Rothys vs Allbirds: Style Showdown
Rothys designs fashionable, comfortable, and washable women’s shoes. Rothys values sustainability in its manufacturing process and uses materials such as plastic water bottles, merino wool, eco-friendly outsoles, recycled foam insoles, and recyclable packaging.
Allbirds is a shoe and clothing brand for women and men. Mother Nature is their muse, as they strive to use materials sourced directly from the earth in their products to reduce their carbon footprint on the world. Allbirds shoes are made from eco-friendly materials such as merino wool, sugarcane, recycled bottles, castor oil, and organic TPU.
In this comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes, we look at how both brands compare to each other to help you make your purchasing decision.
Rothys vs Allbirds Flats
Rothys offers two versions of traditional ballerina flats: “The Flat” and “The Point.” These shoes are very similar, except for the pointed, narrow toe cap of “The Point.” “The Flat” and “The Point” are made from recycled disposable water bottles: each bottle is hot washed, sterilized, and cut into flakes, pressed into pellets, processed into yarn spools, then dyed and 3D-knit into each pair of Rothys shoes. Amazing!
The outsoles of Rothys ballerinas are made from eco-friendly, recycled, carbon-free rubber, while the insoles are made from recycled plastic from water bottles, recyclable foam, and bio-based castor oil. By using the 3D knitting method, each shoe is cut and shaped exactly the same every time, resulting in comfort and durability. Rothys shoes do not need to be broken in and mold perfectly to the shape of your foot and heel (so they don’t slip).
Rothys offers The Flat in 16 different colors and patterns, while there are 22 options for The Point. The shoes are available in attractive jewel tones, simple black and gray, with stripes and animal prints. Each pair features Rothys’ signature blue halo that surrounds the heel of the shoes. We’ve saved the best for last: Rothys shoes are machine washable!
The Allbirds version is the Tree Breezers model, which has a rounder toe box compared to Rothys flats. Tree Breezers are available in 16 different colors in limited editions, and unlike Rothys, there are no patterns or prints to choose from. The insoles of the Tree Breezers are made of merino wool, which provides softness, moisture wicking, and odor reduction. These insoles offer additional cushioning and arch support through the use of castor oil and a wool upper. The sole of Tree Breezers is made from SweetFoam™, which is derived from sugar cane. This material provides springy, lightweight comfort.
These shoes get their name from their origin: trees! Eucalyptus fibers are incorporated into the shoe material to create a silky-smooth feel and a cooling effect, allowing your feet to breathe and stay comfortable. The collar of the Tree Breezers fits snugly and securely around the foot, preventing slippage. The ribbed knit structure prevents this while giving your feet some room to move. The knit pattern of the Tree Breezers is thicker and more pronounced compared to the Rothys ballerinas, but just like Rothys, Allbirds are also machine washable.
Winner: Rothys
In this round of evaluating Rothys and Allbirds shoes, it was a close call. Both brands offer a range of options with shoes made from similar eco-friendly materials. However, with Allbirds shoes, you are limited to single colors. Rothys shoes are perfectly customized to the shape of your feet using their 3D knit technology, while Allbirds shoes may take a few weeks to mold to your feet. The appearance of the ballerina flats from the two brands is quite different, as they use different knitting techniques. I find that Rothys’ sewing method results in a more aesthetically pleasing shoe, but that’s just my personal opinion.
Rothys vs Allbirds Loafers
Rothys The Loafer is available in 16 different styles, including solid colors and patterns such as camouflage, melange, color block, and animal prints. Like all Rothys shoes, The Loafer is handmade from eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as the plastic bottles used to make Rothys’ signature thread. The outsoles are made from either carbon-free rubber or luxurious vegan leather, while the insoles are made from bio-based castor oil and recycled materials.
Thanks to the 3D knitting technology used in every Rothys shoe, the loafer comfortably adapts to the contours of your foot. The seamless construction means there are no hard seams or stiff edges that could cause discomfort. The vamp, or the middle part of the shoe’s upper, sits higher on your foot than in The Flat or The Point. This gives your toes the perfect balance between fit and freedom of movement. The shoe is ready to wear right out of the box and does not need to be broken in. However, the yarn will stretch a little over time. The loafers feature Rothys’ signature blue halo, a blue stripe that borders the heel of the shoe. These shoes are also machine washable.
Allbirds’ interpretation of loafers led to two distinctive Lounger designs: the Wool Loungers and the Tree Loungers. The Wool Loungers are made from merino sheep wool; the wool is washed, brushed, and spun into yarn, which is used for the shoes. Merino wool has useful moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and breathable properties without being itchy. The upper material of the Wool Loungers is soft and scratch-free on the inside and robust on the outside, creating consistent, firm comfort. The Wool Loungers have a SweetFoam™ outsole that provides lightweight, springy comfort throughout the foot. The insoles contain castor oil, which provides additional cushioning and noticeable arch support.
The upper material of Tree Loungers is made from eucalyptus fibers. After being processed from the tree into yarn, the material is used to knit the shoes. The tree-based knit fabric on a mesh base makes the shoes breathable and soft and ensures good ventilation. The outsoles of Tree Loungers are made from low-density foam, which is extremely comfortable thanks to its cushioning properties and friction control. The S-shaped profile of the sole is designed to adapt to the anatomical flexibility of your feet and ensure even weight distribution. The SweetFoam™ outsole makes every step light and springy.
Allbirds Wool Loungers are available in five colors, four of which are gray. Depending on which color you choose, the outsole is available in white, black, or gray. The Tree Loungers are much more colorful and come in chestnut brown, gray, and shades of green and blue, with most models featuring a white outsole. Both Lounger models are machine washable.
Winner: Allbirds
When brands make shoes that are so similar, the details matter. An evaluation of Rothys and Allbirds shoes revealed that both brands use recycled materials, with the latter using more functional components. Both brands claim to make comfortable shoes with excellent cushioning, but Allbirds lists more materials that prove this. Unlike Rothys shoes, Allbirds stand out for their lightness, which is also appealing. Although Rothys loafers are available in a wider range of colors and patterns, Allbirds wins this round due to the special attention they pay to the specific functional benefits of their shoes.
Quality
It takes a lot of thought, effort, and trial and error to perfect a design that sets your product apart from the competition. In this comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes, we take a look at the materials and processes used in the manufacture of their shoes.
Rothys
From materials to production to the treatment of their employees, Rothys is committed to sustainability. With this focus, they use environmentally friendly materials:
- Plastic water bottles: One million water bottles are sold every minute worldwide. Since 91% of the world’s plastic is not recycled, Rothys decided to knit water bottles into the upper material of its shoes to keep waste out of landfills. To date, the company has processed over 47 million single-use plastic bottles into yarn.
- Merino wool: Rothys’ humanely sourced merino wool comes from an Australian sheep farm and is processed into Rothys’ signature yarn. Merino wool is a naturally renewable resource that is processed in a sustainable Italian factory in the Alps, which is powered by solar panels and water turbines. The water used to manufacture the shoes is taken from the Alps, purified, and then returned.
- Eco-friendly outsoles: Rothys shoes are made with one of two outsoles that contain either luxurious vegan leather or carbon-free leather.
- Recycled foam insoles: Rothys insoles are made from bio-based castor oil and recycled materials, including bio-based algae.
In addition to using environmentally friendly materials, Rothys uses innovative 3D knitting technology for every pair of shoes. This process knits the shape, which uses less fabric. The commitment to environmental friendliness also extends to shipping, where the shoes are shipped directly in their boxes. Rothys strives for carbon neutrality through a program called Carbonfree®, which helps them offset their emissions with credits that benefit rainforests and reduce pollution and biofuel consumption in the US.
The design process for Rothys shoes begins in San Francisco, where the product team and creative director select the styles, colors, and patterns. The design specifications are then forwarded to the production facility in Dongguan, China. Only Rothys employees come into contact with the shoes during production, where they are manufactured using a combination of handcrafting and machine manufacturin.
Allbirds
Allbirds uses only materials that are sourced directly from the earth. The company’s goal is to design simple shoes without logos or unnecessary details that are manufactured in a natural and practical way. Some of the key materials used in Allbirds shoes:
- Merino wool: New Zealand has about six times more sheep than people, and all of that wool is used in the Allbirds process, which uses 60% less energy than synthetic materials. The sheep are well cared for, which is ensured by a leading organization called ZQ Merino.
- Trees: Allbirds’ TENCEL™ tree fiber uses 95% less water than traditional materials and reduces the brand’s carbon footprint by half. The South African farms where the trees grow rely on rain instead of irrigation. Allbirds is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®, which means that the materials are sourced according to strict standards for animals, forests, and people.
- Sugar cane: Allbirds’ SugarForm™ shoe sole is made from sugar cane sourced from southern Brazil. Sugar cane is a fast-growing renewable resource that sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. An organization called Proforest ensures that the sugar cane is sourced according to the highest standards.
- Super yarn: Allbirds has developed its own super yarn called Trino™ from eucalyptus fibers and merino wool.
- Recycled bottles: One pair of Allbirds shoelaces is made from one plastic water bottle.
- Castor oil: Used to increase the natural content in Allbirds shoes.
- Recycled cardboard: Allbirds packaging is made from 90% recycled cardboard.
Since 2019, Allbirds has been carbon neutral across its entire supply chain. For every ton of carbon the company emits, it pays to have one ton of this substance removed from the atmosphere. By purchasing certificates from verified third-party emission reduction projects, trees that bind and store carbon are protected, wind turbines are built, and harmful greenhouse gases are prevented from entering the atmosphere. Allbirds sources low-carbon materials that are transported by sea rather than air, which increases energy efficiency.
The fabric used for Allbirds’ Merino collections was manufactured in a textile factory near Milan, Italy. This factory is the only one certified by the European Commission for environmental sustainability. After the textile is manufactured, it is assembled by hand at the factory in South Korea. For the Tree collections, the fiber used is manufactured by Lenzing, an Austria-based manufacturer that has been awarded the European Prize for Sustainable Production by the EU. Knitting and assembly then take place at the factory in China.
Winner: Allbirds
In this round of the shoe comparison between Rothys and Allbirds, the latter emerges as the clear winner. While Rothys is undoubtedly committed to sustainability, Allbirds goes one step further and strives for complete carbon neutrality. Allbirds is recognized as a Certified B Corporation and uses fibers from an Austrian manufacturer that has been recognized by the EU for its sustainability. Both brands undoubtedly have good intentions, but Allbirds is wholly dedicated to protecting the environment.
Customer Ratings
In this comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes, it is important to consider customer reviews to get a comprehensive picture of both brands. Here is what verified paying customers have to say:
Rothys
On Trustpilot, there are 34 reviews for Rothys with a rating of 2/5 stars. One customer commented, “Honestly, there are no words for the customer service, which is a shame because their shoes are really great.” From the reviews I read, it appears that customers had minor issues with shipping or difficulties with delivery. Virtually no customers had problems with the shoes themselves.
While writing this review of Rothys and Allbirds shoes, I made some common observations on the Rothys website:
- Not suitable for wide feet.
- Painful, causes cuts and blisters.
- Washes and air-dries like a dream.
- Too small, so choose one size larger (as recommended on the website).
- Super comfortable.
- People love their shoes and own many pairs of them.
Allbirds
On SiteJabber, Allbirds received 3.5 out of 5 stars from 74 reviews. One customer said, “The shoes themselves are really nice and obviously well made. Unfortunately, they don’t quite fit my feet, but they were very helpful with the return—they even accept them if you’ve already worn them. I have to give them 5 stars just for their absolutely outstanding customer service. Companies like this deserve to be successful. They make high-quality products and offer honest service.”
The following comments were frequently found on the Allbirds website in reviews of Rothys and Allbirds shoes:
- Fits true to size
- Comfortable
- Just as advertised
- I love how they feel
- Can be worn straight out of the box, no break-in period required
- Even larger sizes are too tight
Winner: Allbirds
No shoe brand is perfect, and of course, every brand has negative reviews. However, Allbirds had higher ratings outside of its website. While Rothys customers had issues with customer service, Allbirds scored highly in this area. Some customers complained that Rothys shoes were uncomfortable, but this could also be related to choosing the wrong size. Either way, in a review of Rothys and Allbirds shoes, Allbirds received consistently positive comments.
Shipping & Returns
For all orders, shipping, inquiries, fees, and processes may vary depending on location and value of orders requested. For your information, this comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes provides an overview of the individual steps you can expect.
Rothys
Shipping:
- Free shipping on all orders
- Shipping within the US takes 5–9 business days
- UPS Expedited costs $25 and takes 2–3 business days
- UPS Rush costs $35 and takes 1–2 business days
- International orders may take 5–10 business days to deliver
- Exact delivery times are shown at checkout
- No international express shipping is offered
- Shipping only to the US, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Italy
Returns:
- Free returns on all orders.
- You have 30 days to return and exchange unworn items.
- To make a return, please visit the Returns Center.
- It takes 10 to 14 days for your refund to appear in your account.
Allbirds
Shipping:
- Free standard shipping on all orders over $50.
- Orders under $50 incur a $5 shipping fee.
- Standard shipping takes 5–7 business days from the time of order.
- Express shipping costs $12 and takes 2 business days.
- 1-day express shipping costs $20+.
- Express shipping is only available in the US and UK.
- Shipping to the US, Canada, New Zealand, China, the UK, and the EU.
Returns:
- Allbirds offers a 30-day trial period.
- Returns and exchanges are free of charge, even if the shoes have been worn.
- All other accessories are non-exchangeable and cannot be returned.
- To initiate a return, go to the “Returns and Exchanges” page.
Winner: Allbirds
A comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes showed that both brands have similar delivery times. While Rothys does not charge shipping costs and Allbirds does, Allbirds ships to more countries. What really gave Allbirds the win was its return policy. You can actually try Allbirds shoes anywhere, as they take back worn items, while Rothy’s is less flexible with returns.
Price & Value
This comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes compares the prices of all the products we discussed so you can make up your own mind:
Rothys
- The Point: $136–$236
- The Flat: $169–$209
- The Loafer: $223–$263
- The Sneaker: $169–$209
Allbirds
- Tree Breezers: $95
- Tree Loungers: $95
- Wool Loungers: $95
- Tree Skippers: $95
Winner: Allbirds
In this comparison between Rothys and Allbirds shoes, it is clear that Allbirds offers better value for money. Not only are the shoes cheaper, but they are also more environmentally friendly due to Allbirds’ carbon neutrality. Both brands produce well-made shoes designed for comfort, but with Allbirds, you get them at a lower price.
We Choose: Allbirds
To recap this Rothys vs Allbirds shoes review, let’s see how each brand stood against the other:
An evaluation of Rothys and Allbirds shoes revealed that both brands have incredible intentions when it comes to protecting the environment. However, Allbirds operates at a higher level in terms of sustainability. Allbirds consistently receives good reviews, while some customers have expressed issues with Rothys, whether in terms of fit or shipping and delivery.
What people love about Allbirds is that they offer a genuine 30-day trial period, so you can actually try the shoes out in different environments. Allbirds offers more for your money—you pay a fair price for high-quality, sustainable, and stylish products while reducing your carbon footprint. Keep up the good work, Allbirds!
Read our detailed reviews of Rothys and Allbirds.
