For my readers in the USA and Canada, have you heard about Rothy’s flats? I love them and first told you about this sustainable shoe brand that makes stylish flats from recycled water bottles (although you’d never know it) earlier this year. Since then, I’ve picked up two more styles and want to give you the scoop on the Rothy’s Point and the Loafer.
Rothy’s Loafers review (plus my thoughts on the Points)
For a discount on your first pair of Rothy’s flats, you can use my Rothy’s discount code here for $20 off (and I’ll get $20 off my next pair, too!). Hope you enjoy my Rothy’s reviews.
I talk about all kinds of things here on Oui in France that I like — not just products from French companies — and Rothy’s is one brand that has wholly impressed me. The shoes absolutely fit in with the French style aesthetic and can be worn for travel (to France!), work, and anything else that requires well-made shoes with a bit of flair. It’s an added bonus that they’re ethically and sustainably made.
In case this is the first time you’re hearing of Rothy’s flats, here’s a quick recap. First, Rothy’s is an American brand out of San Francisco.
Constructed of plastic water bottles on their way to the landfill, Rothy’s shoes launched with four colorful, versatile styles. I talked about the options in my first Rothy’s review post.
Rothy’s flats have an eco-friendly, carbon-free sole and a removable cushioned insole made with foam components from recycled shoes that can be machine washed along with the entire shoe. So if your Rothy’s get dirty or sweaty, it’s no big deal. Throw them in the wash, let them air dry, and they’re good to go!
One of my favorite things about the ordering process is that it’s risk free. All orders include free shipping as well as free returns/exchanges, so if you don’t get the sizing right, you can easily exchange them for the right size.
While Rothy’s are not cheap, I feel good about supporting companies that aren’t contributing to fast fashion.
My first foray into the Rothy’s world was with the Flat and the Sneaker. I loved them so much that I picked up the other two available styles, the Point and the Loafer, since I’m doing a bit more work travel than usual and wanted to look on point (sorry for the pun).
I am a bit of a fashion minimalist, so adding a pop of style on my feet makes me feel good about my outfit choices and can elevate basic casual wear. All styles are meant to be worn barefoot which I think adds to their appeal. They just look HOT.
So let’s get into my review of the 2 newest styles in my closet: Rothy’s Loafers review and Point review.
I have a textured rug that imprinted some weird marks on my skin. Sorry about that!
Rothy’s Point review
Cost: US $145
(get $20 off w/my Rothy’s discount code)
OK, so out of the entire Rothy’s lineup, the Point is probably the most stylish look of the bunch, but I opted for the round-toe Flat for my first pair. I figured the Point would squeeze my toes or be too tight, so I steered clear. Luckily, the Point fits really well (once I got the right size) and looks great on, so my snap judgment was wrong. I LOVE THIS SHOE!
As you can see, I opted for the gray zebra which is neutral enough to go with a variety of colors but more interesting than black (what I was gravitating toward). The signature heel stripe is red.
Like all Rothy’s flats, the material almost feels like a sturdy knit sweater. But they’re not floppy or anything and hold their shape beautifully. It’s hard to explain, but there’s nothing plastic-feeling about the material. It’s not rigid or hard at all and you would never know they’re made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Let’s talk sizing. I normally wear a US 9 in all shoes and sized up a 1 full size in the point (more on sizing below, although in the pic above I was in the wrong size). It’s a fitted shoe that is sexy, in a way, since a lot of your foot is exposed. I feel like the Point can be worn in most offices, with a variety of outfits, dressed up or down, and appeal to a lot of style aesthetics.
Rothy’s Loafers review
Cost: US $165
(get $20 off w/my Rothy’s discount code)
I was on the fence about the Loafer, but they’ve quickly become my go-to pair of Rothy’s, even in the summer. They literally feel like you’re slipping your foot into a cozy sweater. As soon as I slipped my feet in, I think my first words were, “Wow, they feel niiiiiice.” They hug your feet and just feel like home.
Like the Point style, I also sized up a full size in the Loafers and went with a 10. This was a smart choice because I feel like Rothy’s in general run small. Despite what their website says, I think you need to size up a 1/2 size or even full size. But more on sizing below.
As you can see, I went with the camouflage pattern. The distinctive heel stripe is neon orange and black and is a nice touch. You can never go wrong with a pop of color.
I’ve never gotten blisters or broken skin from Rothy’s flats, but I’ve eased my feet into them very slowly before any blisters could form. I’d recommend breaking the shoes in by wearing them for an hour at a time the first couple of wears and if anything starts to rub, it’s time to take them off for the day. Now they feel like slippers and are comfortable AF.
One note about sizing, if your first thought when you put them on is “hmmm, maybe they’re a little too snug. Let’s see…” go with your gut and size up. I was in the wrong size for a year because I figured they’d stretch or I’d break them in. Nope. If your first thought is something along the lines of them being snug or tight, they’re too small so exchange them before it’s too late!
Right out of the box, I wouldn’t recommend wearing them for a 12-hour day right off the bat, especially in a hot climate where your feet will sweat.
One last thing on sizing for 2020 and beyond. Light-colored loafers (beige and holiday metallic launch, for example) seem to run BIG and I got my regular 10 and had to get a 9.5 instead. Sizing doesn’t seem to be consistent on the lighter colors.
Rothy’s sizing notes for the Point and the Loafer
I am always a solid 9 in shoes. Sneakers, heels, whatever, I’m a 9 unless the brand runs big or small. In Rothy’s Points and Loafers, I’m a 10. I recommend that you order a 1/2 size or full size larger than your normal size if you have a medium width foot.
I was afraid the Points would squish my toes but they fit well, which I didn’t expect because the toe box area looks, well, pointy. But it’s all good. They are super snappy looking and perfect for both work and casual wear.
In some cases, it may make sense to go up a full size from your regular shoe size. Remember, Rothy’s do not stretch.
Important sizing considerations for the Rothy’s points and loafers:
For both the point and loafer styles, my recommendation is to size up a full size if the following apply to you. Otherwise, a half size up should be fine.
- If you’ll be wearing your Rothy’s in a warm climate or mostly in the summertime
- If you’ll be on your feet all day and your feet have a tendency to swell
- If your feet are on the wider side
- If your big toe or toenail is sensitive and tends to get squished in shoes
- If you like your shoes to have room or prefer a less snug fit
If any of the above 5 points apply to you, it might be best to go up a full size. Or get both options and return the one that doesn’t work. Remember, shipping and returns/exchanges are free so don’t stress too much about sizing. You can always swap out your shoes for a different size.
Another quick word about blisters with the Points. If you size up in the Points and your foot has a little more space to move around, be sure to break in the shoes and don’t expect to wear them all day right out of the box.
This wasn’t the case with my loafers, but I felt the Points starting to rub on the heel within 10 minutes of putting them on, so I took some preventive measures.
To avoid blisters on the heel, put a Band-Aid or covering of some sort if you feel it starting to rub before it breaks the skin. After a couple of wears, this shouldn’t be an issue at all and your Rothy’s Points will feel like slippers.
But it’s a very real possibility the Points may rub your heel if you size up (a necessity), so be prepared with Band-Aids and a backup shoe option the first couple of wears.
As I said above, you know you’re in the wrong size if your thought when you first put them on is, “Hmm, these may be a little snug…let’s see.” Go with your gut and size up!
Bottom line: Are Rothy’s Loafers and Points worth it?
Yes, and I’m a little obsessed.
Rothy’s flats, including the Point and Loafer, are versatile and well made, so if you’re on the hunt for comfortable flats for work or play and/or ethical shoes, they’re worth your time and money. Plastic water bottles have never looked better! So to answer, “Are Rothy’s worth it,” my answer is an easy yes. Get $20 off here with my Rothy’s discount code!
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Do you have any Rothy’s shoes? Is buying ethically made goods important to you? Are you more of a Rothy’s Loafers or Points gal?
Have you heard of Quince for high-quality essentials at an affordable price (think $50 cashmere!). Here’s my Quince review and be sure to use my Quince discount code for $20 off!
Pin my Rothy’s Loafers and Points review 2024:
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