Coming off the tail end of the most incredible first-time rendezvous through Europe, I was all too aware of just how important high-quality walking shoes are. While I had packed a few of my favorite pairs of sneaks, my feet were in dire need of being propped up and revived. As much as I love my usual go-tos (and as comfortable as I typically find them), they simply aren’t cut out for miles and miles of walking every day for 12 days straight, and my poor, aching soles and blistered ankles proved it.
Because of this, I set out to find the perfect travel sneaker—a pair that could just as easily be worn with leggings, shorts, and skorts as it could with dresses. When scouring social media for recommendations, I came across the Rothy’s The Lace Up Sneaker ($169)—a pair so notable, it’s racked up 8.2 billion views on TikTok.
@crystalmuguerza putting my new @rothys to the test 🙌🏼 #sneakers #review #machinewashable #fashion ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
@two_scoops_of_style My ride or die white sneakers for TRAVEL. I’ve walked at least 1/2 million steps in both pairs. Find both pairs in our LTK under “July Tiktoks” 👆🏻#travelshoes #travelfashiontips #whitesneakers #rothys ♬ So Much Happiness – Lux-Inspira
Naturally, I had to give them a whirl. Keep reading to uncover my honest review of the cult-favorite shoes.
All about Rothy’s Lace-Up sneakers
Rothy’s is renowned for its recycled plastic footwear and accessories. While most of the sustainable brand’s shoe offering is dedicated to flats, more recently, they’ve delved into sandals and sneakers. The Rothy’s Lace Up Sneaker, in particular, features soft, flexible uppers, a contoured footbed, padded ankles, durable and supportive gum outsoles, and tailorable laces for the perfect fit. They’re sold in six colors in women’s sizes 5 to 13.
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A big bonus of these streamlined sneaks? They’re machine-washable. Simply remove the footbeds, tie the laces, and toss them in a cold wash on the delicate cycle. From there, let them air dry. Easy peasy.
Are the Rothy’s Lace Up Sneakers worth it?
$169 for a pair of minimalist knit sneakers definitely feels like a splurge but from the moment I slipped my feet into the Rothy’s Lace Up Sneakers, I immediately understood why they’re worth the investment.
For starters, the lace-up sneakers are very easy to slip on and off (a big plus for when going through TSA). Even after tying the laces a bit tighter, I was able to remove them with ease.
Once my feet were settled into the shoes, I was taken aback by just how soft and cushy they are. Truly, these sneakers are so lightweight and cloud-like that I was tempted to wear them without socks but the slightly textured knit, while incredibly comfortable and breathable, would likely chafe my pinky toes over time if bare, so socks it was. With both thin Bombas Lightweight No Show Socks and my thicker All in Motion Cushioned Active Socks from Target, the Rothy’s Lace Up Sneakers fit like a dream without any uncomfortable pressure points.
The fact that I found these non-athletic sneakers supremely comfortable from the very first wear—without an ounce of break-in—is telling enough for me. The Rothy’s Lace Up Sneaker is the perfect travel sneaker. They’re versatile, breathable, cozy, and packable, making them an A+ pick in my book. The only thing that could possibly make them better is if they were sold in a brighter color palette. I’d love to see these sneaks in solid or accented silhouettes using other popular Rothy’s hues, like Dragon Fruit (aka, the perfect Barbie pink), Periwinkle, and Shamrock. If and when the brand offers those, I’ll be first in line to add them to my cart.
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