Our verdict
The Native Water Shoes and the Rothy’s are too close to call — we rated both 8/10. There's no clear winner here, so it comes down to what you want it for. We break that down below.
Native Water Shoes
Rothy’s
Side by side
| Attribute | Native Water Shoes | Rothy’s |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Best for | Genuinely great product. If the price works for your budget, buy it. | After 4+ years across multiple styles, they keep repurchasing—eco-friendly machine-washable design delivers despite high price. |
| Standouts |
|
|
| Watch-outs |
|
|
Which one is right for you?
Choose the Native Water Shoes if…
Genuinely great product. If the price works for your budget, buy it.
- Look like casual sneakers, not water shoes
- Incredibly lightweight and quick-drying
Choose the Rothy’s if…
After 4+ years across multiple styles, they keep repurchasing—eco-friendly machine-washable design delivers despite high price.
- Made from recycled water bottles—genuinely eco-friendly
- Machine-washable—practical for maintenance
Why we rate them this way
Native Water Shoes — 8/10
Genuinely great product. If the price works for your budget, buy it.
What we liked: Look like casual sneakers, not water shoes, Incredibly lightweight and quick-drying, Odor-resistant EVA material, Easy to clean with hose, Slip-on design ideal for kids with no break-in.
Worth knowing: Run narrow—size up if you have wide feet, Lack arch support; not ideal for long walks, Price high ($50-60) for a plastic shoe, Feel similar to Crocs (material divisive).
Rothy’s — 8/10
After 4+ years across multiple styles, they keep repurchasing—eco-friendly machine-washable design delivers despite high price.
What we liked: Made from recycled water bottles—genuinely eco-friendly, Machine-washable—practical for maintenance, Versatile across work, casual, and dressy occasions, Durable—held up to 4+ years of frequent wear, Comfortable and lightweight.
Worth knowing: High price ($145–$165) is a significant investment, Run snug—requires sizing up half a step, Poor customer service on defects—offered $30 credit instead of replacement/fix.
Common questions
Is the Native Water Shoes or the Rothy’s better?
We rated both 8/10 — it's a genuine toss-up. Native Water Shoes: Genuinely great product. If the price works for your budget, buy it. Rothy’s: After 4+ years across multiple styles, they keep repurchasing—eco-friendly machine-washable design delivers despite high price.
What's the difference between the Native Water Shoes and the Rothy’s?
Short version — Native Water Shoes: Genuinely great product. If the price works for your budget, buy it. Rothy’s: After 4+ years across multiple styles, they keep repurchasing—eco-friendly machine-washable design delivers despite high price.