These Washable (Yes, *Washable*) Platform Sandals Will Be the Only Shoes You Need This Spring
I love summer, but boy, does it wreak havoc on my sandals. Come Memorial Day, I'll break out one or two new pairs of platforms or strappy flats, and by September, they will be completely destroyed. Grant it, I'll wear the crap out of them, and between sweat, sand, the water (I'm a Cancer, after all), and the heat, and my brand new sandals are always left looking tired and worn out by Labor Day.
The thing is, I'd rather not have to invest in a whole new pair of flip-flops every time the warm weather rolls back around. Sure, it's an excuse to buy a new pair of shoes, but my wallet is getting tired of restocking my summer footwear collection and honestly, it's wasteful. This is why I was so excited to get my hands (er, feet?) into a new pair of Rothy's Lightweight Wedge Sandals ($179) which are completely machine washable, saving me from having to head to DSW every time they need some TLC. Yes, you read that right—these sandals are machine washable, giving me, my wallet, and Mother Earth a much-needed break. Find my honest review below.
- 01about rothy's
- 02my review
- 03final thoughts
Available sizes: 5-13, in half sizes
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Stretchy—can accommodate a wide range of foot widths
- Soft, molded footbed
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Made with recycled materials sourced from plastic water bottles
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not a ton of ankle support—straps can’t be adjusted
About Rothy's
But first, a bit about the brand. Rothy's is best known for its trendy footwear and accessories, all of which are crafted using circular manufacturing practices. In layman's terms, its products are made from recycled materials; most notable is its signature thread, which is spun from recycled plastic water bottles, keeping marine plastics out of waterways. Whether you're slipping into one of its classic flats, chic Mary Janes, or trendy sneakers, each pair offers unparalleled comfort and versatility. Plus, most of their designs are machine washable (like my new sandals!), making them a staple in any conscious consumer's wardrobe that's extremely easy to care for.
The Rothy's Lightweight Wedge Sandals: My review
What I love
Unboxing the Rothy's Lightweight Wedge Sandals I confirmed they are, indeed, lightweight. Like, way lighter than they lead on; the 90s-esque platform wedge looks like it would be heavy, but it's featherlight thanks to the stacked EVA foam midsole. Already, I was impressed.
But it wasn't until I clomped around in them that I fell deeply in love. On my feet, they're just as airy as they feel in hand; walking is less of a clomp and more of a breezy float. They're an absolute dream to wear—the cushioned insole provides unparalleled comfort, while the platform design adds a trendy touch to any outfit. I appreciate the stretch of the knit straps around the ankle and toe, too. While it's not super stretchy (Rothy's shoes are designed to hold their shape over time) both have a bit of give, which is nice in avoiding digging and rubbing. I have narrower ankles but can see how the give in the upper would definitely be a pro for anyone with wider feet or ankles—there's tons of room to play with.
Even better, they can be worn with anything. Literally anything! A flowy sundress for a day at the beach! Jeans and a T-shirt for a more casual look! Shorts! An exercise dress! You name it, and they effortlessly elevate any look. The minimalist design and neutral hues (they're available in three colors: black, white, and brown) make them incredibly versatile, seamlessly blending into my wardrobe and becoming a staple for any occasion. Plus, the added height from the platform gives me a confidence boost without sacrificing comfort—a win-win in my book.
But let's not forget why we're testing these sandals in the first place—the practicality factor. I'm looking for a sandal that can withstand the summer-induced wear-and-tear bound to come in a couple of weeks, remember? To my delight, they are as machine washable as they're advertised as. Gone are the days of worrying about dirt and stains ruining my favorite footwear; a quick cycle in the washing machine and they come out looking brand new. I can almost hear my wallet rejoicing...
What I don't love
Now, they're not perfect. I'm typically a size 8.5 and found that I needed to send the original pair I ordered back for the half size down. If you're someone who's on the cusp, I would recommend sizing down. Same goes for if you have narrow feet. My feet and ankles are super narrow, plus I overpronate. While the stretch of the knit ankle is comfy, I wish it had a smidge more support or could be adjusted to really keep my ankle in place. That said, they're not so loose I can't wear them, I just have to be a bit more conscientious of my (clumsy) footing.
And finally, the price. $179 for a pair of sandals is steep. But! These are *washable* sandals. And they're made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials that would otherwise end up in the trash—for that, I can justify a somewhat heftier price tag.
Final thoughts
Summer is coming and while it's inevitable a few of my go-to sandals are going to get trashed, my Rothy's will not. Why? Because I can pop them in the washing machine whenever I need a refresh, which, to me, makes them worth their weight in gold. Your rubber flip-flops could never...
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