It's hard to believe Rothy's has already been around for 10 years. I've collected about eight pairs by now, and at this point I've learned to expect something different each time. Whether these flats are actually worth it depends if you prefer practical shoes over supportive ones.
Stephen "Hawthy" Hawthornwaite and Roth Martin started Rothy's in 2016 out of San Francisco. They aimed to create comfortable, sustainable shoes with a more stylish appeal than Allbirds sneakers. A decade later, the brand's eco-conscious appeal has spread across all kinds of professional cultures. My schoolteacher friends wear Rothy's, and so do my fintech friends.
For our Rothy's review, we tried over a dozen styles to see if its $155 flats are worth the price. In most cases, it took over 12 hours of walking to break in a pair Rothy's. For this reason, our team favors other flats in terms of perfect comfort and support. But with Rothy's steady stream of stylish new releases and upgraded features, this brand still holds our attention.
We tested Rothy's sandals last summer, and frankly, we weren't too impressed. But now spring is here, and Rothy's is back on our radar for clogs, Mary Janes, loafers, slingbacks, and other comfortable dress shoes. We should also stress how great its tote bags are for farmer's market hauls, since the sturdy, flexible knit works wonders at carrying bulky produce.
Rothy's shoes aren't consistently comfortable, and in some cases they run a bit small. Luckily, it offers lots of styles in half sizes so you can attain a better fit. Below are details on every pair of Rothy's we've ever tried, so you can see which pairs are most worth your money.
The 5 best Rothy's shoes we tested:
Rothy's clogs might be one of our executive editor's most-worn pairs of shoes. She swears by these for errands, lounging around the house, coffee runs, and more.
These slim-profile slingbacks are subtly elegant. They take zero breaking in and the rear strap caused no blisters. These stay in place thanks to its soft, silicone pads.
These Mary Janes have quilted footbeds that are pillowy soft to walk in. Break-in time: nonexistent. The lightweight mesh uppers are also perfect for warm weather travel.
Rothy's pointed toe flats have a spacious toe box and and an elasticated collar, so they're even comfortable for those with wide feet. "I love their padded insoles and how easily they fold up and pack in my tote," says senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase.
Even if you wear a size 5 and your feet run narrow, these flexible Mary Janes will fit comfortably snug. The rounded-square toe box allows for just enough wiggle room.
Meet the expert behind this guide
Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor: The picture above shows only a fraction of my Rothy's shoe collection. I've been testing Rothy's flats since I joined the Reviews team in 2023, and by now I can tell you the nuances of its sizing scheme, the history of price fluctuations, and which styles it nails versus which to avoid.
I live in New York City and Rothy's aren't my go-to flats for walking long distances. They're more practical to slip on because they match everything and are comfortable enough for work and quick errands. When I visit my family in Rhode Island, I've further tested their durability to find they hold up in the washing machine quite well.
I've tested dozens more ballet flats (like those from Vivaia) and though they're quite basic, Rothy's are uniquely their own. As someone who constantly studies shoe trends, they don't offend my fashion sense. They're highly functional, and the right pair can even be fun to style.
Learn more about how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.
The Cruiser Mary Jane
These round-toed Mary Janes are from the new Cruiser collection by Rothy's, and I'm pleasantly surprised at how soft and pillowy they feel compared to its other flats. One of this spring's fashion trends includes pattern mixing, and it helps I now have some black, structured pinstripes to act as a visual-neutral against floral prints.
The quilted footbed is totally different than anything I've tried from the brand before — usually, the insoles are a rigid, tight-knit texture, but these are instead made with an airy, cushioned material that feels smooth and plush on my feet.
Usually Rothy's run small. These fit true-to-size length-wise, but are definitely a bit wide (they'd be too loose on me it if were not for the strap). They're extremely lightweight and comfortable to walk in, and I'm excited to wear them all around Florida on my upcoming trip. If you're not keen to open-toed sandals but still need your feet to breathe in the heat, the mesh Cruiser Mary Janes are the perfect solution. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
The Casual Clog
Rothy's Casual Clog have thick, rubberized soles for outdoor wear, but they also have a soft Merino blend upper that makes them feel just like cozy slippers. The insole has excellent arch support so they're especially good for times when you're on your feet a lot at home, like cooking dinner or doing chores.
Rothy's makes in Merino wool and hemp versions. Both are knitted along with the brand's signature thread made from recycled water bottles, so these are definitely a more sustainable option than most. They're wide in the toe box, so size down if your foot runs narrow. —Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor
The Point II
Our team's first time testing Rothy's best-selling style "The Point" was in 2021, and everyone received them with overall good impressions. Besides being cute enough to wear wherever, whenever, their lack of break-in period and extra stretch afforded by the knit upper were two features that resonated the most. A few drawbacks we noted were their steep price and only approaching the title of comfiest flats, claimed instead in our Everlane Day Glove flats review. We came to a similar conclusion when we compared them to Allbirds.
The Point II style is cute and chic, a timeless silhouette. Despite a very pointed toe bed, they don't pinch my toes and and I never felt my arches starting to ache after standing for long periods of time (side note, the light blue lining of the soles really starts to show the dirt of my bare feet in a way I haven't noticed from other shoes — likely because the sole is the same washable fabric as the outer as opposed to leather). However, I've felt that the fabric of the shoe does chafe at my heel, and I can I can see myself getting an irritation there. — Jaclyn Turner, Senior Home Editor
I compared the original Point to "The Point II," the newer, more improved version that was indeed slightly more comfortable. The exterior is almost identical, but inside is Rothy's "In Love Insole," which felt like an extra layer of cushioning that surrounded the perimeter of my foot. The toe box is also more spacious, making them a more suitable pointy-toed flat option for those with wider feet than the first. Finally, the outsoles are a bit more structured than its predecessor's, but both still felt equally slippery stepping down stairs in. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
The Almond Slingback
The Almond Slingbacks are a perfect back-up shoe if you're traveling and need something semi-formal and low maintenance. They're super lightweight and take up almost no space in my luggage, and the mesh knit toe cap doesn't scuff even if you wear them around
I brought them with me on a trip to Rhode Island and got a lot of use from them — first to an upscale seafood dinner worn with a maxi dress, and then the next day when I wore them with shorts and a T-shirt to bop around a coastal village.
They're very flat and lack any real support for high arches, so I don't recommend them for 20,000-step days. However, the back strap is very comfortable and the silicone pad kept them in place on my heels as I walked around the harbor. I wear a size 8 standard width and these had a comfortable, true-to-size fit (but beware that if your forefoot runs wide and you have a narrow heel, they may end up slipping off). — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
The Double Buckle Mary Jane
I practically live in my Point IIs, so I was curious to try out a square-toed style. As someone with narrow, size 5 feet, finding shoes that aren't too roomy can be a challenge. Not only are these crocheted Double Buckle Mary Janes super cute, but they also have the same perfect fit I experienced with the Point IIs. The straps are stretchy and don't dig into my skin at all, and I have plenty of room for my toes to spread out without feeling like my whole foot is sliding around in the shoe.
Unlike other flats I've tried that were uncomfortable or caused blisters on my heels, these were supportive enough to walk around the city in all day. The crochet fabric is also particularly breathable, though I'm interested to see if it will hold up as well as the basketweave of my other pair. — Jennifer Gonnick, Deals Fellow
The Point Mary Jane II
As a professional product reviewer, I'm always delighted when a brand makes meaningful changes according to feedback. My main complaints with the original Mary Janes have been addressed in this version, which are not only much more comfortable, but are a bit dressier, too. The stretchy strap is now adjustable and looks more finished with its buckle clasp. There's also a version with two straps in a trendy burgundy color that's perfect for fall and winter.
Some customers reported friction around the heel, but I broke these on a day trip and didn't get any blisters. The only drawback I found was that after wearing them so often, the light Sandstone color gets visibly scuffed up. Otherwise, they're a pleasure to wear.
Besides the addition of the In Love Insole, the Point Mary Jane IIs are more comfortable to walk in now that they have a slightly wider toe box. They're still slim-fitting, but I don't feel squished in around the widest point of my foot. They fit true to size, but if you're in between, I recommend rounding up half a size. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
The Espadrille Mary Jane
I'm amazed at how comfortable these shoes are. As a city-dweller, I'm always on the hunt for shoes I can comfortably walk 10,000+ steps in, especially in the summer, since so many sandals don't offer all-day support. These do. They're incredibly comfy, but also very breathable. I did not experience any blisters or chafing while breaking in the Espadrille Mary Janes.
I wear a size 11 and have medium-width feet with normal arches, and I do wish I had opted for a half size up in these shoes, as the toe box is a little tight and makes my toes scrunch a bit. Other reviewers claim the toe box loosens up with time; if they do, then these espadrilles will be pretty much perfect. — Lauren Savoie, Deputy Editor
The Ballet Flat
The Ballet Flats are also outfitted with Rothy's new "In Love Insole," which adds a little more cushion than the older Rothy's styles. On foot, the size 8 feels practically just as comfortable as the Point II, but instead these have the classic ballerina shape of a round toe box and a dainty bow detail. Because they're so flexible, I folded them into my purse as a backup pair of comfortable shoes to change into for a wedding reception. My feet tend to swell after spending hours in pumps, so I was grateful how they stretched to accommodate the size of my feet from their swollen state until they were back to their usual size by the end of the night.
Although I prefer the silhouette of the pointy toe, I really loved the shimmer of the Diamond Metallic ballet flats. They're a matte material woven with glittery undertones, which catches the light just enough for a subtle sparkle. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
The Loafer Mule
These are hands-down one of Rothy's comfiest styles, probably tying with the clogs as my all-time favorites. While the clogs definitely have more pronounced arch support, these insole gently cradle your feet with a cushiony bounce that makes them supremely comfortable. I haven't found the need to do this yet, but I love that the insoles are easily removable in case you prefer to swap them with a custom pair for more arch support. I would probably consider this if I were traveling with these shoes, but I recently wore them on a 2-mile walk and had literally no discomfort whatsoever. They're perfectly wearable out of the box and require no break-in time, and they can be worn with our without socks.
Rothy's says to go down a half size in these, but I went with my usual size and was totally fine. I think I would recommend going with your usual, especially if you might want to pair these with socks in cooler weather. Also, I've found that colorways tend to sell out quickly in this style, so if you see the color you like, don't wait too long to scoop it. You can also sign up for a restock notification if a color you love isn't available. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor
The Loafer
The Loafer is the first pair from my Rothy's review that I've started wearing on a regular basis. I don't wear them around in my home since I've mostly worn them outdoors, but they could easily be an around-the-house shoe with how easily they slip on.
The first time I put them on, I already had blisters from wearing new boots with the wrong socks (my own fault). Rothy's loafers were gentle on my tender heels, as my Band-Aided skin lay flush against the flexible mesh so there was no added friction. After I'd healed, the Loafers didn't cause me any more blistering. As an 8, these fit me true to size, but they do have a relatively narrow toe box. For this reason I wouldn't recommend them for wider feet, or else the outline of your toes will likely be visible through the stretchy knit material.
The Loafer comes in six colors. Their simple design and muted colorways go with just about everything in my closet. I'd had this green skirt for a while, but could never find the right shoe to match. Finally, Rothy's to the rescue. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style Editor
The Almond Loafer
As someone with feet on the wider side, I was a little nervous about these pointed-toe loafers. I decided to take a chance because they describe the "almond-toe profile" as a bit roomier than a true pointed toe, and I'm glad I did. They're definitely more comfortable for my toes than most other flats I've worn and the knit fabric makes them even stretchier.
That said, I think I could have gone down half a size. I'm between a size 9 and an 8.5 but opted to go larger due to my concerns and while they fit, there's some extra room that I worry will slip off my heel. Because of that, they also dug into the back of my heel a bit while walking a long distance and on my first wear, I did develop a blister.
However, these loafers are chic while remaining relatively comfortable. I love wearing them with relaxed jeans and a T-shirt or dressing up with a pair of trousers. I'm confident that if I had the right size, they'd be an absolute staple in my wardrobe. —Maiya Pascouche, Style & Beauty Editor
The Driver
Driving loafers are traditionally made of leather or suede, so it's hard to find a good pair made from anything else. Rothy's pair, which is constructed from a thread made of recycled water bottles, is a beautiful and sustainable alternative to popular drivers like M.Gemi's suede Felize.
I've been testing Rothy's shoes for our reviews and buying guides since 2017 (just a year after they launched their first pair of flats), and the Driver loafers are my favorite pair so far. I've been wearing them for a week straight and they're unbelievably comfortable! I have medium-wide feet and wear a true size 8, and the 8 fit me perfectly. I find Rothy's insoles to be a little too flat, so I prefer to swap them for a more cushioned option. They're super easy to remove from the shoes so it was a quick fix, and I found my own insoles made the shoes even comfier.
One of the details I most appreciate is that the inside of the heel has a suede-like patch that protects your skin from blistering. The shape of my heel is highly prone to blisters, and admittedly the first time I wore these for a long walk, I experienced some rubbing and redness — but once I broke them in, that wasn't an issue. I'd definitely wear these for travel, especially with my own insoles. — Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor
The Court Sneaker
I am on the forever hunt for sneakers that look cute but can handle long walking days, and these fit the bill. They're a great option for casual outfits where I want something more attractive than a true athletic shoe. That said, they're not quite as supportive as my On Clouds, especially since I tend to overpronate and do best with a stability sneaker. I'd say these are a solid 10,000-step day shoe, but I start to feel pain in my heels and arches if I walk much further in them. I do love that they're totally washable, which is a must for city dwellers like me. — Lauren Savoie, Deputy Editor
The Lightweight Tote
Rothy's Lightweight Tote is made of a material that looks and feels very similar to the material they use on their famous flats. The stretchy recycled plastic is not only durable, but also machine washable, which means you don't have to worry about placing it on subway floors and dirty grocery carts. And when you do place it on the floor, you won't have to worry about it slouching over.
The structured floor of the tote was one of my favorite features. As someone who is used to grocery shopping with plain canvas bags, I was extremely impressed with how well this feature allows you to organize your tote.
You can easily place a few rows of cans or other heavy items at the bottom and then neatly stack boxes of pasta, cartons of eggs, and bags of lettuce on top. Plus, there's also an attached string with a clip on the end, so you won't have to go digging through your whole haul for your keys. — Samantha Crozier, Style Editor
Rothy's shoes we didn't love
The Square Mary Jane ($159) These were a good start, but Rothy's has since released more comfortable styles like the Point Mary Jane II and Double Buckle Mary Jane. This style has a narrower toe box and a thin band across the middle, which feels like a design afterthought. It only transforms the silhouette from a regular flat to a Mary Jane on a very literal level. The tabs at each end would probably look better if they were stitched right into the upper so they don't stick out. I suggest Vivaia's Mary Janes instead. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor
Lightweight Wedge Sandals ($99) These clunky platforms are not actually very lightweight. And because it is secured to your foot with elastic straps that have give, it feels awkward to walk in them. After about half a mile of trekking, I got blisters on the back of my foot because the elastic was rubbing against my Achilles tendon. As a general rule, I recommend avoiding backstraps with no buckle since rubbing happens a lot with elastic. Plus, these have a flat footbed with no arch support. All in all, I think Rothy's needs to do some work when it comes to making comfortable sandals, even if their flats are great. For a similar look that's better executed, check out REEF's Water Vista Higher. — Samantha Crozier, Style Editor
The Flat ($99) These have a dainty, light-stepping silhouette, but the round toe doesn't elongate quite as much as the Point II and they lack the "In Love" insoles.
The Weekend Slide ($79) Despite what appears to be a 3.5 rating spread across over a 1,000 on-site reviews, these are a pass for me. I love the look of the Weekend Slide, but they don't offer enough support. The fabric is not too stretchy, but I still feel like I'm going to step out. The contoured foot bed is a great design element, I just wish my foot felt more secure. — Jaclyn Turner, Senior Home Editor
The Buckle Slide ($99)These pretty Birk alternatives are great for sliding on for a quick coffee run or for lounging on the beach, but my feet get fatigued pretty fast while wearing them. Compared to other Rothy's styles, the insole offers less cushion and, like most slides, there's not a ton of support with only the front straps. On the advice of Rothy's website, I sized down to a 10.5 from my normal 11 in this style, and I'm not sure that was the right choice. I sometimes feel my heel hitting the edge of the sole. — Lauren Savoie, Deputy Editor
How Rothy's shoes are made
The unique upper knits of the shoes are made from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles, which are hot washed, sterilized, then fused into a fiber that is then knit into yarn. The company has repurposed 12 million water bottles (and counting) and joins the growing movement of brands also using recycled plastic to make sneakers, leggings, and even watch bands.
The use of sustainable materials doesn't stop there. The insoles contain recycled foam, while the rubber soles are carbon-free. The adhesives used are non-toxic and vegan. Even the packaging the shoes come in is made from post-consumer recycled materials and is biodegradable.
The shoes are very light and flexible with a seamless construction. This structure is less wasteful because Rothy's 3D process knits to the exact size of each pair, leaving less fabric on the cutting room floor. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, so it's better suited than other stuffy flats. They're also easy to maintain since they're machine-washable.
The bottom line
Starting at around $155 a pair, Rothy's are a considerable step up from your average pair of flats. The recycled knit material speaks directly to the conscious consumer, who is more critical than ever about how personal style reflects their values. As long as you can nail down the right size and can withstand some break-in time, Rothy's meets the moment in terms of practical, stylish dress shoes.
Shop all Rothy's flats here.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
