Rothy's review: Here's what these popular flats, Mary Janes, clogs, and loafers are really like to wear --[Reported by Umva mag]

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Rothy's has gotten a bit more expensive in the years I've tested them, but they've also become more comfortable. This brand listens to customer feedback when retrofitting its shoes, so its base has every incentive to keep up with its releases. The new Mary Janes are my favorite example: the old version was tight in the toe box and had a flimsy strap. Now, thanks to a new insole design, they're adjustable and easier to walk in.

For our collective Rothy's review, we tried over a dozen different styles to see if recycled plastic could actually feel comfortable on foot. Overall, we recommend Rothy's to anyone looking to invest in reliable ballet flats, loafers, clogs, and even sturdy tote bags. Our team favors other flats in terms of perfect comfort, but Rothy's collection is more well-rounded with stylish colors and prints.

The 5 best Rothy's shoes we tested:

The Point vs 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.

I compared the original Point to "The Point II," a newly improved version (available in 25 colors, plus a cute new "Knot" style) that was indeed slightly more comfortable. The exterior is almost identical, but inside is Rothy's new "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.

All in all, enough of my favorite features about the first Points carry over to The Point II that there's no urgent need to upgrade. But if you have wider feet or you're considering Rothy's for the first time, The Point II is worth trying over the originals.  —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style Editor

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, 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 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, Associate Style 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 Lug Loafer

As a loafer lover, particularly of Rothy's Almond Loafer, I was excited to try these. When I got my first pair, I ordered a 9, the same size as my Almond Loafers, and they were so big that they could barely stay on my heel. After returning them for an 8.5, this size is certainly better but now is a bit narrow in the toe box. Thankfully, because of the knit fabric Rothy's is known for, they have a bit of give.

I was also surprised by how sturdy the shoe feels with the addition of the lug sole, considering the knit isn't as hearty as a leather loafer. These loafers are much heavier than their other styles because of the chunkier soles but are still comfortable to walk in all day.

In terms of style, these are really elegant and elevate even the most casual looks. The teak herringbone color, which is a warm caramel color interwoven with cream fabric made of merino wool and recycled plastic bottles, goes well with every outfit. All in all, I do enjoy these, and if you're looking for an alternative to a leather loafer, these are a great option, but I prefer the lightweight Almond Loafer for everyday wear. —Maiya Pascouche, Style & Beauty 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 these in two materials, one with Merino wool and one with hemp. 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. —Sally Kaplan, Executive 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 Flat

The Flat is the rounded-toe sister shoe to The Point. These have practically all the same features the team has loved about Rothy's. I chose the Bright Red to add a pop of color to all-black outfits. The round toe doesn't elongate quite as much as the Point, but still has a dainty, light-stepping silhouette.

The sole didn't provide much tread, so these are better for dry, mild weather days. I found them comfortable enough, but after a while they didn't agree with my high arches. I'm reserving these for short distance walks until I either find slim insoles that fit inside, or Rothy's ends up giving these  "The Point II" treatment. I wore the Flat in a size 8 and they fit me true to size. I felt no friction against my toes or heels, and I was able to wear them for a full day without any break in period. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style Editor

The Square

The Square has gotten an upgrade in the form of the Max Square Flat. The original Square has a silhouette that feels like a middle ground between the Point and the Flat, if you're not ready to commit to either of those shapes. These are the best pair for people with wider feet out of all Rothy's ballet flat styles, due to the spacious toe box that tapers to a generous square tip. My narrow foot slips right into these and they stay put, but the unique recycled plastic knit is perfectly capable of stretching. 

Before this Rothy's review, my one surviving pair of flats were from Target (also leopard print). I lost those when I got caught in the rain and they were past salvaging. So while Rothy's are much more of an investment, the durability and washability assures me I won't have to ever suddenly trash them. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style Editor

The Square Mary Jane

These were a good start for Rothy's Mary Jane collection, but they've since released more comfortable styles like the Point Mary Jane II and Double Buckle Mary Jane. These have a narrower toe box and a thin band across the middle that seemed 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. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style Editor

The Lightweight Mega Tote

This is one of the best oversized totes I've ever used. The design is so elegant and simple, but there are so many thoughtful details in the design that make it worth the investment. 

First, the straps are actually long enough to sling the whole bag over your shoulder and they have slightly rounded edges so they don't dig in uncomfortably. Second, not that you'll ever be putting this much weight in a tote, but Rothy's claims this bag holds up to 150 lbs. I haven't weight-tested it to quite that degree, but I can at least corroborate their claim that the bag is very sturdy after packing it with a picnic for four and lugging it onto a boat. Third, I wasn't worried about it getting wet or dirty because it dries pretty quickly and can be thrown in the washing machine. (Yes, I said thrown in the washing machine!) And fourth, there are key straps on the inside of the tote along with a small patch attached to the interior wall so that small essentials won't get lost at the bottom of the bag. All in all, it's just an excellent large-capacity tote bag that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. — Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor

The Lightweight Tote

The 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 & Beauty Editor

Rothy's shoe styles

Rothy's offers several types of flats in pointed, square, and rounded toe shapes with seasonal style variations like Mary Janes, ballerina flats, and espadrilles. They also make some of our favorite loafers and clogs.

Rothy's flats are designed with functional advantages that other flats don't have. The seamless construction means there are no uncomfortably hard seams or edges (and is also less wasteful because this 3D process knits to the exact size of each pair and doesn't require any cutting), and the shoes are very light and flexible. 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.

Here are more Rothy's shoes we've tested in the past:

• Rothy's Mary Janes flats review
• Rothy's sneaker review
• Rothy's Merino collection review
• Rothy's men's shoes review
• Rothy's men's sneakers review
• Rothy's Chelsea boots review

How Rothy's shoes are made

Stephen "Hawthy" Hawthornwaite and Roth Martin started Rothy's in 2016 out of San Francisco after they noticed a gap in sustainable footwear for women that both look and feel good. Their eco-conscious appeal has since thrived in a multiple metropolitan areas, across a variety of paces of life and professional cultures.

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 bottom line

Starting at around $160 a pair, Rothy's are a considerable step up from your average pair of flats. The recycled 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, there's no compromise on comfort. Overall, Rothy's is a prime example of how a shoe brand can meet a whole range of expectations.

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.