I transitioned back to 5-days in the office at the start of this year. With that, I’ve been re-envisioning my workwear outfits for the 9-to-5. If you’ve followed me from a few years back, you may recall I bought my first Rothy’s back in 2022 (review HERE). After seeing that the brand has made some improvements to their design, I decided to give their new styles a try. If their latest Mary Jane’s have caught your eye, keep reading for a breakdown on the comfort and fit of each style. I also include a side-by-side comparison of their old vs new design in this Rothy’s Mary Jane review.
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Rothy’s Old vs New: Insole Improvements & Design Updates
What was once known as a flats brand that uses recycled materials, Rothy’s has now expanded into many more styles. I visited their Flatiron store to browse their latest collection, and below are some key upgrades to note:
- Insole Improvement: Rothy’s added their new In Love Insole™ to select styles, which I hope they roll out to all designs soon. This insole is cushiony, and springy compared to the old design which is flat and lacks arch support. Even in designs that don’t have the In Love Insole™, I noticed the footbed is softer and more cushioned.
- Point II Redesign: My first pair of Rothy’s were the Point Flats from 2022. However, I am pleased that they redesigned this style with a more spacious toe box. The knit material also has more elastic to accommodate different feet widths.
- Style Expansion: Their flats have expanded into many more styles such as the Mary Jane’s (double buckle, single strap, square toe, pointed toe), and even heels.
Rothy’s Mary Jane Review + Style Comparison
I had my eyes set on the Mary Jane, but with so many different style and color options, it was a tough decision! Overall, I found the Mary Jane’s to be roomier, and comfier than my old Point flats. I went with the Double Buckle Mary Jane. Cabernet makes a great stand-out color, but the other options were just as lovely. Here are some considerations for your purchase.
- Ballet Mary Jane: Round toe-shape with a thick hardware buckle that runs across. Runs true to my usual size (8). Best suited if you want something roomy, and edgy. Comes in classic Black, but also feminine colors like Hazel (which feels like a soft brown-pink).
- Almond Slingback: Since Rothy’s are made with synthetic materials, they can make your feet smell if you sweat a lot. The slingbacks are a great ventilated option, and I love the almond toe shape. However, the edges can rub against the side if you have wider feet.
- Double Buckle Mary Jane: I purchased this pair because the double strap felt more secure, and has a more pronounced ‘Mary Jane’ look. The buckles are adjustable, and I like the subtle look of the hardware. These flats have a square toe-box shape that doesn’t feel too narrow. I found this pair to run slightly big, and sized a half step down. They also just came out with a Crochet version too.
Things to Note About the Rothy’s Double Buckle Mary Jane
While I wouldn’t say that Rothy’s are the most supportive work flats, the new designs have come a long way to their previous versions. Note: The Double Buckle Mary Jane does not use the new In Love Insole™. However, the insole is thicker than the older version. Additionally, the top footbed is made with a smoother knitted material that doesn’t rub the toe.
You can see a side-by-side comparison of the 2022 vs 2025 insole. My 2022 version is misshapen and floppy, whereas my 2025 insole is sturdier and more supportive.
My new Rothy’s did not require any break-in time. Oddly enough though, they did rub against my back heel in one foot. Tip: Stick a bandaid in the back-heel area of the shoe instead of to your foot. I am not sure why I didn’t do this earlier because it really fixed my problems!
New Rothy’s Flats: The Verdict
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair and wondering if the brand is worth the splurge, I hope this Rothy’s Mary Jane review added some value to your decision-making. While I don’t think they are the perfect pair in all areas, Rothy’s is a great balance between style and comfort. The brand has also gotten more promotional in the past two years, so if you’re lucky, buy when they are 20% or 30% off.
Also if it’s your very first pair of Rothy’s, you can use my referral link to get 20% off your purchase.
