13 Rothy's Alternatives That Are More Affordable

August 06, 2024

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The second the world saw Meghan Markle sport eco-friendly Rothy’s flats, they immediately became the must-have shoe. Comfy, versatile, and even machine washable (yes, really!), the cult-favorite brand truly offers everything we could ever wish for in a flat. However, they are a little pricey, and while we think they’re definitely worth the investment, we couldn’t help but scope out Rothy’s alternatives. And yep, they’re out there — some are as affordable as $8!

Best Rothy’s Alternatives at a Glance

Best Overall: Semwiss Women’s Ballet Flats, $33
Best Runner-Up: Journee Sneakers, $40, was $60
Best Print Rothy’s Alternatives: Journee Collection Karise Flats, $32
Most Affordable Rothy’s Alternatives: Old Navy Soft-Knit Slip-On Sneakers, $17, was $35
Best Comfortable Rothy’s Alternatives: Clarks’ Cloudsteppers, $58, was $64
Best Rothy’s Alternatives for Work: Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats, $97
Best Rothy’s Alternatives with the Most Color Options: Frank Mully Women’s Ballet Flats, $37
Best Rothy’s Alternatives to Stand In All Day: Journee Collection Jersie Flats, $40
Best Lightweight Rothy’s Alternatives: Miranda Leopard Flats, $8
Best Rothy’s Alternatives for Wide Feet: Skechers Cleo Bewitch Ballet Flat, $40, was $50
Best Rothy’s Mary Jane Alternative: Heawish Pointed Toe Ballet Flat, $20, was $25

Pros & Cons of Rothy’s

There’s a long list of reasons shoppers flock to Rothy’s. The top feature that makes the shoes highly sought out is their all-day comfort and sleek designs. Rothy’s are crafted with knit uppers and flexible rubber soles that fit and move with your feet. The combination of materials is also supportive, even ones with issues like heel discomfort and toes prone to blisters. And according to Rothy’s shoppers, the flats offer plenty of stretch for a wider fit, making them an excellent option for expecting mothers! You can also wash your Rothy’s which extends each pairs’ longevity and durability.

But even the best shoes have some drawbacks. A common con of Rothy’s shoes is they lack arch support. Even though the flats are comfortable, they don’t offer as much arch spirit as other options on the market. That means if you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis or other common foot injuries, it’s best to skip them. Rothy’s shoes are also not waterproof (bummer). The knit material can not ward off water and will seep into the shoes, soaking the footbed.

Yes, Rothy’s designs and quality are unparalleled, but if you’re looking to supplement your existing Rothy’s collection or want to give the knitted footwear trend a road test, you can’t go wrong with adding these similar options to your cart. Whether you want the classic pointed flat, sneaker, or loafer, there are a variety of Rothy’s lookalikes out there. Ahead, check out our favorite knit shoes that are solid dupes for the Meghan Markle-approved Rothy’s shoes.

Semwiss Women’s Ballet Flats
These ballet flats are not only the most aesthetically convincing Rothy’s alternative design, but also the most comfortable. The upper is made from a high-stretch knitted fabric that mimics Rothy’s unique recycled plastic stretchy fabric (unclear if these are *as* eco-friendly as Rothy’s, but the rubber used is repurposed), so they’ve got similar breathability. Next, the memory foam insoles help support feet (especially arches), making these suitable all-day walking shoes. They’re non-slip, and they’re also washable (like Rothy’s are!). They come in 12 different colors and patterns. For $33, you really do get the most bang for your buck.
Semwiss Ballet Flats
$33$35.998% Off
on Amazon.com
Journee Sneakers
Let your feet be able to breathe on warm (or just…sweaty) days thanks to this pair. These slip-ons by Journee feature a knit fabric that’s perfect for summer and can carry you through fall.
Sizes available: 8.5 to 11
Colors: Black, taupe, pink
Material: Fabric uppers, rubber sole
Journee Collection Tru Comfort Foam™ Kimber Sneakers
$29.99, originally $59.99
Journee Collection Karise Flats
Can you believe these Rothy’s look-a-likes are on sale for just $32? They have almost identical silhouettes and offer the same great comfort as a traditional pair. The Karise ballet flats have a closed-toe design that makes them perfect for wearing through all types of weather. You can snag the flats in several fun patterns, including this spotted animal print.
Sizes available: 6 to 12
Colors: Black, blue, brown, animal print
Material: Knit fabric
Journee Collection Karise Flats
$32 (originally $45)
Old Navy Soft-Knit Slip-On Sneakers
Instead of the flats, try Old Navy’s knitted sneakers that are identical to Rothy’s version. These slip-on shoes aren’t just durable, but they’re also beyond soft and comfortable. Plus, they’re only $17.
Sizes available: 6 to 11
Colors: Taupe, white, navy, black
Material: 51% recycled polyester, 30% cotton, plastic thermoplastic rubber
Old Navy Soft-Knit Slip-On Sneakers
$17, was $35
Clarks’ Cloudsteppers
These name-brand Rothy’s alternatives are likely the best quality, since Clarks is known for comfort. They’re about half the price of Rothy’s, but they’re marked down right now so they’re even cheaper! They come in pretty solids and even a faux-fur footbed for some options.
Sizes available: 5M to 12N
Colors: Lavender, blue, black, red, light taupe, and 7 others
Material: Textile, man-made material
Clarks Cloudsteppers Stretch Slip-Ons
$58, was $64
Vivaia Flats
If you couldn’t see the logo, you’d think these were Rothy’s. Vivaia offers an almost exact replica of the knitted flats—washable, recycled materials and all. They’ve also got stylish boots, sneakers, and more that we’ve got our eyes on. They’re on the higher end for dupes, but still around $50 cheaper at $97.
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Colors: 37
Material: Natural Artemisia Argy herbal insole, rubber outsole
Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats (Aria 5°)
$97, originally $97
Frank Mully Women’s Ballet Flats
These pretty pink ballet flats are sure to catch a few eyes. The stunning shoes have a classic pointed toe lined with cushion pads to keep your feet comfortable all day. The flats are also moisture-wicking, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damp.
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Colors: Pink, black, bronze, red, ecru, and 23 others
Material: Rubber, knit fabric
Frank Mully Womens Ballet Flats
$37
Journee Collection Jersie flats
The classic round-toe flats were the first to put Rothy’s on the map, and these Journee Collection Jersie flats are practically their clones. They’re foldable, washable, have cushion-y foam insoles, and best of all they have a roomy round toe box, which podiatrists recommend pretty much across the board. Grab them in one of a lineup of great hues, like this bright navy.
Sizes available: 5.5 to 12
Colors: Pink, taupe, black, red, grey, cream, navy, tan
Material: Knit fabric
Journee Collection Jersie Flats
$40
Miranda Leopard Flats
This lightweight pair by Miranda is hard to tell apart from Rothy’s — until you look at that $8 price tag. Made of sustainable materials, the lightweight slip-ons are just as comfy, durable and practical. And in feisty leopard print, just as adorable, too.
Sizes available: 5.5 to 9.5
Colors: Black, rose red, apricot, black grey, pruple
Material: Fabric
Skechers Flats
These stretchy Skechers ballet flats were immediately dubbed a Rothy’s dupe by Amazon shoppers, so they’re obviously a must-have. The scalloped trim adds a little flair, and the selection of colors is really pretty. Some other Cleo styles from Skechers are even discounted on Amazon for a few dollars less. Bonus? They’re made with memory foam, so you’ll feel good when you’re walking around in them, unlike so many cheapie flats.
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Colors: Black, charcoal, natural, grey, and navy
Material: 100% flat knit
Cleo Bewitch Ballet Flat
$40 (originally $50
on Amazon.com
Heawish Flats
When Rothy’s dropped their dainty Mary Janes, we couldn’t handle how chic they were. Those retail for $159, but you can get a similar pair for just $20 on Amazon. If you hate wearing heels, these pretty flats are a solid alternative that still feel dressed up.
Sizes available: 6 to 11
Colors: Black leopard, beige black, green, and 7 others
Material: Mesh, rubber
Heawish Pointed Toe Ballet Flat With Elastic Cross Strap
$20 (originally $25)
on Amazon.com
Journee Collection Maryann Flat
Rothy’s flats are known as the perfect everyday pair, and these lookalike Journee Collection flats are just as comfortable and stylish. This wear-them-everywhere pair deliver the same breathable feel, a modern look, and a supportive footbed that you’ll love.
Sizes available: 6 to 12
Colors: Nude, mauve, grey, white, blue, green
Material: Knit fabric
Journee Collection Maryann Flats
$40
Old Navy Knit Almond-Toe Ballet Flats
Black always stays in fashion, right? But if it’s not your thing, these comfy knit flats come in other neutral colors to match your wardrobe. It’s a best seller so it’s sure to sell out fast. Luckily, there are other styles available, too.
Sizes available: 6 to 11
Colors: Black, cocoa, espresso, cozy cashmere
Material: 100% synthetic materials
Old Navy Knit Almond-Toe Ballet Flats
$17, was $35
Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers
Now, you can have the comfort of Allbirds’ sneakers in sleek flats. Made with eucalyptus tree, they’re silky smooth and sustainable. And yes, they’re machine-washable!
Sizes available: 5 to 11
Colors: Mist, navy, natural white, hazy indigo, jet black, and 9 others
Material: Renewable materials
Tree Breezers
$100