Xero Shoes Ridgeway Chelsea Women vs Vessi Women's Classic Chelsea

The Vessi is the safer pick for most shoppers: it is fully waterproof, vegan, machine-hand-washable and backed by a 365-day waterproof guarantee, and its 4.8 average across 67,236 ratings is a strong signal of owner satisfaction. The Xero Ridgeway Chelsea is the better boot for anyone who wants a real leather boot with a wide, foot-shaped toe box and a zero-drop, non-elevated heel, and its lugged FeelTrue outsole grips better off pavement. The Xero is lighter than it looks and owners call it rugged yet refined, but it is not waterproof and its 4.0 average from 452 ratings is more mixed. Build quality favors the Xero's full-grain leather for longevity; the Vessi favors all-weather convenience.

• Choose the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea if you want a leather Chelsea with a wide toe box, zero-drop heel and lugged outsole for trails, camping and wet-weather errands.
• Choose the Vessi Classic Chelsea if you want a guaranteed-waterproof, vegan, easy-care slip-on that feels like a sneaker and comes in a huge range of sizes and colors.