If you like Rothy's for the knit and the washability, Vivaia is the closest match. If you like it for the clean ballet shape but want a smoother look and a lower price, a vegan leather flat or mary jane under $90 is the better alternative. The right choice depends on which part of Rothy's you actually care about.
Rothy's has become more expensive. In 2026 The Daily Flat costs $100, the mary janes run from about $100 to $165, and the new Point III is $165. Many "Rothy's dupe" lists online are from 2023 and still quote older prices. This guide uses current prices, splits the alternatives by what they copy (the knit, the comfort or the shape), and covers fit and care, which most lists skip.
Rothy's alternatives at a glance
| Brand | Typical price | Upper material | Machine washable? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rothy's | $100 to $165 | Knit from recycled plastic bottles | Yes, per the brand | The original knit flat |
| Vivaia | Somewhat below Rothy's | Knit from recycled bottles | Yes, per the brand | The closest knit match |
| Birdies | About $130 to $160 | Leather, suede, velvet and other fabrics | No | A cushioned, slipper-like feel |
| Allbirds | Varies by style | Wool and tree fiber knits | Many styles, per the brand | Casual, sneaker-like comfort |
| Lil Cacti | $46.99 to $84.99 | Vegan leather, lace, mesh | No, wipe clean | The ballet and mary jane shape, fully vegan, under $90 |
Prices change often and differ by retailer, so use these as a rough guide.
Vivra Strap Leather Ballet Flats
Smooth black vegan leather, a rounded ballet toe and a thin strap: the everyday flat, in a sleeker finish than knit.
Why do people look for a Rothy's alternative?
- Price. At $100 to $165, it is a big spend for a flat you wear every day.
- The toe. The pointed styles feel narrow to some people, and Rothy's own fit advice suggests sizing up for wider feet.
- The look. Knit reads casual. Some people want a flat that looks more polished with tailoring.
- Material. Rothy's is not leather, but some shoppers want a specific finish, like patent, lace or a buckle strap.
The alternatives, by what you like about Rothy's
If you like the knit: Vivaia
Vivaia is the brand most often compared with Rothy's, and for good reason. It also uses a knit made from recycled bottles, it is washable, and many styles have an arch-support insole. The pointed Aria is its best-known flat.
If you like the comfort: Birdies
Birdies are built around a cushioned footbed and feel close to a slipper. They come in leather, suede, velvet and other fabrics, so not every pair is vegan. The Starling is about $160.
If you like the casual feel: Allbirds
Allbirds is more of a sneaker brand, but its knit flats and slip-ons share the soft, washable feel. The materials are wool and tree fiber, so they are not vegan in every style.
If you like the shape: vegan leather ballet flats and mary janes
If what you love is the clean ballet silhouette, you do not need knit. A smooth vegan leather flat gives the same shape with a slightly dressier finish, for less.
Buckled Mary Jane Flats
A pointed toe and a buckle strap, closest to Rothy's pointed styles, in black, wine red or leopard.
Demi buckle mary jane ballet flats
Two buckle straps on a rounded toe: the mary jane alternative, with more room for the toes.
If you like breathability: lace and mesh flats
Part of Rothy's appeal is that knit breathes. Lace and mesh flats do too, and they look more delicate.
Lace Embroidered Mesh Ballet Flats
Embroidered mesh in white or black, sizes up to EU 42.
Florence black Lace Ballet Flats
Black lace flats in sizes up to EU 45, a wide range for a ballet flat.
If you like the sneaker versions: ballet sneakers
Rothy's also sells sporty flats. A ballet sneaker gives you a rubber sole with the ballet shape on top.
Aria Mary Jane Sneaker
A mary jane strap on a sneaker sole, in beige, black or dark gray.
Fit: Rothy's vs the alternatives
| Rothy's | Lil Cacti | |
|---|---|---|
| Size system | US 5 to 13 with half sizes | EU whole sizes, mostly 35 to 40; some styles to 42, 43 or 45 |
| Wide feet | Wide width on some styles; size up in pointed toes | Rounded toe boxes on most flats; size up if between sizes |
| Break-in | Knit stretches quickly | Vegan leather softens over a few wears |
| Straps | Mostly slip-on | Many buckle and strap styles, which help if flats slip off |
If you have wide feet, our guide to ballet flats for wide feet goes into detail.
Care: washable knit vs wipe-clean vegan leather
- Knit flats (Rothy's, Vivaia): the brands say take out the insoles, wash on cold and air dry.
- Vegan leather flats: do not machine wash. Wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then dry. Keep them away from direct heat.
- Lace and mesh: spot clean with cool water and let dry flat.
A knit shoe is easier to wash, and a vegan leather shoe is easier to keep looking sharp. Our vegan leather cleaning guide covers the details.
Rothy's, Vivaia, Birdies, Allbirds and us: an honest comparison
Rothy's made the washable knit flat mainstream, and it has a wide size range with half sizes and some wide widths. That is a real advantage. Vivaia is the best choice if you want the same knit idea for a little less. Birdies is the most cushioned of the group. Allbirds suits people who live in sneakers.
We are different in a few ways. Our flats cost $46.99 to $84.99, all of them are vegan, and we focus on shape and detail: buckles, bows, lace, split toes and patent. We do not offer half sizes or machine-washable uppers, so if those matter most, Rothy's or Vivaia will suit you better.
Clara Buckle Strap Ballet Flat
A small bow between two buckle straps; the sort of detail knit flats do not have.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest brand to Rothy's?
Vivaia is the closest in material, with a washable knit made from recycled bottles. For the ballet shape without knit, look at vegan leather flats.
Are Rothy's vegan?
Rothy's knit uppers are made from recycled plastic and do not use leather. Check each style's materials if vegan matters to you.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Rothy's?
Yes. Vegan leather and lace ballet flats under $90 give you the same shape for less, though without a washable upper.
Are Birdies or Rothy's more comfortable?
Birdies have a more cushioned footbed. Rothy's knit is softer and more flexible. Which is more comfortable depends on your feet.
Can you wash vegan leather flats like Rothy's?
No. Wipe vegan leather clean by hand instead of putting it in the machine.
Which Rothy's alternative is best for wide feet?
Look for a rounded toe and a strap. Rounded-toe mary janes are usually easier on wide feet than a pointed flat.
Read next
- Ballet Flats for Wide Feet: Toe Shape Matters More Than Size
- The Row Ballet Flats Alternatives: 7 Vegan Lookalikes Under $70 (2026)
- Ballet Flats vs Mary Janes: The Difference, Which Is Comfier, and Which to Buy First
Browse all our ballet flats and mary jane flats.