Why I love Rothy's shoes: Sustainability, style and comfort
Sustainable shoe brand Rothy's says it's turned more than 50 million water bottles into shoes that, in my book, score high in fashionability and comfort.
Megan Foster
Rothy’s Flat, the specs
It's more than style that keeps Rothy's shoes dear to my heart.
- The insoles and outsoles of the shoes are machine washable. Since they’re made with up-cycled materials, they're less likely to shrink.
- The shoes are created using a 3D knitting machine. This greatly reduces how much waste is created with each new pair.
- Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to decompose. Since Rothy’s spins plastic bottles into thread, they say their shoes gain significant durability
- You can get shoes in 11 different colors and patterns — from a versatile navy to a bold leopard print.
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Why I fell in love with Rothy’s, the brand
In 2016, Rothy’s launched its first shoe. The company went through four years of research and development before their first product showcased, according to a spokesperson. They didn’t gain traction until two years later when, in 2018, Meghan Markle publicly wore The Point shoes and introduced the brand to the masses, according to Forbes.
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Rothy’s shoes are made of water bottles
Instead of using cotton, polyester or rubber-based materials, Rothy's creates their shoes and bags from a unique thread spun from water bottles they collect from oceans across the globe. To create the signature thread, Rothy's puts the plastic bottles through a three-step process:
A machine chips the collected water bottles into flakes.
Pressure is used to press the flakes into small pellets.
Using a 3D knitting process — a machine transforms the pellets into spools of thread, which are in turn dyed and knitted into footwear and bags.
Currently, Rothy's estimates it has recycled more than 53,614,900 water bottles to use in their products.
Rothy's aims to be a 'zero waste' company
Through the process of 3D knitting, the brand is able to create their products with little-to-no waste, the company claims. Rothy's programs its equipment to craft the exact shape of the shoe without needing to cut or rid of any material.
Rothy's packages are sustainable, too
The boxes used to ship their products are made from 85 percent post-consumer recycled materials. They’re also vegan and biodegradable. Their durable material allows them to avoid additional packaging, the brand says.
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Other styles from Rothy's
The Flat continues to be one of the bestselling items on the site — and still my favorite. Once it’s time to do so, I’ll definitely be adding more of the Flat to my collection. If you’re on the lookout for a practical shoe that is eco-friendly and designed to stand the test of time, you may want to consider some of Rothy’s additional styles, including their brand new sandal collection. I own The Sneaker and The Chelsea Boot in addition to the original pointed-toe flat — if you’re in need of a good walking shoe, these may be good options. Each style is offered in a variety of colors and patterns so you can easily change up your look.
In March, the brand introduced a collection of bags created from the same material as their shoes.
The Point
This modern, pointed flat can be dressed up or down. They have no break-in period so you can start wearing them immediately with little discomfort.
The Loafer
The Loafer is great for lounging, taking the dog for a walk or doing chores around the home. It comes in solid colors as well as unique patterns.
The Mary Jane
The polished bow on The Mary Jane is an upgrade to the original Point shoe.
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The Sneaker
The Sneaker is a great go-to shoe because it can be worn year-round. It showcases an ivory outsole and comes in eight versatile colors.
The Chelsea Boot
If you’re looking for a shoe with more coverage and support, the Chelsea Boot may be a good option. It's crafted with a stitch-less design that eliminates uncomfortable seams.
The Knot
The Knot comes in four colors and is finished with a light brown, vegan outsole.
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The Triple Band
This warm-weather shoe features a soft footbed made with plant-based materials.
The Handbag
The Handbag is the brand’s signature bag. It sports a top handle and a detachable strap so you can wear it multiple ways.
The Essential Tote
The Essential Tote features a zipper closure and a base insert for structure. It also has an interior magnet to easily attach The Essential Pouch.
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