Earlier this year, I asked my readers which shoes I should buy to walk around the streets of London. There were a lot of great suggestions, but one name that came up over and over again was Rothy’s. So I decided to order a pair.
When I removed the shoes from the box, I was surprised to find out that the material is a knit fabric. (Imagine the exterior of a workout shoe.) I wasn’t that excited about the feel of the shoe until I put them on. It was like walking on sunshine.
Rothy’s shoes are made of recycled plastic bottles. That’s right, bottles. The plastic is cleaned and processed into a thread which is then used to stitch the seamless shoes. And no seams means no blisters.
Additionally, Rothy’s have my favorite shoe feature: a rubber sole. I have walked miles in these shoes with no pain at all.
The shoes come in two styles: pointed toe for $145 and round toe for $125. Because they’re made of plastic, they’re highly durable. And, best of all, they’re machine-washable.
As you can see from the photo, I purchased the black point shoes. Except for the white line (which I wish wasn’t there), they look just like a cool pair of work flats. I’ve worn them with jeans, skinny trousers, and even a midi dress. I’m planning to buy both the black python (you know I’m a sucker for snake print) and the petal pink in the future.
If you’re looking for a good-looking, comfortable shoe these are it. The promise of no blisters combine with moisture-wicking fabric and rubber sole might make these the perfect commuting shoe. And you’re helping the environment while buying shoes, what could be better than that?
If you use my ‘referral code’ to buy a pair of Rothy’s, I get $20 toward a pair and you also get $20 toward a pair. Click here.
To read more about Rothy’s, check out their recent profile in The New York Times.
You should sign up for the referral program: https://rothys.referralcandy.com/. Or perhaps they could give your readers a discount code? 😉
Thanks so much for the tip. I don’t usually reach out to brands, but if they reach out to me, I’ll ask about a discount. I did add the referral link you suggested. Thanks, again.
Oh holy crap, they come in a size 10.5!
Thank you for reviewing these! I found a casual, similar version on Amazon (brand is Liuid) and I haven’t taken them off (I have the Vans-like ones, not the prettier flats yet).
I wish I could try before buying at this price point, but this review is super convincing…!
Thank you for the review. I’ve been looking for a pair of nude flats for some upcoming travel and for use at my standing desk. Do you think the Flax Birdseye would actually look nude? If you advise black over the flax for a neutral shoe I would go that way, but like you I did not love the idea of the ankle stripe. I’m planning on using your referral link (thanks!)
I was looking at the black and the red. Ultimately, I ordered both and sent the red back. You might consider doing the same. I only wanted to buy one pair to try, and decided the black were a better option for my wardrobe.
I have the flax birdseye. They are more of a light grey then I would like and not the perfect color but I have been wearing them as a nude and they look professional enough with my work dresses to wear around my huge office complex. I have not washed them yet so I cannot comment on how they hold up to that. I did add an arch support in and they are quiet comfortable with no break-in period.
I’ve been wearing the flax as a nude, too, although they’re lighter than my skintone. Note that the flax color does show dirt a lot faster than my black pair, which I recently wore for touring castles in France. But since you can wash them in the sink, that’s probably not too big a deal.
Did you have to size up to add arch support? I have custom orthotics for my high arches that I have typically had to do half a size up for them to fit for stiff leather flats.
Thanks ladies, I ended up going with the black per your comments about the flax color. I will let you know how they work out!
I’ve had a pair of these for about 6 months (black, pointed as well) and keep meaning to buy another pair but push it off. My concern is how quickly they are going to start to look ‘worn.’
I wear mine without sock liners and after 4-5 all day wears they smell. I throw them in the wash in a lingerie bag, but I’m worried because it is knit fabric that over time they are going to look bad. I’ve washed them a total of 6 times and so far have only seen a bit of wear on the inner liner, which technically is supposed to be hand washed.
Has anyone had these long enough to reach that worn-out tipping point?
Try using a thin odor absorbing insole to deal with the smell. I do this for all my flats because I hate wearing sock liners. When the insole gets gross, you can just toss them and put in a new pair.
does the back of the heel hurt? It looks high, and sometimes those give me blisters.
I’ve got heel liners in every pair of shoes I own except these. Belle is totally right — the knit fabric (which is ever so slightly stretchy) doesn’t chafe.
I bought the orchid solid pointed flat because they were out of the cloud grey birdseye in my size. I was worried that it wouldn’t be as neutral as the grey, but it turns out I wear them with pretty much every outfit for which I wanted the grey. The rich purple color is gorgeous with blue, black, grey, certain greens, etc. (Plus, I love that the material is recycled water bottles! As a vegetarian, I try not to buy leather goods, but it’s difficult to find vegetarian shoes that are work appropriate and don’t look cheap.)
Ditto what H. said, no blisters. Not one.
Any particular brand of insole? I have the same problem with mine but I i love them still. This is the only reason I haven’t invested in a second pair. Haven’t tried washing them yet, need to do that soon!
I’m very intrigued. How’s the arch support?
It’s not terrible, but it could be better. I typically am fine wearing them for 2-3miles of daily walking. More than that, I need something with more internal structure.
I JUST read that NYT article this morning. The pointed toe flats are so cute, and I’m all for eco-wear.
Just used your code; thanks and you’re welcome ?. Question about fit: do you think they run true to size? Usually I’m either a 6.5 or a 7. They only had a 7 on the cloudy grey point flats, so I went with that. Hopefully they fit!
I am an 8.5-9. The 8.5 fit well. I want the pink, so I may order a 9. Won’t know til that happens.
I have not been this excited about a flat purchase in a while. I’ve been rocking nordstrom’s BP flats (with added insoles) for years now. I’m either a 6.5 or a 7 as well and ordered the size 7 black point flats. I figure my shoes tend to get a little snug at the end of the day from a bit of swelling.
Hi! Just found your blog a few months ago and really enjoy it! Just placed an order for the red camo point with your referral code.Thank you. Fingers crossed that they work for me – been looking for comfy pointed red flats!
Are they polished enough to wear to work?
With pants, I don’t even notice they aren’t real (leather) flats. With skirts, they’re a bit more noticeable. But I think with the pointed toe, it’s not terribly noticeable.
I bought them for my trip to France after reading the comments to your post and loved them, too – I now have the black and flax in the flat style. Loving them so far.
A GF of mine who currently works with the company turned me onto these. I received pair for Christmas and have loved them for all the reasons you mention. I plan to purchase another pair or two!
What’s the toe cleavage situation? I’m in dire need of replacing a pair of black suede quasi-smoking loafers to wear instead of heels at the office, and these look like a nice option, but too much toe cleavage is kind of a pet peeve of mine.
Very little.
I’ve been wondering about these and might try a pair based on your recommendation. I love that I can trust you for impartial reviews, Belle!
http://www.thepolishedblog.com
I ordered a pair of flax points yesterday shortly after you posted your review, and they arrived today around 1pm- that’s 24 hours from order to delivery and I didn’t even get expedited shipping. It’s kind of amazing.
I was sure they were going to be too big when I first tried them on, but it turns out I was just thrown off by how soft they are. They are SO comfortable. Thanks for the tip!!
I was sure I was sending them back until I put them on, I was like…oh, okay, they’re like pillows for your feet.
I really want a pair of the black camo but they are all sold out of my size! I hope they restock soon- my other choices have all sold out as well!
They seem to restock pretty quickly. I wanted the pink, it restocked in about three weeks.
Forgot about your rec for these and had been putting off buying them. Just pulled the trigger today and used your referral link! I am SO excited for them to arrive. I went with the cloud grey birdseye pointed toe.
Decided to finally pulled the trigger on a pair, remembered your review, and came back to it. Thanks for updating with the referral link! I’m hoping they will work for me. My feet are 5.5 but their smallest size is 6. Fingers crossed!
I purchased my first pair of these dream shoes about a month ago, have 3 pairs now! They are so versatile, comfortable, and addicting! I’m a points girl (work in the design industry so they are a bit more stylish) but decided to try the taupe heater loafers and to my surprise they look AMAZIMG with both jeans and linen pants! I seriously say… GO FOR IT, WORTH THE $$$! Click the link below to save$20 off of your 1st pair! https://www.talkable.com/x/La1a9c
I purchased my first pair of these dream shoes about a month ago, have 3 pairs now! They are so versatile, comfortable, and addicting! I’m a points girl (work in the design industry so they are a bit more stylish) but decided to try the taupe heater loafers and to my surprise they look AMAZIMG with both jeans and linen pants! I seriously say… GO FOR IT, WORTH THE $$$! Click the link below to save$20 off of your 1st pair! https://www.talkable.com/x/La1a9c
My Loafers are extremely versatile. I’m thinking about ordering the Point too, thanks for posting!!
Here’s my $20 code for anyone shopping: https://www.talkable.com/x/1Tnhxm
I purchased my first pair of these dream shoes about a month ago, have 3 pairs now! They are so versatile, comfortable, and addicting! I’m a points girl (work in the design industry so they are a bit more stylish) but decided to try the taupe heater loafers and to my surprise they look AMAZIMG with both jeans and linen pants! I seriously say… GO FOR IT, WORTH THE $$$! Click the link below to save $20 off of your 1st pair! https://www.talkable.com/x/uEQtab
If anyone needs a fresh $20 referral code, you can use this one:
https://share.rothys.com/x/r6z71Q
Thanks for the great review!I have 3 pairs, 2 rounded toe flats and 1 pair of loafers. I tried the points but ended up returning them because they didn’t feel comfortable with my wide feet! I found the flats to run true to size.
If anyone is looking for a referral code to save $20 off your purchase, you can use this link and also get free shipping! https://share.rothys.com/x/He1WhV
Enjoy!