ROTHY’S VS BIRDIES

When I originally planned to do this post, I assumed it would be more of a comparison than a battle. Rothy’s and Birdies – What is best for you? Or something of that nature. Two of the most popular flats that claim comfort and style with similar price points. But I’m going to spill the beans. I have a personal clear winner.

I am going to break each shoe down on their own before sharing my preference. Just because I prefer one to the other, doesn’t make one bad or good. I just have very particular tastes and wants from a shoe, and I had that Cinderella moment when putting one pair on.

I ended up buying the Rothy’s point flat and the Birdies leather Starling flat. These are their most popular shoes, and both are super chic.

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ROTHYS

Rothy’s are made from recycled water bottles that are repurposed into a knit fabric. They are sustainable, washable, and incredibly lightweight. The Point Flat is what I think of when I hear Rothy’s. It is a super flattering shape and looks incredibly feminine and French. I love how chic these look!

Every single review you will read will tell you to go up a half size in The Point or a full size if you have a wide foot. I am normally a size 11 and decided to go with a full size up and get the 12. I don’t have a particularly wide foot, but some shoes do feel a little bit narrow on me. I almost always prefer a wide sandal.

THE FIT

Right off the bat, Rothy’s Point Flats are super comfortable. Or so you would think… The knit fabric really does form to your foot like a glove, and I could tell there would be zero break-in period. No blisters or scrunched toes. The 12 was definitely the right decision from a sizing standpoint.

THE CONSTRUCTION

Here is where my main issue with the Rothy’s lie. The sole of the shoe is SO narrow. I’m talking narrower than any shoe I have come across. And because the fabric is knit, you can feel your feet spilling over the sides and touching the floor. It was bizarre! Again, I don’t have traditionally narrow feet, but they also aren’t truly wide. I felt like my foot was an egg roll balancing on a spring roll. I have no other way to describe it.

The sole is also very thin; there is zero support. I can’t imagine walking more than a mile in these or being in a job like teaching. Standing in them all day at work would be rough for me and my high arches.

If you have a more narrow foot or find yourself a little flat-footed, these might be a great option for you! I know that Rothy’s has other styles, and I am tempted to try out their sneakers, but as a first experience they don’t work for me.

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BIRDIES

I had wanted to order a pair of Birdies for ages, but could never quite figure out if they were a slipper or a shoe. Their original marketing was very unclear, but they made some changes are officially a shoe that are comfortable enough to be worn as a house slipper and stylish enough for the office! Woman owned and operated, Birdies claims comfort and quality at the core of their brand.

The Starling Flat comes in suede, leather, and a cheetah print calf hair. For my first pair I went with leather, just from a durability standpoint and that we were going into spring. Suede didn’t feel very appropriate. After scouring reviews online, I knew that I should go up a half size in the leather, or be prepared to break them in. I didn’t want to deal with that, so I sized up to the 12, which is a full size larger than my normal shoe size.

THE FIT

I wish that I had the option for an 11.5, but half sizes are rarely an option for us larger footed ladies. While they are a tiny bit big, my feet don’t slip and slide in them at all. I would suggest going up a half size. They do run significantly wider, so if you have a narrow foot, you could probably stay true to size with no issues!

THE CONSTRUCTION

Birdies flats have a super cushy sole. One of the more supportive and comfortable flats I have ever tried. According to their website, they use seven layers to create their “comfort technology,” and you can feel it as soon as you slide your foot in. They just feel extra luxe. The leather is incredibly soft and flexible, and it just feels like butter. I totally get why they could be confused with house slippers, because they are just that comfortable.

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MY WINNER

While both of these shoes are amazing for different people, my own personal winner is Birdies Starling Flats. By a landslide. They are just so comfortable and have quickly become one of my most worn shoes. They slip on and off, go with any outfit, and I can wear them for hours with no foot pain. That alone is a big deal for me!

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