If you‘re on the hunt for a new pair of shoes that perfectly blends fashion and function, Naot may have just what you‘re looking for. This Israeli footwear brand has developed a devoted following thanks to their stylish yet supremely comfortable shoes for men and women. But with prices averaging around $150-$200 per pair, are Naot shoes really worth the investment?
In this comprehensive Naot shoes review, I‘ll give you an inside look at the brand and its top styles to help you decide if their footwear deserves a spot in your closet. We‘ll dive into the quality, comfort, durability, and style of Naot‘s most popular shoes. Plus, I‘ll fill you in on what real customers have to say and share some helpful FAQs. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to determine if Naot is the right fit for you.
About Naot Footwear
Founded in 1942, Naot started from humble beginnings. The company originated on a small kibbutz (a type of communal settlement) in Israel called Naot Mordechai. A group of local shoemakers came together with the goal of creating high-quality, comfortable footwear.
Over 80 years later, Naot has grown into a global shoe brand while staying true to its roots. Naot‘s shoes are still handmade in Israel by skilled artisans. The company is known for its ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes, use of premium natural materials, and innovative comfort features.
The name "Naot" means "oasis" in Hebrew, which perfectly embodies the company‘s mission. Naot aims to create shoes that soothe and pamper your feet, providing an oasis from the stress and discomfort of daily life.
Some of the key factors that distinguish Naot from other shoe brands include:
- Removable, anatomical cork-latex footbeds that mold to your feet
- Durable, slip-resistant outsoles
- Use of natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials
- Wide variety of styles for all occasions
- Seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Inclusive company culture and ethical labor practices
With a strong reputation for quality and comfort, Naot has been featured in major publications like Forbes and Prevention. The company has also developed a loyal fan base, with over 22k followers on Instagram.
Most Popular Naot Shoes for Women
Naot offers a diverse collection of footwear for women, ranging from sandals and flats to boots and clogs. Here‘s a closer look at three of their most sought-after styles for women:
Naot Kayla Sandals Review
The Kayla is one of Naot‘s signature sandal styles, and it‘s easy to see why. This pretty gladiator-inspired design features a intricately woven upper in soft leather or suede. Delicate stitching and metal button accents add an extra touch of visual interest.
But the Kayla isn‘t just a pretty face. Like all Naot shoes, it‘s built for comfort with a supportive cork-latex footbed and shock-absorbing EVA sole. The ankle strap provides a secure fit, while the low 1.25" heel offers a touch of height without sacrificing walkability.
Reviewers rave about the Kayla‘s picturesque style and impressive comfort. On Zappos, the Kayla sandal has earned an average rating of 4.6/5 stars from over 250 reviews. Customers report that the Kayla is cute, comfortable, well-made, and worth the price. Many appreciate that they can walk in them for hours without fatigue or rubbing.
The only potential downside of the Kayla is that it runs slightly narrow. Some reviewers with wider feet found they needed to size up or opt for a wide width.
The Kayla comes in a variety of colors, including neutrals like black and tan as well as bold hues like teal and red. With a price tag of $150, the Kayla sandal is an investment, but the quality construction and all-day comfort make it a worthwhile one for many customers.
Naot Matai Boots Review
Naot‘s Matai boots prove that sensible footwear can still be stylish. These ankle boots feature a pebbled leather upper with western-inspired stitching and a low stacked heel.
Inside, you‘ll find Naot‘s signature padded cork-latex insole, which provides excellent arch support and shock absorption. The insole is removable to accommodate orthotics. Other comfort-enhancing features include a padded ankle collar and a roomy toe box.
The Matai boots have collected hundreds of glowing reviews from customers. On the Naot website, they have an impressive average rating of 4.9/5 stars. Reviewers praise the Matai for its buttery soft leather, cushioning footbed, and ability to accommodate finicky feet. Several customers with foot issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis have found relief in the Matai boots.
Fit-wise, the Matai boots seem to run true to size for most wearers. A few reviewers advise sizing up if you plan to wear thick socks. At $200, the Matai is more of a splurge, but the durable materials and quality craftsmanship give these boots serious staying power.
Naot Verbena Flats Review
Who says flats have to be flimsy? The Naot Verbena is a ballet flat that‘s built to last. The upper is made of soft, supple leather with elegant crisscross elastic straps. A low 1" heel and flexible rubber sole provide just the right blend of cushioning and support.
Of course, no Naot shoe would be complete without their famous removable insole. The Verbena features a cork-latex footbed wrapped in soft suede. It molds to your unique foot shape for a custom fit.
Naot customers give the Verbena high marks for style, comfort, and quality. The Verbena flats boast an average score of 4.7/5 stars from over 100 reviews on Amazon. Many reviewers find them to be a rare combination of cute and comfy. Teachers, healthcare workers, and anyone else who spends long hours on their feet appreciate the Verbena‘s pillowy footbed and stable ride.
Some reviewers note that the Verbena flats can take a few wears to break in. They may feel snug at first, but the leather soon softens and molds to your feet. At $155, the Verbena flats may cost more than your average ballet flat, but their impressive durability and comfort make them a wise long-term investment.
Best-Selling Naot Shoes for Men
Naot‘s men‘s collection is equally strong, with a compelling mix of rugged boots, flexible sneakers, and casual-chic loafers. Here are three of the brand‘s most popular styles for guys:
Naot Chief Boots Review
The Chief is Naot‘s take on a classic chukka boot. This ankle-height lace-up boot is crafted from oiled leather or soft suede. Understated details like tonal stitching and a leather-covered ankle collar add to the Chief‘s timeless appeal.
But it‘s not just good looks that make the Chief a favorite among Naot fans. These boots are seriously comfortable, thanks to Naot‘s contoured insole, padded tongue, and shock-absorbing sole. A non-slip rubber tread provides reliable traction.
On Zappos, the Chief has racked up over 100 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. Many reviewers bought these boots to wear to work and have found them to be a major upgrade over cheaper, less supportive options. Quite a few customers describe the Chief as the most comfortable boot they‘ve ever worn.
Sizing seems to be consistent, with the majority of reviewers finding their regular size to fit well. However, a few customers advise sizing down if you have narrow feet. At $200, the Chief boots are an investment, but their high-quality materials and durable construction make them a pair you can wear for years to come.
Naot Andes Sneakers Review
Marrying sporty good looks with all-day wearability, the Andes is Naot‘s take on an everyday sneaker. A padded heel collar and tongue provide a comfy, secure fit, while the sturdy rubber sole offers excellent shock absorption and grip. The Andes features Naot‘s cork-latex footbed, which is wrapped in a moisture-wicking suede liner to help keep feet cool and dry.
The Andes has earned rave reviews from Naot customers for its winning mix of style and comfort. On the Naot website, the Andes sneakers have garnered a near-perfect average rating of 4.8/5 stars. Reviewers love the sneaker‘s lightweight feel, cushy footbed, and ability to accommodate orthotics.
Several customers with chronic foot pain have found that the Andes allows them to stay on their feet longer. The sneakers seem to run true to size for most. At $150, the Andes sneakers are pricier than your typical kick-around shoes, but the durable materials and first-rate comfort make them a worthwhile purchase for many customers.
Naot John Loafers Review
With their classic penny loafer design and hand-sewn moccasin construction, Naot‘s John shoes are a versatile wardrobe workhorse. These loafers are made from soft, full-grain leather with a padded ankle collar for comfort. Naot‘s signature cork-latex footbed provides superior arch support and shock absorption.
Customers praise the John loafers for their out-of-the-box comfort and polished style. On Amazon, the John shoes have earned an average rating of 4.4/5 stars from over 200 reviews. Many reviewers appreciate the John‘s cushioned footbed and roomy toe box, which allows their toes to spread out naturally.
The John loafers seem to fit true to size. However, some customers advise sizing up if you plan to wear them with thick socks. With their durable materials and timeless design, the John loafers offer excellent value for their $180 price tag.
How Do Naot Shoes Fit?
One of the most common questions about Naot shoes is how they fit. The brand is known for its generous, accommodating toe boxes and True to size fit. However, fit can vary slightly between styles. Here are a few general tips for finding your ideal Naot size:
- Naot shoes tend to run true to size for most customers. If you typically wear a size 9, start with a size 9 in Naot.
- If you have wide feet, consider sizing up or opting for a wide width if it‘s available. Naot offers some (but not all) styles in wide sizing.
- Some customers find Naot shoes to be slightly snug at first, but the leather uppers soon stretch and mold to your feet. Cork footbeds also compress and form to your arch over time.
- Naot sandals with an open back can run large. If you‘re between sizes, size down for open-back styles.
- When in doubt, use the size charts on Naot‘s website to find your ideal fit. You can also read reviews to see what other customers have to say about sizing for a particular style.
What Do Customers Think of Naot Shoes?
Naot has built an enthusiastic fan base thanks to their high-quality, exceptionally comfortable footwear. The brand has earned thousands of positive reviews from happy customers across the web. Here‘s what reviewers frequently praise about Naot shoes:
- Impressive arch support and cushioning, especially for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or arthritis
- Ability to accommodate custom orthotics with removable footbeds
- Durable, long-lasting construction and materials
- Versatile, timeless styles that work for both casual and dressier occasions
- Inclusive sizing, including some options in wide and narrow widths
In terms of customer complaints, the most common one is price. Naot shoes typically cost between $150-$200, which is steep for some budgets. A few reviewers also mention that certain Naot styles can take some time to break in and may feel stiff at first. Lastly, some customers wish the brand offered even more options in wide and narrow widths.
However, the vast majority of Naot reviews are overwhelmingly positive. On Amazon, Naot shoes have an average rating of 4.6/5 stars across hundreds of reviews. At Zappos, most of Naot‘s best-selling styles have earned ratings of 4.5/5 stars or higher. Customers frequently call their Naots the "most comfortable shoes ever" and say they‘re well worth the investment.
Naot Shoes Review: The Final Verdict
So, are Naot shoes worth it? Based on my research, I believe the answer is yes – if you‘re willing to invest in quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. While the upfront cost of Naot shoes is undeniably steep, their glowing reviews and loyal customer base suggest that you‘re paying for a superior product.
For many customers, Naot delivers a just-right balance of style, wearability, and quality. Their thoughtful comfort features, like anatomical footbeds and shock-absorbing soles, make them a great choice for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. Naot‘s use of premium materials and hand-sewn construction also give their shoes impressive durability and longevity.
Additionally, Naot‘s commitment to ethical manufacturing and eco-friendly practices may justify the higher price tag for some shoppers. The brand uses sustainable, natural materials and follows fair labor practices. Buying Naot shoes means supporting a company that cares about its workers and the environment.
However, I recognize that Naot‘s steep prices put their shoes out of reach for many budgets. If you‘re not ready to shell out $150+ for a pair of kicks, there are less expensive comfort shoe brands worth considering, like Vionic or Rockport. But if you can comfortably afford the splurge, Naot‘s strong track record for quality and comfort make them a reliable choice.
Ultimately, the right shoes for you will depend on your unique needs, preferences, and budget. But if you‘re looking to treat your feet to some world-class comfort and support, Naot is definitely a brand to consider. Their diverse range of styles and rave customer reviews make them a solid bet.
