Rothy’s Flats Reviews: We Tested the Entire Line of Popular Shoes Made from Recycled Plastic

• Quality: 18/20
• Comfort: 18/20
• Fit: 17/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 91/100

I’m a ballet flat aficionado—they’re my everyday shoes. (And, let’s face it, my party shoes, too.) I’ve been wearing them long before balletcore was trending and the comeback of the early aughts made them an “it” item. Thus, Rothy’s had already been on my radar for a while, when I finally wrote an in-depth review. My rating: 91/100 on the PureWow100 scale. The flats are definitely stylish, with a low V-cut and pointed toe. They’re also quite comfortable, requiring no break-in period. The soft back padding in the heels are a nice touch, especially as I’m prone to blisters. I did find the footbed rather thin, though the rubber sole was sturdy, even after pounding the uneven, cracked pavements of NYC. My feet are also flat with bunions, so while these aren’t the most supportive flats I’ve worn, they have room for an insole if needed. Not many flats I’ve tried give you wiggle room for that option. The brand recommends ordering a half size up as the style runs small, which I’ve also found to be accurate. — Marissa Wu, PureWow associate SEO editor

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors:  20

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 17/20
• Fit: 16/20
• Aesthetic: 18/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 87/20

I’m usually either a size 9.5 or 10 and I sometimes find it hard to find shoes that fit comfortably and look good. I think the biggest plus for me is the insole insert because it adds so much more comfort, especially for a long day at the office. I think these will be a staple for spring and summer as they’re easy to slip on and off. I can also wear socks with them, and they don’t feel tight. The only downside is that my toes do feel a little squished at the top. I think if there was a wide foot option, my toes would have a bit more wiggle room. Otherwise, the flats are absolutely adorable. I love the little bow and simplicity [of the design]. [Additionally], being able to wash the flats is a much bigger plus compared to any other shoe in my closet. My other shoes are incredibly difficult to clean since I can’t put them in the wash, so this is a great feature.  — Jackie P., tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 14

• Quality: 18/20
• Comfort: 18/20
• Fit: 17/20
• Aesthetic: 19/20
• Value: 16/20
• Total: 88/20

My feet are pretty typical (not narrow or wide). I own Rothy’s The Flat in red and find them true to size. I love how vivid the color is—it’s held up to multiple washes, both in a delicates bag and without. The flats are super comfortable and definitely a throw on and go style. That makes it easy to tuck them into your purse for a quick change if you’re racing between meetings and need to step out of less walkable shoes. I do think you can size up in the flats for a more comfortable fit in the toe box, but after the shoes break in, I do find that they meld to your foot in all the right places. — Rachel Bowie, PureWow senior director of special projects and royals

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 14

• Quality: 20/20
• Comfort: 20/20
• Fit: 19/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 96/100

My feet are pretty average—no bunions, good arches—but are on the larger side. (I wear a 9 to 9.5.) When I’m shoe shopping, comfort is paramount, and I really loved Rothy’s The Square flats. I wore them to work one day and walked around my office quite a bit, as well as traveled from the subway to my house, which is [a little over a mile round trip]. I think I could have sized up as they felt a tad tight. [Ed note: the shoes don’t stretch.] They were super comfortable, and I didn’t experience any painful rubbing or blisters that I’ve experienced when wearing [other] heels or flats for the first time. I think the material of the shoe greatly helps because the material isn’t super stiff, but more flexible. The shoes were also great in the washing machine—no tears, runs, faded colors or other loss of quality. Though pricey, I would highly recommend these shoes, as the quality, comfort, design and fit make it worth it. — Nancy R., tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 4

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 16/20
• Fit: 17/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 90/100

I have medium-to-wide feet that want to splay out when I’m standing. After years of stuffing my poor toes into shoes that were too small for me when I was younger, they curl and curve inwards. For more context, I traditionally wear a size 9 in almost all of my shoes, and I inherited my dad’s flat feet. The material is thin, so you’ll feel the pounding of the pavement with every step, and there’s no arch support (though there’s enough room to add your own). That said, I absolutely loved the feel of [the Rothy’s Mary Janes]. They’re soft, supple, bendable, lightweight and breathable. Never in my life have I worn a flexible and more comfortable ballet flat until now—I’m truly in awe over the quality. The only other thing I’ll note is that the fabric is not stretchy and it was a struggle to find the correct size that worked for me. [In my experience, the shoes run a half-size small.] I’ve always loved the dainty look of the quintessential ballet flats with straps, so naturally, I adore this classic meets modern design. I also appreciate that it’s minimal enough to wear every day, because I often choose them on a whim when I’m rushing out the door and don’t know what to grab. They work with almost anything in my closet, from baggy jeans to dresses and skirts. They’re pricey but considering how the shoes feel and look on my feet, I’m more than happy to make that investment rather than wasting my money on a pair with stiff leather that leaves me with blisters. After having them for months, they still don’t look that dirty, but after tossing them in the  washing machine, they came out completely clean and looking brand-new.— Stephanie Meraz, PureWow associate fashion commerce editor

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 9

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 19/20
• Fit: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 91/100

I often have a hard time finding the perfect shoe size as I am technically a women’s size 10 but have fluctuated between 9 and 11. I have good arches but narrow feet, so sometimes shoes are too wide even in the normal width size. Overall, I liked Rothy’s The Almond Loafer—I wore them to work, where I typically walk 9,000 to 12,000 steps and they held up nicely. The cheetah print insole is a nice touch and adds character to the all-black shoe. I like the fact the fabric is stretchy, which I think allows you to maybe go down in size. After reading the reviews I stuck with size 10 but should have gone down to 9.5. I could not wear these shoes without socks without them slipping off. — Molly W., tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 15

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 19/20
• Fit: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 19/20
• Value: 15/20
• Total: 90/100

I have super large feet (size 11.5) that are wide with high arches, which makes finding comfortable shoes that don’t look dowdy and orthopedic a CHALLENGE. Since I do a lot of walking, comfort usually wins out in my shoe search. If I’m spending $229 on a pair of shoes, they can’t just be stylish—they need to be comfortable and durable. I put Rothy’s The Lug Loafer through the ringer to test them, stomping in puddles, logging 10K steps a day, letting them get splattered with pancake batter and nut butter as I cooked and tested recipes. And amazingly, they held up. The materials are well made—the knit is thicker and more supportive than I expected, a concern that has previously prevented me from buying Rothy’s in the past. Additionally, the insole provides decent cushioning, and the lug sole is bouncy and thick, providing a little spring to my step. My feet are also wide, often feeling at odds with women’s shoe designs, but the loafers fit like a dream. As a parent, I often have to take off my shoes quickly for daycare and dance drop-offs, and can slip these on easily while holding bags and a baby. After a week of nonstop wear, my ring toe on one foot felt a bit chafed, but never bad enough to cause lingering pain or blisters. The lug sole adds a funky, playful touch to an otherwise prim loafer. They made even casual outfits seem a bit more polished, and I felt more pulled together when wearing them. I was pleasantly surprised by how cushioned and supported my feet felt, even at the end of 10,000 steps. Washing them was easy, and the exterior cleaned up nicely (despite food splatters), though the insoles didn’t seem to get very clean. I think spot-treating the loafers would be just as effective. — Candace Davison, PureWow vice president of editorial

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 2

• Quality: 17/20
• Comfort: 16/20
• Fit: 16/20
• Aesthetic: 18/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 84/100

My feet are on the wider side, and I have higher arches but do not wear arch supports. The shoes are well made and hold up to wear and wash. I selected a size based on Rothy’s size chart. My shoes felt a little tight the first time I stepped into them, but if I had gone up one size they would have been too long. After wearing the shoes for a couple days, they felt better. I have noticed that when I step into them in the morning, they seem tight, but they form to your feet as the day goes on. The design works well for me because the toe box is not too pointy, allowing more room for the width of my feet. They’re nice to wear, but not as optimal for all-day walking or standing because of my high arches. The loafers are very lightweight and [I like wearing] them for errands and appointments. The ability to wash them and the fact that they came out like new speaks to the durability and sustainability of the shoes. I put them in the washing machine on delicate cycle per the brand’s instructions. It was extremely easy and the shoes still looked new and haven’t lost their shape. — Jodie G. tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 6

I have wide feet (and possibly a high arch) and I *hate* shoe shopping. It’s boring, hard to find shoes that will fit my feet and usually whatever pair I buy that seems like it will be comfortable ends up pinching my feet and giving me blisters anyway. However, Rothy’s The Loafer is soft yet sturdy, comfortable and they fit perfectly. You would think that something so soft and machine-washable would be flimsy, but the sole is solid and the fabric sturdy. I also love how these can be paired with jeans, dresses, slacks—they’re understated yet stylish. My advice for other wide-feet gals is to wear these around the house first or on a cool day—I wouldn’t take these babies out for the first spin on a sweltering day because they might rub your feet the wrong way. The fabric is just the right amount of soft while being supportive with a decent amount of cushioning. My only gripe (and this is minor) is that these aren’t the most orthopedic shoe, which in my experience is basically impossible to find in a slip-on shoe anyway. I can wear these all day long and have no issues, but as someone who has had issues with plantar fasciitis in the past, I think if I wore them every day for a week walking around NYC my feet would suffer. — Alexia Dellner, PureWow executive editor

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 7

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 15/20
• Fit: 16/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 88/100

I have small, flat feet with bunions, and my legs really hurt if I don’t wear something with a little support at all times. (I am basically never barefoot.) I look for shoes with plenty of toe room (for those aforementioned bunions) and some cushioning. Rothy’s The Driver loafers feel high quality—from the thick yet extremely soft material to the rubber grippers and even the little Rothy’s detail on the bottom. I’ve worn them consistently for about a year, and they’ve held up great. I may be in denial about my changing shoe size, but I was surprised that the 7 was as snug as they are. They fit fine, but I wouldn’t want them even a hair tighter. Otherwise, I love them and always get compliments. My only caveat: I have very specific shoe needs and these are quite flat. This means I can’t wear them for extended periods of time. They work great as a commuter shoe, but after a day of wearing them, I need something with more support. After washing them, the color dulled slightly, but nothing major. Overall, it’s a high-quality shoe so the price point feels right. — Jillian Quint, PureWow editor-in-chief

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 11

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 19/20
• Fit: 19/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 95/100

This shoe has been a go-to for me for years; I own in it more than one color, too. I love the sleek look including the subtle stripe detail on the heel that gives the slightest pop of color. They’re so comfortable—I wore the shoes all over Paris on a week-long trip and, fresh out of the box, didn’t get a single blister. With so many Rothy’s styles, it’s the “lip” of the heel that adds to the comfort and prevents a lot of rubbing. I also appreciate how soft the material feels while holding up to tons of use year over year. This style is true to size and machine washable—the color stayed vibrant after multiple turns in the machine. — Rachel Bowie, PureWow senior director of special projects and royals

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 10

• Quality: 18/20
• Comfort: 17/20
• Fit: 17/20
• Aesthetic: 18/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 87/100

I have long, narrow feet and usually wear a size 9.5. I sometimes struggle to find the right fit as a half size. Typically, I wear arch supports in my boots and tennis shoes. I have an active city lifestyle and travel often, so I’m always looking for shoes that will last and stay comfortable for up to 10 miles of walking in a day. When I received Rothy’s The Lace Up, I was excited about the comfortable, squishy insole that provided more support than I expected. They didn’t require an additional insole (I usually put one in), which was a bonus. I work as an artist in a professional gallery setting. These shoes hit the design standard of looking like professional work attire, while still maintaining a comfortable quality that’s difficult to find in “nice” shoes. The Lace Ups aren’t too flashy or too casual, which is perfect for city dwelling. While testing them, I did find the shoes were a bit too tight while driving. I have circulation issues with my feet and the snug elastic fit seemed to be too tight for movements that are not walking. These are not machine washable—the brand recommends hand washing. Though it did take a sufficient amount of elbow grease, the shoes cleaned up pretty well. — Hope L., tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 9

• Quality: 19/20
• Comfort: 19/20
• Fit: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 18/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 92/100

These are exceptionally made. From its contoured footbed to the luxurious knit fabric made from recyclable materials, there are so many minute details that play a factor in making this a standout clog. It’s refreshing to have arch support AND a wide toe-box. The contoured footbed makes it feel like these shoes were made especially for me, and I just love how cushioned each step is. I made the mistake of ordering my usual size (9) without reading the reviews—which overwhelming note that these run comically large—and, while I felt like these were too big upon first wear, I got used to them quickly. Its natural design is wide and spacious, so this won’t fit snug like a sneaker or mule. If you have wide(ish) feet like me, then I’d suggest ordering your usual size, but if your foot is narrow or you’re in-between sizes, consider opting for a smaller size. — Stephanie Meraz, PureWow associate fashion commerce editor

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 8

• Quality: 18/20
• Comfort: 18/20
• Fit: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Value: 18/20
• Total: 92/100

My feet are average size (8.5) but they’re pretty flat. While I don't put arch supports in, I do tend to look for shoes that have built-in support to keep my feet from aching. Rothy’s The Weekend Slide sandals feel well-constructed. I appreciated the molded footbed to keep my feet comfy. I love the casual, laid-back look of these sandals for my usual weekend activities like heading to the farmers market and grabbing lunch at a beachside cafe. The size was perfect, but the straps sat a bit high on my foot, which made them feel like they were slipping a bit. The downside was the fabric could feel scratchy during longer wears when it was rubbing my foot more and I wish the straps sat just a little lower for a better fit. However, regarding the scratchiness, note that hemp (the material the straps are made of) tends to soften as it ages, so I think there’s a solid chance they’ll get more comfortable the more I wear them. — Natalie LaBarbera, PureWow assistant commerce editor

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 5

• Quality: 17/20
• Comfort: 20/20
• Fit: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 17/20
• Value: 17/20
• Total: 89/100

My feet are on the narrower side, and I do a fair amount of walking in NYC. Rothy’s The Lug Boot has a stretchy merino wool fabric that required no break-in period, which is usually a rite of passage for leather boots. The treads are pretty grippy—I wore them around the city and in some snow on a ski trip, and they were amazing. I’m shocked. The soles provided great traction in the snow, and the merino wool held up to its water-repellant claims, so my feet stayed dry all day. The merino wool exterior does pick up lint and dirt incredibly easily compared a non-knit shoe, so I’ve had to lint roll them, which was unexpected. Since I have narrower feet, I do wish the elastic at the ankles was a little tighter, because it stretches a bit more than I’d like with each step. I think for someone with “average” size feet, these would be good. For a boot that picks up dirt as easily as this, it’s nice that you can throw these in the wash. After washing, the color didn’t fade and the waterproofing still felt intact, though I know waterproofness does fade over time for many similar types of objects (e.g. ski jackets, pants, Gore-Tex rain jackets), so that might be something to watch out for. — Annie C., tester

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 13
• Colors: 2