Rothys vs Allbirds Shoes Review: In-Depth Comparison 2023

Introduction

In the world of sustainably-made shoes, two brands stand out from the pack: Rothys and Allbirds. Both Rothys and Allbirds design stylish, comfortable footwear using recycled and natural materials with impressive eco-credentials.

But with so many similarities, which brand should you choose for your next pair of knit sneakers or flats? This in-depth Rothys vs Allbirds comparison reviews key factors like materials, manufacturing, style selection, sizing, pricing, and more to name a definitive winner.

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to decide whether Rothys or Allbirds better matches your personal preferences and budget. Or, if it makes sense to own shoes from both trailblazing sustainable brands.

Comparing Rothys and Allbirds Origins

Rothys started in 2016 in San Francisco, motivated by the enormous waste generated from single-use plastic water bottles. The company set out to transform trash into threads and knit them into stylish, everyday footwear.

Allbirds emerged a year earlier in 2015, also based out of San Francisco. Founder Tim Brown originally crafted prototype sneakers from super fine merino wool while playing soccer in New Zealand. Allbirds soon expanded into other natural materials like eucalyptus tree fiber as it grew.

Despite their similar roots, Rothys and Allbirds take divergent approaches when turning recycled and natural ingredients into shoes. Those differences significantly impact style selection, fit and sizing, comfort, care and cleaning, and pricing.

Styles Available

Rothys currently manufacturers four styles:

• The Flat – Rothys signature ballet flat
• The Point – A pointed toe ballet flat
• The Loafer – Slip on loafer silhouette
• The Sneaker – Low top laceless sneaker style

Most Rothys styles utilize knitted uppers made from plastic water bottles with either a rubber or leather sole. Patterns include solids, two-tone melanges, stripes, camo and animal prints across 16-22 color ways per style.

Allbirds sells 9 styles covering sneakers, runners, loungers, boots, flats, and sandals. Materials differ significantly between collections:

• Tree Line – Uppers knit from eucalyptus tree fiber
• Wool Line – Uppers woven from premium merino wool
• Plant Line – Uppers made from plant-based leather and cotton
• Natural Line – Uppers featuring undyed, natural merino wool colors

The Tree and Wool collections focus on grey-scale color ways while flashes of color distinguish certain Plant and Natural styles. Overall, Allbirds offers substantially more variety in styles and materials than Rothys.

Winner: Allbirds

With nearly double the amount of styles spanning sneakers, boots, loafers, and sandals, Allbirds takes the cake when it comes to selection. The variation in premium materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber and plant-based leather also edges out Rothys more singular focus on knitted fabrics.

How Rothys and Allbirds Size

Both Rothys and Allbirds aim for comfort right out the box, but sizing differs slightly between the two brands.

Rothys utilizes a proprietary 3D knitting technique to craft the upper, resulting in a seamless, contoured fit customized to your foot. The company recommends ordering your regular shoe size.

Allbirds also suggests ordering your true size. However, reviews indicate their merino wool styles fit more generously than the eucalyptus tree offerings. Trying them on first can optimize fit.

Many reviews for both Allbirds and Rothys suggest sizing up a half or full size if you fall between standard shoe sizes or have wider feet.

Rothys offers standard and wide sizing up to size 12 for women and 15 in men’s. Allbirds sells up to size 16 for women and size 15 for men, all in standard width.

Winner:

It‘s a tie when it comes to Rothys vs Allbirds sizing and fit. Both brands aim for customized contouring withouttightness or pressure points. Following the sizing guidance provided by each company should yield the best match.

Comparing Comfort

Comfort makes or breaks whether we love our shoes and want to wear them all day long. Here‘s how Rothys and Allbirds compare on keeping your feet feeling good.

Rothys Comfort Technology

Rothys utilizes proprietary foams and lightweight EVA outsoles for cushioning. The knitted fabric upper molds gently to your feet for a customized contoured fit.

Many reviews praise Rothys comfort right out of the box, with no break-in required. However, some wearers report issues with blisters or cut marks across the toes or back of the ankle.

Allbirds Comfort Technology

Allbirds shoes contain premium wool, tree fiber and plant-based materials selected specifically for comfort. Signatures like merino wool and eucalyptus tree knit breathe well and regulate temperature.

Proprietary SweetFoamTM made from sugar cane provides lightweight, bouncy cushioning. The merino wool insole also adds pillowy softness and moisture wicking.

Most Allbirds buyers agree their shoes are extraordinarily comfortable for all-day wear. Occasionally wearers with flat feet or high arches find the merino insoles pack down too quickly.

Winner: Allbirds

For exceptional, durable comfort engineered to last over extended wear, Allbirds stands out over Rothys. The greater focus on comfort-enhancing materials wins over Rothys singular reliance on standard EVA foams.

Care and Cleaning

Keeping your favorite shoes looking and smelling fresh means everything. Here‘s the lowdown on caring and cleaning Rothys vs Allbirds:

Caring for Rothys

The knitted plastic and wool fabric upper of Rothys can safely go right in the washing machine and air dry. Use cold water and gentle cycle to maintain shape and color vibrancy.

Rothys recommends spot washing scuffs on foam soles with soap and water. Replenishing water protection spray also helps maintain the shoes.

Caring for Allbirds

Similarly, all Allbirds styles thoroughly hold up with regular machine washing and air drying. Use cold water and delicate cycle to prevent shrinkage or distortion.

For best results, Allbirds recommends washing shoes every two weeks even without visible stains to prevent odor buildup.

Winner: Tie

When it comes to care and cleaning, Rothys and Allbirds brands both utilize washable, natural materials designed to launder well. Follow the care instructions provided by each company to keep shoes looking fresh.

Cost Comparison

Pricing out your potential Rothys vs Allbirds purchase can influence which brand fits both your lifestyle and budget. Here‘s how costs break down:

Rothys Pricing

• The Flat – $165
• The Point – $145
• The Loafer – $175
• The Sneaker – $125

Rothys rarely offers sales or discounts outside of seasonal holiday specials. Expect to pay full price year-round.

Allbirds Pricing

• Wool Runners – $110
• Tree Runners – $110
• Tree Skippers – $110
• Tree Flyers – $160
• Tree Pipers – $100

Allbirds frequently offers 10-15% sitewide discounts plus occasional 30% off sales around holidays. Sign up for email to catch deals.

Winner: Allbirds

Across comparable sneaker styles, Allbirds maintain a $15-$50 price advantage over Rothys. Bargain hunters can also take advantage of regular sitewide sales and deals to save.

Sustainability Comparison

Both Allbirds and Rothys aim to create stylish, comfortable shoes while minimizing environmental harm. But how exactly do their sustainability bonafides stack up?

Rothys Sustainable Practices

Rothys manufacturers every pair of shoes from 20 recycled plastic water bottles. Other recycled and bio-based ingredients include foam cushioning, algae insoles and natural rubber soles.

The company is working towards operating as a completely closed-loop manufacturer who reuses 100% of its materials output. Currently Rothys recycles all fabric scraps back into shoe components and repurposes returned shoes.

Rothys has built what it calls the world‘s first carbon-negative production facility. The Vietnam-based knitting factory will offset double the carbon emissions it generates by funding forest conservation.

Allbirds Sustainable Standards

Allbird‘s sustainable practices include becoming entirely carbon neutral in 2019. The brand offsets all emissions generated during materials sourcing, manufacturing, shipping and more.

Proprietary natural materials also minimize Allbirds carbon footprint. Each pair repurposes 11 plastic bottles into laces and eyelets. The company‘s recycled cardboard packaging skips plastic bags and cutouts waste.

But unlike Rothys centralized control, Allbirds relies on third-party verified vendors to uphold social responsibility standards across its wool, tree fiber, and sugar supply chains.

Winner: Rothys

For sustainable manufacturing within its own four walls, Rothys stands out over Allbirds more dispersed supply ecosystem. The brand‘s investments in a closed loop future and carbon negative facilities signal serious dedication.

Final Verdict: Rothys vs Allbirds

Declaring one clear winner between sustainable standouts Rothys and Allbirds ultimately depends on personal preferences:

• Allbirds wins on style variety, cost savings, and comfort customization.
• Rothys leads in sustainable manufacturing and odorate transparency.

For shoppers focused strictly on budget, Allbirds frequent site wide sales provide the best opportunity to save. The broader offerings also allow you to match precise activities like running, working or lounging.

But if you prioritize buying from innovative green brands pushing supply chains towards closed loop recycling, Rothys has the edge. The knit flats and sneakers also suit fans of bright hues and playful prints.

At the end of the day, you can feel good buying shoes from either Rothys or Allbirds. Both companies are working diligently to reduce waste one step at a time. With more improvement undoubtedly on the horizon, we all win by supporting these mission-driven brands.