Rothy’s Chelsea Boot vs Reef Shoes: Which Is Better?

Our verdict

The Rothy’s Chelsea Boot and the Reef Shoes are too close to call — we rated both 9/10. There's no clear winner here, so it comes down to what you want it for. We break that down below.

Side by side

AttributeRothy’s Chelsea BootReef Shoes
Our rating9/109/10
Best forWe'd buy again—versatile enough for weekend errands or dressed up, but they're selling out fast so don't wait.Outrageously light and springy shoes that deliver surprising comfort for everyday wear and travel.
Standouts
  • Washable with removable insoles
  • Made from recycled plastic
  • Comfortable and true to size
  • Versatile for casual and dressed-up
  • Good color variety options
  • Insanely lightweight
  • Springy, trampoline-like bounce
  • True to size, no break-in
  • Versatile neutral style
  • Great for travel and long walking
Watch-outs
  • Selling out fast, restocking delays
  • $145 price point
  • Some color patterns not universally appealing
None we flagged

Which one is right for you?

Choose the Rothy’s Chelsea Boot if…

We'd buy again—versatile enough for weekend errands or dressed up, but they're selling out fast so don't wait.

  • Washable with removable insoles
  • Made from recycled plastic
Check price

Choose the Reef Shoes if…

Outrageously light and springy shoes that deliver surprising comfort for everyday wear and travel.

  • Insanely lightweight
  • Springy, trampoline-like bounce
Check price

Why we rate them this way

Rothy’s Chelsea Boot — 9/10

We'd buy again—versatile enough for weekend errands or dressed up, but they're selling out fast so don't wait.

What we liked: Washable with removable insoles, Made from recycled plastic, Comfortable and true to size, Versatile for casual and dressed-up, Good color variety options.

Worth knowing: Selling out fast, restocking delays, $145 price point, Some color patterns not universally appealing.

Reef Shoes — 9/10

Outrageously light and springy shoes that deliver surprising comfort for everyday wear and travel.

What we liked: Insanely lightweight, Springy, trampoline-like bounce, True to size, no break-in, Versatile neutral style, Great for travel and long walking.

Common questions

Is the Rothy’s Chelsea Boot or the Reef Shoes better?

We rated both 9/10 — it's a genuine toss-up. Rothy’s Chelsea Boot: We'd buy again—versatile enough for weekend errands or dressed up, but they're selling out fast so don't wait. Reef Shoes: Outrageously light and springy shoes that deliver surprising comfort for everyday wear and travel.

How much do the Rothy’s Chelsea Boot and Reef Shoes cost?

The Reef Shoes is listed at $80. We don't have a current price on file for the Rothy’s Chelsea Boot — check the latest on its review page.

What's the difference between the Rothy’s Chelsea Boot and the Reef Shoes?

Short version — Rothy’s Chelsea Boot: We'd buy again—versatile enough for weekend errands or dressed up, but they're selling out fast so don't wait. Reef Shoes: Outrageously light and springy shoes that deliver surprising comfort for everyday wear and travel.

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