Our verdict
The Vessi Shoes and Rothy’s Merino are close. We gave the Vessi Shoes a slight edge at 8.5/10 over the Rothy’s Merino at 8.3/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. Truly waterproof sneakers that actually work—perfect for everyday wear, just not for deep puddles.
Our pick
Vessi Shoes
Rothy’s Merino
Side by side
| Attribute | Vessi Shoes | Rothy’s Merino |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Best for | Truly waterproof sneakers that actually work—perfect for everyday wear, just not for deep puddles. | Warm, elevated Rothy's with a major sizing caveat—size down half a size, but worth it. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Vessi Shoes if…
Truly waterproof sneakers that actually work—perfect for everyday wear, just not for deep puddles.
- 100% waterproof (confirmed in real-world testing)
- Breathable without sweaty feet like rain boots
Choose the Rothy’s Merino if…
Warm, elevated Rothy's with a major sizing caveat—size down half a size, but worth it.
- Noticeably warmer than plastic-thread Rothy's
- More polished, elevated aesthetic with vegan leather soles
Why we rate them this way
Vessi Shoes — 8.5/10
Truly waterproof sneakers that actually work—perfect for everyday wear, just not for deep puddles.
What we liked: 100% waterproof (confirmed in real-world testing), Breathable without sweaty feet like rain boots, Machine-washable, Lightweight and comfortable, Slip-resistant sole.
Worth knowing: Won't protect in puddles deeper than the shoe height, Polarizing style.
Rothy’s Merino — 8.3/10
Warm, elevated Rothy's with a major sizing caveat—size down half a size, but worth it.
What we liked: Noticeably warmer than plastic-thread Rothy's, More polished, elevated aesthetic with vegan leather soles, Fully machine-washable with removable insoles, Variety of styles and colors in merino lineup, Zero-waste sustainable manufacturing.
Worth knowing: Sizing runs large—must size down at least half a size, Price range ($155–$195) steep compared to competitors, Sizing inconsistency creates ordering uncertainty.
Common questions
Is the Vessi Shoes or the Rothy’s Merino better?
We rated the Vessi Shoes 8.5/10 and the Rothy’s Merino 8.3/10, so we lean Vessi Shoes — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
What's the difference between the Vessi Shoes and the Rothy’s Merino?
Short version — Vessi Shoes: Truly waterproof sneakers that actually work—perfect for everyday wear, just not for deep puddles. Rothy’s Merino: Warm, elevated Rothy's with a major sizing caveat—size down half a size, but worth it.