Rothy’s Shoes: Are They Worth the Hype? A Review, and Everything You Need to Know
Rothy’s Pointed Leopard Flat (My other favorites include the Spotted Loafer, the Mocha Spot Loafer, and the Pointed Flat in Red, Black, Navy and Hot Pink. Also really excited to try a pair of the brand’s sneakers when we go to Georgia in a few weeks!) / Newer Version of my Tuckernuck Striped Swing Top (Can’t recommend this more. It’s “one size fits all,” which makes for great gifts, too. Keep in mind that I’m pregnant, so he bump pulls it up a lot. If you’re not pregnant, it will fall much lower.)
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote (It’s back in navy! I also highly suggest investing in the large version, which is now available in navy at both Bloomingdale’s and MZ Wallace. It’s a GREAT travel, overnight or baby bag… and totally doubles as a pillow. ;) It can also be squished into tight spaces, like under plane seats. The medium is more of a day-to-day bag, but I use it all the time.) / Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (AMAZING. So soft and stretchy, and they don’t sag throughout the day. They’re honestly better than any $200 pair of designer jeans I’ve ever tried. I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans! So many to choose from.) / Similar Sunglasses Here, Here and Here
Link: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.
Ah, Rothy’s shoes. ❤️ I fell in love with them back in September, when the brand sent me a couple of pairs to try. (Btw, we later partnered in November to publish my Guide to Lincoln Park, Chicago!) And now here we are, several months later, and my love for the unbelievably comfortable, super soft woven knit shoes–made from recycled water bottles–has grown into an obsession. Honestly, I should probably be a spokesperson for the company. 🙈 I’m not exaggerating when I say that they’ve changed my life!
So today, I’m sharing an updated review of and guide to buying the world’s comfiest shoes. (Btw, here’s a link to get: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.)
Note: I wrote this post last week so I wouldn’t have to blog while we were on vacation, but since our flight home was cancelled due to the Polar Vortex, I was able to reshoot the photos at the beautiful South Seas Island Resort here on Captiva Island in Florida. Let’s just say that these snaps are a bit nicer than the ones I’d previously taken inside my home because it was too cold to go outside! 😂
“Long intro short,” though, the answer is YES. Rothy’s are worth the hype. Here’s my review/guide, along with a fun giveaway:
Link: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.
Why they’re so great
- Like I said, they’re unbelievably comfortable. First, Rothy’s are made out of a super soft, flexible and durable woven knit material, and they have a seamless construction. (No hard seams or stiff edges.) All of this makes them feel like slippers. (I call them my “Cloud Shoes.” They’re really that comfy.) Second, they don’t rub or cause blisters, and they actually offer support. I’ve literally walked five miles around Chicago in them, and no pain! Third, they don’t stretch out, but they accomodate lots of different foot shapes. For example, I have a very narrow heel, but often find that shoes pinch around the widest point of my foot. I also have something minor called Haglund’s (SO annoying 🙄), which makes most shoes extremely painful. But Rothy’s stay on my feet without any pain. Again, Cloud Shoes!
- There’s zero break-in time. I can’t stand shoes that have a “break-in” timeframe. Like, what? I’m sorry, but I’m not paying for shoes that require me to be in pain for any period of time before they become wearable. Because it takes my feet months to recover from rubbing and blisters. And that’s not okay! Rothy’s, though, are comfortable immediately. My pairs were just as awesome right out of the box as they are now!
- They’re machine-washable. Isn’t that nuts? I go into detail below, so continue reading for more info. But it’s wonderful. Despite the whole “shoes in a bag in the freezer” and “fill shoes with baking soda and let sit for several days” tricks, I’ve ended up eventually trashing a lot of the shoes I wear without socks due to smelliness. I wouldn’t say that I have particularly smelly feet, haha, but over time–especially when worn in the heat–it happens. With Rothy’s, though, you can just throw ’em in the washing machine, insoles and all, and they come out looking and smelling like new. It’s amazing!
- They’re warm. Don’t get me wrong. You can not wear these shoes in sub-zero temperatures. (You’ll need boots for that!) But because they feature a woven knit material, they almost feel like you’re wearing socks. I struggle with wearing shoes without socks during fall and spring, as my feet get way too cold. But with Rothy’s, I can do it. I know this is silly, but it’s been so nice not having to wear boots for three whole seasons!
- They’re timeless and adorable. I just love them. They’re so classic-looking, and because of that, they’re not going out of style any time soon. They can also be dressed up or down, and thus I often opt for them over heels. (I still feel cute and classy in them, yet my feet are happy, too. It’s wonderful.) Worth the investment, for sure!
- They’re environmentally friendly. As I mentioned before, Rothy’s uppers and insoles are made from recycled plastic water bottles. (You’d think that this would make them stiff and uncomfortable, but the bottles are hot-washed, sterilized, fused into fiber that is knit into yarn. Very, very soft!) Similarly, the outsoles are made from carbon-free rubber. Finally, Rothy’s packaging is 100 percent recyclable, and all shoes are recyclable at the end of their lifespans, too.
- Shipping and returns are free. It’s really easy to get your sizing right the first time (see below), but just in case, Rothy’s makes returns and exchanges very simple. I appreciate that!
Link: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.
The styles
Rothy’s offers four styles: The Loafer, the Pointed Flat, the rounded-toe Flat, and the Sneaker. With the exception of the Sneaker, I’ve included photos of all the styles in the same leopard print for comparison’s sake. Comfort-wise, they’re truly all the same; I don’t prefer one over the other there. It’s just about deciding what style you like best, and which color/print is right for you. (I love so many, and recently ordered this pair of red Pointed Flats!)
- The Loafer: This, in my opinion, is the preppiest option, and the shoe I see most on Nantucket. ;)
- The Pointed Flat: Probably the most versatile, and what I see most in the city. While the Pointed Flat will look great with casual outfits, you can also totally dress it up. It’s what you see in today’s photos, since I didn’t include it in my original review.
- The rounded-toe Flat: I do like this shoe, but it’s not my favorite, as I think it can make the toe area look a bit too wide.
- The Sneaker: Haven’t tried these yet, but will be ordering them for an upcoming trip to Georgia so I can review them! A friend has them, though, and says that they’re the best everyday sneakers she owns, and the only pair she can keep clean since they’re machine-washable.
Sizing
I’ve found that Rothy’s run completely true to size. I normally wear a 7.5 in flats and sometimes a 7 in heels, and took a 7.5 in the Loafer, the Pointed Flat and the rounded-toe Flat. If you’re truly in between sizes, I’d probably go a half size up in Rothy’s, as they don’t stretch out.
Note: It’s been reported that some women go up a half size in the Pointed Flat due to the shape of the toe box, but I tried both a 7.5 and an 8, and went with the 7.5. If any of you guys are big Rothy’s fans, feel free to weigh in on this in the comment section below! Would be so helpful!
Remember: Rothy’s mold to your feet and have a slight “give,” but they do not stretch out. So if they’re a bit too tight right out of the box, they’ll always be too tight. But fear not! Just take advantage of the company free and easy return/exchange policy. So simple!
Whether they hold up
THEY DO. I’ve worn the heck out of my Rothy’s, and they still look brand new. This was definitely surprising to me, since they’re made of a knit material! I assumed that they’d start to look grungy pretty quickly, but again, they’re holding up GREAT. I’ve washed them a couple of times, too, and no deterioration. I anticipate that they’ll last me years.
Link: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.
Whether my feet sweat in them
I’ve received a few messages about sweatiness, so I thought I’d add this in! While yes, my feet get a little toasty in the shoes if temps are in the 80s, I would say that they sweat WAY less than they do when in Sperrys or in loather flats and loafers, since they’re knit and therefore breathable. They also absorb very well. Either way, though, they’re machine-washable, which means you don’t need to worry about it. (So nice!)
How to machine-wash them
Take the insoles out, and put both the shoes and the insoles in a delicates bag, and wash on gentle with cold water and a mild detergent. (I use Arm & Hammer. Works wonderfully and smells great!) Do NOT dry them or apply any type of heat. If you dry them, you’ll alter their shape, and they’ll likely shrink. Instead, simply lay them out to dry. It should take no more than a day for them to dry, in my experience.
Meghan Markle approval
There’s not much to say here, haha, except for the fact that the Duchess loves them, too, which is pretty cool! Do a quick Google search and you’ll see her clad in Rothy’s. (Love her outfits, btw!)
Link: $20 off your first pair of Rothy’s.
Where you can buy in-person
At the moment, Rothy’s has one store, on Fillmore Street in San Fransisco. If you’re nowhere near California, though, you can order online like I do. :)
Pricing and how to get them for a discount
Rothy’s are priced between $125 and $165. Yes, they’re an investment, but I swear they’re worth it.
Rothy’s do not usually go on sale, but you can utilize the “Refer a Friend” program. Basically, you can send a friend $20 off their first purchase, and if they make a purchase, Rothy’s will send you a code for $20 off your next pair. I didn’t tell you this, but you can obviously send yourself the $20 off if you have a second e-mail address. 😉
Rothy’s also offers teachers 20 percent off select products, since they’re such great shoes for the classroom. Verifying your eligibility is easy.
How to win a free pair through me!
I have two pairs of Rothy’s shoes that I’d love to give away today. If the size works for you or a friend, simply leave your e-mail address in a non-spammy format (kelly [at] gmail [dot] com) along with your shoe preference, and I’ll select two winners next week when I get back from Florida!
- The “Spotted” rounded-toe Flat, Size 7.5 (Worn once very briefly, but decided I would wear my Loafers and Pointed Flats more. Only so many pairs of leopard flats a girl needs, haha. You can’t tell that they’ve ever been worn; they look brand new, and they’re still in the box!)
- The “Mocha Spot” Loafer, Size 7 (LOVE! But was accidentally sent to me for that first blog post. I wear a 7.5, so this pair was too small. I now have the 7.5!)
Questions?
Let me know in the comment section below. Happy to help however I can… but YES: They’re worth it! :)
Details on everything else I’m wearing
Newer Version of my Tuckernuck Striped Swing Top: Can’t recommend this more. It’s “one size fits all,” which makes for great gifts, too. Keep in mind that I’m pregnant, so he bump pulls it up a lot. If you’re not pregnant, it will fall much lower.
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote: It’s back in navy! (For some reason, it looks a little lighter in my iPhone pics. The professional photos are a more accurate representation of the color.) I also highly suggest investing in the large version, which is now available in navy at both Bloomingdale’s and MZ Wallace. It’s a GREAT travel, overnight or baby bag… and totally doubles as a pillow. ;) It can also be squished into tight spaces, like under plane seats. The medium is more of a day-to-day bag, but I use it all the time.
Barbour Quilted Beadnell: Hands down, the best Barbour I own. It features the same cut as the original Beadnell jacket, but it’s SO much warmer because it features polarquilting. It’s available at Nordstrom and Tuckernuck, btw.
Old Navy Rockstar Jeans: AMAZING. So soft and stretchy, and they don’t sag throughout the day. They’re honestly better than any $200 pair of designer jeans I’ve ever tried, at least out of the maternity stuff. I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans! So many to choose from.
Similar Sunglasses Here, Here and Here: These are my classic “Kelly Sunglasses,” which I’ve had since 2013. I would probably die without them. Kate Spade is the original maker, though I think they came out around 2011 or 2012!
Shop the post:
Rothy’s Pointed Leopard Flat (My other favorites include the Spotted Loafer, the Mocha Spot Loafer, and the Pointed Flat in Red, Black, Navy and Hot Pink. Also really excited to try a pair of the brand’s sneakers when we go to Georgia in a few weeks!) / Newer Version of my Tuckernuck Striped Swing Top (Can’t recommend this more. It’s “one size fits all,” which makes for great gifts, too. Keep in mind that I’m pregnant, so he bump pulls it up a lot. If you’re not pregnant, it will fall much lower.)
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote (It’s back in navy! I also highly suggest investing in the large version, which is now available in navy at both Bloomingdale’s and MZ Wallace. It’s a GREAT travel, overnight or baby bag… and totally doubles as a pillow. ;) It can also be squished into tight spaces, like under plane seats. The medium is more of a day-to-day bag, but I use it all the time.) / Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (AMAZING. So soft and stretchy, and they don’t sag throughout the day. They’re honestly better than any $200 pair of designer jeans I’ve ever tried. I’m wearing the maternity version. Here are all the Rockstar jeans! So many to choose from.) / Similar Sunglasses Here, Here and Here
I would love the spotted round toe flat, in 7.5! I have heard nothing but great things about the brand! Vmckee [at] uco [dot] edu ! Thanks for the fun giveaways! Also, if anyone is on the fence about an MZ Wallace, it is such a great investment! You don’t realize how heavy normal bags are until you carry this and then you will never go back! ❤️
WINNING that you got a 7 by accident. I’d love the chance to win the size 7’s :) paisleigh 895 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you so much!!! I’d love pair of Rothy’s. Either pair would be great!! I’ve been looking for a comfy pair of work shoes lately(so hard to find). As a flight attendant I’m on my feet for long periods of time. Would love to have a pair, to see if Rothy’s becomes the new work shoes for me. Thanks again!!!
kmoredi [at] aol [dot] com
This is such a helpful post — thanks for sharing. I love the Mocha Spot Loafer in size 7. They would be perfect for my work travels.
Scobiemeghan [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love the spotted loader or the spotted point flat in an 8 but let’s be honest I kinda love them all!! Definitely buying a pair today and they are comfy that’s a win in my book!! nbnelson516 [@] Gmail [dot] com
I’v been dying to try these but didn’t want to spend the $ at this point on a pair of loafers that I wasn’t certain about. For shoes I almost always want to try them on in person first. However I’d love to take the size 7s off your hands ;)
thenorthwestblonde [at] gmail [dot] com
xo – Ana Luiza | NorthwestBlonde.com
I’d love the The “Spotted” rounded-toe Flat, Size 7.5. waytoomanycats (at) gmail (.) com
I would love the loafers, they’d be a great addition to my spring teaching wardrobe! lindsaymynaugh [at] gmail [dot] com
Oh my goodness, yes! I’ve been eyeing those mocha dot loafers for a while now. It’s meant to be, I’m pretty sure. hello [at] cristinafowlerblog [dot] com
ROUND TOE FLAT!!!!!! Omg they are so super duper cute!!! Hydedmon [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love the size 7 loafers! My teacher friends rave about them—what a great giveaway! kristen[dot]j[dot]wenzel[at]gmail[dot]com
I’ve always wanted to try Rothy’s! I feel like I’m always replacing my flats (about every four months) because they wear out and start to get smelly so fast but the price tag on Rothy’s makes my anxiety spike (ha). I would love the loafers. My email is kristymkayser [at] gmail [dot] com.
Also, just wanted to say I always look forward to your posts and I am so happy for you, Mitch, and Emma as you await the arrival of baby #2!
Would love the loafers! I’ve been wantinga pair for a while now! Emw125 [at] msn [dot] com
Love both but prefer the loafer! Egeary24[at]gmail[dot]com
would love a pair of round toe nude color in size 8 for my next trip I am going to take. hamapajo [at] gmail [dot] com
This post is so informative and it comes at the perfect time, since I’m on the hunt for a leopard print flat to replace my worn out Dr. Scholl’s pointed flats that are discontinued. I saw Meghan Markle wear her Rothy’s on tour and wondered if they were truly worth hype, so it’s awesoem getting an honest review. I would just love to win the “Spotted” rounded-toe Flat, Size 7.5! ❤️
I love the pointed leopard flats!
munoz.victoria [at] gmail [dot] com
I incorrectly entered my email address the first time so here I go again!
I love the pointed toe leopard flats!
munoz.victoria18[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love the mocha spot loafer size 7! I work in healthcare and I will be switching to a new job in August where professional clothes are a must! I need to ditch the scrubs and sneaks for a pair of dressy shoes!
Buzzeo0708 [at] gmail [dot] com
Would love the round toe flat! Mrokandow [at] gmail [dot] com
I would absolutely appreciate the spotted round toe flats in 7.5! I love the look of these shoes so, so much and I have so many outfits I could pair the shoes with! I’ve been a long time blog subscriber and I really do appreciate the opportunities to be able to enter in these giveaways! Thank you for your generosity! I hope you and your beautiful family have a blessed day!
Mocha spot loafers in 7! I’ve seen these around on social media and have wondered if they’re really that great, now I’m convinced! You have the best giveaways! CLGagnon16[at]gmail[dot]com
Looking to try a pair of Rothys since your review! My email is ksimonc719@aol.com! Thank you!
I love the mocha spot loafer! ! I think it would definitely spruce up my corporate wardrobe and add some pizzazz! Would love them in a 7.5!
Love your giveaways Thank you!
Jennifer [dot] hoyle21 [at] gmail [dot] com
I am FYI dying for a pair of these!!!! Higgenb1 at gmail dot com.
Delreal.veronica@gmail.com
Would love the Spotted round toe shoe! I have been wanting to try Rothy’s!
I love the spotted loafer! I’ve been on such a kick with leopard lately because it just jazzes up any neutral outfit I put on. Thank you for doing this review because even if I don’t win I’ll definitely be scooping up a pair! cassieleeg [at] gmail [dot] com
I’ve been dying to buy a pair! would love the spotter round toe pair in 7.5!!
Meg (dot) murp (at) gmail (dot) com
Love the spotted round toe! Please pick me, pick me! McKenziec561 (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love either shoe (like you, I am in between a 7 and 7 1/2). I’ve been wanting to try out Rothy’s for awhile – thank you for the opportunity! kristina[dot]smolak [at] gmail [dot] com
This is another wonderful and generous give-a-way!!! I would love the “spotted” round toe in 7.5. I’ve been wanting to try Rothy’s but the price has held me back.
I would love the rounded toe flats! I’m nervous about spending that much on flats and would love to try them! klcrawford21 (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to try the round toe flats! I’ve been dying to grab a pair and haven’t taken the plunge yet! jlw61190 {at} gmail {dot} com
I would love the Spotted Toe Round shoes in a 7.5! I have been dying for a pair of these and would love to be the winner of the giveaway. katyj.tomlinson [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love the “Mocha Spot” Loafer, Size 7! My email is agbaker44 at gmail dot come. These are so cute! Thanks, Kelly!
I would love the spotted pointed ! I just started my first big girl job and they would be perfect to conquer the working world in! Thanks for putting this together ! Kaitlyn(dot)weil96(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to try the loafers in the 7! I have the pointy toe ones and they are amazing!
Nikki Stracensky
N.stracensky@gmail.ckm
I’ve been thinking about trying Rothy’s, so I’d love to try the “Spotted” rounded-toe Flat, Size 7.5 that you’re offering.
mckiek (at) aol (dot) com
I would love the spotted loafer-sounds like they’re the perfect shoe for teaching all day in! erinmuss (at) gmail (dot) com
Oh, I just love Rothy’s! I discovered them a while ago and my first pair has really held up. They have been washed many times and are still the same shape and fit.
Oh I have been dying to try these shoes out. Both are sooo cute but I think they 7 will fit better, so my choice would be the mocha spot.
Andeemacrae (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you thank you for suggesting these! I’ve had problems with flats being comfortable enough and stinky shoes. Love your honest, real life reviews in the midst of all the advertising!
I really want to try these, they look so cute! Thank you for the review!
Email: chile_ana [at] yahoo [dot] com
Shoe preference: Mocha spot loafer size 7
I have heard so many great things about Rothy’s! The spotted round toe would be amazing! Thank you for the chance :-) Kpearsondct [at] Gmail [dot] com
I’d love the loafer! Thanks for sharing your review – I’ve been wondering about these shoes for a while! My email is mg [dot] lucas2 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I’d love the mocha size 7. My email is amkeepsakes [at] yahoo [dot] com
Did you ever end up getting the sneakers? Those were my first Rothy’s purchase and I felt like they were way too tight on me. I’ve never considered my food to be wide by any means, but I’m wondering if the sneakers are a more narrow fit in general and if I’d be better off with flats. Thanks!
I definitely need to go up a size with the pointed version. The 7.5 rounded toe fits perfectly and is such a great shoe, but I can’t wear the 7.5 points … too painful! I plan to sell my 7.5 points and trade up but I just haven’t gotten around to it.
I just ordered my first pair of Rothy pointed toe. I wear a perfect size 11 and since the majority recommend going up a 1/2 size in this shoe, I did just that. To my surprise the shoes were too snug (uncomfortably so) and I could see my toes bulging. Mind you I do NOT have wide feet either. Because the shoe is so cute, I decided to give it another try in a size 12, which I fear may be too big. If so, its gonna be the red Gucci Princetowns instead. I want to love Rothy’s, but not if sizing is going to be harder than winning the lotto.
I tried the $20 off link, but it didn’t quite take me to a discount. I see this post was written in early 2019, so I think this may be why. Do you happen to still have a coupon code for Rothys?
Love my Rothys but it took a while to get the sizing right, like any shoe really. I have narrow heels and wide duck toe area. I have never liked points because they compress my toes. For my feet, the loafers are best style and maybe I’ll try the sneakers. I upped 1/2 size on the loafer to fit an arch support under the Rothy’s beautiful insole. Works great. The other styles did not work for me but I’d love every color and print in the loafers. Love a washable shoe. I run a cold water delicate cycle and air dry. I tried the points because they are truly beautiful but cant say they are different in toe fit than others. OMG but the loafers…worth every cent. Will be collecting the colors. My every day shoe including with dresses. The black is elegant and the pop colors work for lots of outfits, slacks, shorts, dresses, and leggings. Tossing out my heels I cant wear any more.
why buy shoes made in China when it is preferable to buy european made that are MUCH better quality
Rothys are the best. I quickly went from one pair to multiples. They are super comfortable, cute and easy to wash. You won’t regret it and you will fall in love – promise!
Get $20 off your order with this – https://share.rothys.com/x/xGgOUK
Thank you for your write-up on Rothy shoes. I’ve been so tempted to purchase a pair but the price has held me back. Now I’m thinking a pair of Rothy’s would make for a great Christmas gift. Here in November 2021, can you send me a link for the $20 off?