Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes – you know, the ones that check all the boxes. Cute and stylish? Of course. Comfortable enough to wear all day? Non-negotiable. Made with sustainable materials and ethical production practices? A major plus.
That‘s why I was so excited to finally get my hands on a few pairs of Native Shoes. I‘ve been hearing buzz about this brand for years now, and I couldn‘t wait to put them to the test. After wearing Native Shoes for several months now, I‘ve got plenty of thoughts (and feelings) to share. So buckle up, because this is about to be the most comprehensive Native Shoes review you‘ll find on the internet.
Native Shoes 101: The Basics You Need to Know
First things first: What exactly is Native Shoes all about? Founded in Vancouver, Canada back in 2009, Native Shoes has built its brand around one key concept: "Live Lightly." It‘s a philosophy that encompasses both their lightweight EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material and their commitment to minimizing waste and supporting ethical manufacturing.
Every pair of Native Shoes is made from low-impact, beast-free materials. In fact, the company is so dedicated to animal welfare that they‘ve earned a PETA-approved vegan certification. They also use innovative, low-waste production methods and strive to maintain a 100% lifecycle managed supply chain.
But Native Shoes‘ sustainable initiatives go way beyond the shoes themselves. Through their Native Shoes Remix Project, the company actually recycles your well-loved shoes into playground flooring and insulation. Since 2017, they‘ve recycled over 100,000 pairs – and they‘re just getting started.
| Native Shoes Sustainability Stats | |
|---|---|
| PETA-Approved Vegan | 100% |
| Recycled Shoes (Since 2017) | 100,000+ Pairs |
| Lifecycle Managed Supply Chain | 100% by 2023 |
Pretty impressive, right? But as much as I appreciate Native Shoes‘ eco-friendly efforts, that‘s not the only reason I‘ve fallen head over heels for this brand. The real selling point? The shoes themselves.
Putting Native Shoes to the Test: Comfort, Fit, and Style
I‘ll be honest: I was a little skeptical about Native Shoes at first. Could a shoe made entirely from EVA really be that comfortable? And would they actually hold up to my busy, on-the-go lifestyle? I‘m happy to report that the answer to both questions is a resounding "yes."
I started my Native Shoes journey with a pair of Jefferson slip-ons in a pretty pale pink shade. From the moment I slipped them on, I was hooked. The EVA material is incredibly lightweight and flexible, molding to my feet like a second skin. And thanks to the perforated upper, my feet stayed cool and dry even on hot summer days.
Since then, I‘ve added a few more Native Shoes styles to my collection – and I‘ve been equally impressed with each and every one. The Audrey flats are my go-to for dressier occasions, while the Miles sneakers have become my trusty travel companion. I even snagged a pair of Kensington Treklite boots for winter, and I can attest that they‘re just as cozy and comfortable as they are cute.
| Native Shoes Style | My Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 5/5 | Everyday wear |
| Audrey | 4.5/5 | Dressier outfits |
| Miles | 5/5 | Travel and adventure |
| Kensington Treklite | 4.5/5 | Cold weather comfort |
Of course, no shoe is perfect – and Native Shoes are no exception. I did find that some styles (like the Audrey) ran a bit narrow for my feet, so I had to size up. And while the EVA material is incredibly comfortable, it‘s not the most breathable – so if you‘re prone to sweaty feet, you might want to opt for one of the more ventilated styles.
But overall? I‘m a huge fan of Native Shoes. They‘ve quickly become my go-to for everything from running errands to exploring new cities. And I love that I can feel good about my purchase, knowing that I‘m supporting a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical production.
Sizing and Fit Guide: Finding Your Perfect Pair
One of the most common questions I get about Native Shoes is how they fit. And I get it – sizing can be tricky, especially when you‘re shopping online. So let‘s break it down:
Native Shoes come in whole sizes only, ranging from a women‘s 5 to a men‘s 13. If you‘re between sizes, the brand recommends sizing up for the best fit. In my experience, this is definitely the way to go – I‘m usually a 7.5, but I wear an 8 in Native Shoes and find that they fit perfectly.
As for width, Native Shoes are designed to have a relaxed, comfortable fit. However, some styles (like the Audrey and the Miles) do run a bit narrower than others. If you have particularly wide feet, you might want to consider sizing up or opting for a style with a more generous toe box, like the Jefferson or the Jericho.
| Native Shoes Sizing | |
|---|---|
| Sizes Available | Women‘s 5-13, Men‘s 3-13 |
| Between Sizes | Size up for best fit |
| Width | Relaxed fit, some styles run narrow |
It‘s also worth noting that Native Shoes do tend to stretch and mold to your feet over time. So if your new pair feels a little snug at first, don‘t panic – they‘ll likely loosen up with wear. And if you‘re still not sure about sizing, Native Shoes offers free shipping and returns on all orders, so you can easily exchange for a different size if needed.
Customer Reviews: What Are Other People Saying?
Don‘t just take my word for it – Native Shoes has racked up thousands of positive reviews from happy customers around the world. On the Native Shoes website, you‘ll find an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with over 5,000 customer reviews.
And the praise doesn‘t stop there. On Amazon, Native Shoes styles consistently earn 4-5 star ratings and glowing reviews. Here are just a few examples:
"I bought these shoes for my toddler, and I am so happy I did. They are easy to put on and take off, provide great support, and come in the cutest colors. I love that they are eco-friendly and ethically made." – Amazon Customer
"I work 12-hour shifts at a hospital, and these are the only shoes that don‘t leave my feet aching at the end of the day. They are so lightweight and comfortable, with just the right amount of cushioning. I recommend them to all of my coworkers!" – J.D.
"I have been wearing Native Shoes for years now, and I have never been disappointed. They are my go-to shoe for everything from running errands to traveling. I love the simple, classic styles and the fact that they are sustainably made. Worth every penny!" – Katie P.
Overall, Native Shoes seems to have a devoted fan base – and it‘s easy to see why. With their combination of comfort, style, and sustainability, they‘re a shoe brand that you can feel good about wearing.
The Bottom Line: Are Native Shoes Worth It?
So, after all my research and firsthand experience, what‘s my verdict on Native Shoes? In a word: obsessed.
As someone who values both style and sustainability, Native Shoes ticks all the boxes for me. The EVA material is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, making them a joy to wear all day long. And with so many cute colors and styles to choose from, it‘s easy to find a pair (or three) that fits your personal aesthetic.
But what really sets Native Shoes apart, in my opinion, is their commitment to ethical and sustainable production. In a world where fast fashion dominates, it‘s refreshing to find a company that actually cares about its impact on people and the planet. And with initiatives like the Native Shoes Remix Project, it‘s clear that this is a brand that walks the walk when it comes to eco-friendly practices.
Of course, no shoe brand is perfect – and Native Shoes isn‘t an exception. The EVA material does lack some breathability, so they might not be the best choice for super hot days or intense workouts. And the lack of half sizes can make finding the perfect fit a bit tricky for some people.
But overall? I wholeheartedly recommend Native Shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish, and sustainable shoe option. They‘ve become a staple in my wardrobe, and I have a feeling they‘ll be a mainstay for years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly lightweight and comfortable | Lacks some breathability |
| Sustainable and ethically made | No half sizes available |
| Cute, classic styles in a variety of colors | Some styles run narrow |
| Durable and easy to clean |
So if you‘re on the fence about trying Native Shoes, I say go for it. Your feet (and the planet) will thank you. Trust me – once you go Native, you‘ll never go back.
