Three Influencers on the Best Rothy's Shoes They’ve Ever Worn

This sustainable, one-billion-dollar brand is becoming a go-to for content creators, editors, and A-list celebrities. Here's why.

Last year, writer and content creator Erika Veurink planned a trip to Italy. Knowing she would log tons of miles, she was searching for a comfortable shoe that could act as a sneaker alternative. She recalled a fellow style writer raving about their new shoes from the sustainably-minded direct-to-consumer footwear brand Rothy's— and with that vote of confidence, Veurink decided to grab a pair of Mary Janes for her trip. That was the beginning of her love affair with the Rothy's brand—even taking pen to paper to write about her experience in The Strategist, an article Veurink says may be her most popular to date. Clocking 15,000 steps a day around Florence, combined with a week's worth of spring outfits, those stretchy knit Mary Janes kept Veurink's feet blister-free without a breaking-in period. Since then, she's worn them at least once a week. "I can safely say my Rothy's Mary Janes are my most-worn shoe," she tells Marie Claire.

Erika veurink in a blue top, black pants, and black Rothy's mary jane flats looking away in a garden

Veurink wore her Rothy's Mary Janes in Italy where she walked 15,000 steps a day without a problem.

(Image credit: Erika Veurink)

Veurink isn't the only content creator recently turned into a vocal Rothy's fan. Heather Hurst, style curator and writer of the fashion and design newsletter PIGPEN, knew her mother had been a Rothy's-wearer for years, but it wasn't until Hurst read her friend Veurink's article that she became intrigued by the shoe, tried the same Mary Jane style, and took to social media to post a glowing review for her nearly 170,000 TikTok followers. Style influencers’ seal of approval didn't stop there. Natalie Shine also posted a tribute to the brand on her TikTok last spring that went viral—amassing 6.3 million views (and counting). That same Mary Jane style sold out online— but have come back in stock since.

@natgawd

♬ original sound - Natalie

While Rothy's has come into the mainstream spotlight in the past year, the brand has been around since 2016. Co-founders Roth Martin and Stephen Hawthornthwaite launched the company with the goal of creating good-looking, comfortable shoes while reducing plastic waste in the process. With an all-female executive team at the helm, Rothy's has utilized 166 million single-use bottles and over 603,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastics throughout its collections. In the process, they've raked in millions of customers and dedicated fan pages like a Rothy's Addicts group on Facebook and a dedicated sub-Reddit.

While the Mary Janes are a favorite, the brand has many other styles, including cool white sneakers (worn by Emily Ratakowski), their newly launched wedge sandals, and essential loafer styles. Ahead, we've rounded up the brand's most sought-after styles with insights from Veurink, Hurst, Shine, and Marie Claire editors, who have also become devout Rothy's fans. Try a pair, and we're willing to bet you'll turn into a convert, too.

Shop the Best Rothy's Shoes

Other Rothy's Shoes We Love

What Makes Rothy's Different

  • Sustainability

Known for their commitment to sustainability, Rothy's circular approach is built into every part of the shoe-making process and they're the world’s first shoe manufacturer to receive both LEED Gold and TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification. Each pair of shoes is crafted from single-use water bottles that are then converted into the brand's signature fiber and used throughout their collections. They also make their footbeds out of algae and incorporate natural and renewable materials in their outsoles. Not only do they divert an average of 90 percent of their design material from landfills, but the brand also has a recycling program to turn used shoes back into raw fibers that can be given a second or third life.

  • Comfort

Their sustainable practices are admirable, but the brand is also critically acclaimed for its comfort. Veurink's 15,000 steps were made easier thanks to Rothy's signature moldable knit fabric and seamless construction, which results in a soft, flexible hand feel— meaning they're ready to go right out of the box—no breaking-in required. Rothy's shoes also have a trademarked insole design, that includes a plush cushion and arch support.

  • Machine-washable

Another major selling point of Rothy's shoes? They're all machine-washable. Simply remove the insoles and throw them in the wash alongside the shoe. The brand recommends running the delicate cycle with cold water, and mild detergent, Air-dry them and they're as good as new.

How to Style the Best Rothy's Shoes

Emily Ratajkowski pairs her fresh white Rothy's sneakers with an otherwise monochromatic look.

Emily Ratajkowski pairs her fresh white Rothy's sneakers with an otherwise monochromatic look.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Rothy's sneakers are easy to style. Their sleek, clean look pairs well with just about anything from dresses and skirts to denim shorts and tailored trousers. You can get creative, although the age-old combo of jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers never gets old. If you need inspiration just look to Emily Ratajkowski, who styled her Rothy's sneakers with baggy pants and tucked-in tube socks.

Rachel Sennott sports Rothy's Mary Janes in L.A. in a peak summer look.

Rachel Sennott sports Rothy's Mary Janes in L.A. in a peak summer look.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"The longer I've owned Rothy's Mary Janes, the more styling opportunities I discover— some I never would have initially thought of," says Veurink. They look equally put-together with denim, maxi dresses, and even trendy wide-leg cargo pant styles. Or dial up their ladylike charm while still staying casually cool by pairing them with a pleated skirt or summery mini dress, like Sennott does.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex greet members of the public on October 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

Megan Markle masters spring uniform dressing by pairing her Rothy slip-ons with a little black dress and a classic khaki trench while on tour in Melbourne, Australia.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Rothy's pointed-toe flat will add a hint of sophistication to a dress, but you won't need a more comfortable shoe swap to change into. Megan Markle mastered spring uniform dressing by pairing her Rothy slip-ons with a little black dress and a classic khaki trench coat.

Meet the Experts

Erika Veurink headshot
Erika Veurink

Erika is a writer covering fashion, beauty, and wellness. She has an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Bennington College and contributes to outlets such as The Cut, Vogue, AD, and Coveteur. She also writes the Long Live Substack, a weekly newsletter on her passion for shopping secondhand.

Natalie shine selfie
Natalie Shine

Natalie is a fashion and beauty content creator whose TikTok on Rothy's gained over six million views. She's also the host of The Big Silly Trivia Game and the founder of plush toy company, Mopsy Toys.

Heather Hurst photo
Heather Hurst

Heather is a style curator and content creator based in Brooklyn, New York. She also has a vintage business, Vintage HQ, and writes the fashion and interior design newsletter, PIGPEN, on Substack.

Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.