient traction even on steep surface.
With these soles, you should be able to work well even on dirt or wet grass. The soles are really grippy and will be able to keep you standing still.
Molded TPU Ankle Support – The ankle support would be helpful if you are to be on your feet for long hours. It should be able to keep your feet from feeling sore.
Moisture Wicking Mesh Lining – This feature makes the boot perfect for wet or snowy trails. It helps to keep your feet warm and dry despite the humid surroundings.
Thinsulate Insulation – The XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots comes with 200 grams of Thinsulate Insulation which helps to keep your feet warm even when the temperature is down to -25℃. The insulation comes with a polyester fleece lining for a -25℃ thermal rating. Coupled with the waterproof feature, it can function perfectly as an insulated winter boot.
Integrated EVA midsole – The boots is inserted with an integrated EVA Midsole which helps keep the boot lightweight and sturdy. Even when you are carrying a large amount of weight, you should be able to feel supported.
Warning
The boots are smaller than normal size – The boots may be smaller than what is considered to be normal. Hence, it is recommended that you order half-size or one-size up from your normal size for other shoes.
Not Heavy duty – These boots is not a heavy duty boot that you can use for really rocky terrains. If you are going through a really tough terrain, mountaineering boots (such as the Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boots) would be more suitable.
Difficult to Dry – Don’t let water get into the boots! Once water gets in, it will take a long time before the boots get dry. This will render your feet to feel comfortable if you put them on.
Feels some shock in hard surfaces – If you are to walk on really hard surfaces, the boots tend to give you a bit of shock when the heel hits the ground. This feeling will only fade when the heels of the boots wears down.
My Thoughts
Boots made to keep your feet protected – The XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots has all the fancy features that keeps your feet protected. From having a molded rubber toe cap to a molded TPU heel, it will definitely offer sufficient protection. Also, the EVA midsole helps to keep the boots durable, stable and comfortable too.
Also, if in the past you have had broken ankles, the boots would be perfect because the boots will be able to give the ankle and arch support you need to prevent further injury.
Ideal for Cold-Weather Hiking – The XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking boots is suitable for your hiking trips that are in colder climates or even in snow. The Thinsulate insulation should be able to keep you sufficiently warm.
Even if you take it out on a ice glacier, it will be able to help keep your feet snuggled in warmth. This would be perfect for walking in snow too. The boots can keep your feet warm and its tall enough to prevent snow from dropping inside.
Excellent Gripping – The Hiking Boots comes with abundant support. With the aggressive shoe sole that is able to grip onto most things with ease, it will make our life as hikers more easeful. The gripping would definitely be perfect for hikers.
Suitable for long-distance hike – The boots come with all sorts of features that helps keep you comfortable while hiking the trail. It gives your feet sufficient support and it helps your feet stay dry too.
Suitable for a long hunting trip – Out of the box, the boots will be able to deliver optimal performance even if you bring it to a hunting trip. Despite meeting steep terrain or snowy plains, your feet will remain warm and dry. This helps you focus on what is important – on the game.
Waterproof – The boots will be able to stay perfectly dry if the water level is just below the lace line.
Pros
- Keep your feet warm even in cold weather
- Really good grip
- Great ankle and arch support
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme mountaineering
- If the boots get wet, it takes a long time to dry
Concluding Thoughts
I do hope that the selections of the best vegan hiking boots helped you decide which boot is the most suitable for you. I have covered low-cut and mid-cut boots to ensure that this post cater for more individuals too. If you want to share your thoughts, feel free to comment below!
I am Jeremy, the outdoor enthusiast behind Survive the Outdoor. I love all things about backpacking, travel, hiking and just spending my time in nature. After years of experience testing out various gears, I’ve decided to write this blog to help out as many people as possible.