Everlane Day Glove vs. Rothys: Which one should you buy?

The Everlane Day Glove and the Rothy's Flat are both celebrated for their comfort, but they cater to very different preferences. Everlane’s Day Glove is a classic, minimalist flat crafted from soft Italian leather for a polished finish, while Rothy’s Flat is a modern, eco-friendly shoe knit from recycled plastic bottles, famous for being machine washable. The core difference comes down to material and maintenance: traditional leather versus innovative, washable knit.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right flat for your wardrobe and lifestyle from Everlane or Rothy's.

Everlane Day Glove

The Everlane Day Glove is designed to be a sophisticated wardrobe "do-it-all," a sleek leather flat that literally molds to your foot like a second skin. Its aesthetic is minimalist and timeless, making it an excellent choice for work and more polished casual outfits where a classic silhouette is required.

• What it is: A ballet-inspired flat made from buttery-soft Italian leather, designed for a foot-hugging, comfortable fit all day long.
• Key features: Cushioned leather insole for comfort, side vents for breathability, easy pull-on tab at the heel, and a flexible rubber outsole.
• Price: $150 - $180
• Materials/Construction: 100% Italian leather upper and a durable rubber sole for traction. The brand emphasizes ethical production and material sourcing.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size for most, with a snug fit that conforms to your foot over time. If you're between sizes, some customers recommend sizing up, though the leather will stretch with wear.
• Pros: Timeless and versatile design that elevates any outfit. Premium leather feel and quality. Molds to your foot for a custom fit. A polished, professional look suitable for the office.
• Cons: Requires a short break-in period. Leather needs proper care and is not waterproof. Can be prone to scuffing. Less breathable than a knit shoe in hot weather.

This is the go-to flat for anyone seeking a classic, sophisticated leather shoe that polishes up any outfit and gets more comfortable with every wear.

Shop this product: everlane.com/products/womens-day-glove-black

Rothy's The Flat

The Rothy's Flat is a champion of modern sustainability and convenience. Knit seamlessly from thread made of recycled plastic water bottles, it's known for its extraordinary, sock-like comfort right out of the box and its game-changing washability. It comes in a huge array of colors and patterns, appealing to those who want both comfort and personal expression.

• What it is: An eco-friendly, machine-washable ballet flat knit from recycled materials, known for its vibrant colors and immediate comfort.
• Key features: Signature knit upper made from plastic bottles, durable rubber sole, removable and washable insole, seamless construction to prevent chafing.
• Price: $125 - $165
• Materials/Construction: The upper is knit from Rothy’s signature recycled thread, while the outsoles are made of flexible, recycled rubber.
• Sizing/Fit: Rothy's have a snug, sock-like feel. They generally run true to size, but the brand recommends sizing up a half size if you have wider feet or prefer a roomier fit.
• Pros: Fully machine washable. Incredibly comfortable with zero break-in time. Made from sustainable materials. Available in a wide variety of colors and limited-edition prints. Durable and holds its shape well.
• Cons: Synthetic material can feel less breathable for some. The casual, knit look is less formal than traditional leather. The snug fit isn't right for everyone.

Perfect for the eco-conscious shopper who prioritizes comfort and low-maintenance care in their daily footwear for commuting, travel, or casual wear.

Shop this product: rothys.com/products/the-flat-black-solid

Everlane Day Glove vs. Rothy's The Flat Comparison

Materials & Durability

The central difference lies here. The Everlane Day Glove is made from high-quality Italian leather, which is durable, looks premium, and molds to your foot. However, it requires care - you'll need to protect it from water and condition it occasionally to prevent cracking. It's built to last but is susceptible to scuffs and stains if not properly maintained.

Rothy's The Flat, on the other hand, is made from a durable thread spun from recycled plastic. This material is incredibly resilient and flexible. Its biggest durability advantage is that when the shoe gets dirty or loses its shape, you can simply toss it in the wash, and it comes out looking nearly new. While synthetic, the knit is engineered to withstand wear and tear effectively.

Style & Aesthetic

Everlane's aesthetic is minimalist chic. The Day Glove has sleek, clean lines and a smooth leather finish that looks inherently polished. It’s the perfect shoe for a professional setting, business casual outfits, or when you want to make a simple pair of jeans look more put-together. It is understated and classic.

Rothy's offers a more modern, playful, and casual style. The knit texture gives it a softer look, and the vast selection of colors and patterns - from neutral solids to bold leopard prints - allows for more personal expression. While it can work for many casual offices, its overall vibe is more relaxed and approachable than formal.

Fit & Comfort

Both shoes are designed for comfort, but they achieve it differently. The Day Glove offers a "custom comfort" fit that develops over time. It may feel snug initially, but the leather stretches and molds perfectly to the contours of your feet with wear. The cushioned insole adds to its appeal for all-day wear.

Rothy's offers "instant comfort." The flexible knit has no stiff seams, eliminating the need for a break-in period. The sock-like construction hugs the foot comfortably from the first wear. However, those new to the brand may find the synthetic feel and snugness different from what they're used to in a flat.

Sustainability & Ethical Production

Both brands prioritize ethical practices, but their focus areas differ. Everlane champions "Radical Transparency," detailing the costs behind its products and partnering with ethical factories. Their focus is on fair labor practices and responsibly sourced materials, like the leather used in the Day Glove.

Rothy's sustainability mission is baked into its core product. By turning single-use plastic bottles into shoes, the brand actively diverts waste from landfills and oceans. Their entire manufacturing process, from their wholly-owned factory, is designed to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Price & Value

Pricewise, the brands are competitive, with the Day Glove ($150-$180) typically costing slightly more than The Flat ($125-$165). The value proposition depends on your needs. For Everlane, the value is in the timeless leather design and quality craftsmanship that will stay in style for years. For Rothy's, the value is in uncanny convenience - the washability extends the life of the shoe and keeps it looking fresh, saving you from worrying about stains or odors.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both flats are excellent options, but they serve different styles and priorities.

Choose the Everlane Day Glove if:

• You prefer the traditional look, feel, and smell of high-quality leather.
• Your personal style leans more classic, minimalist, or professional.
  
• You need a sophisticated flat that’s appropriate for a formal office or dressier events.
• You enjoy shoes that mold and conform to your foot over time for a custom-like fit.
  

Choose Rothy's The Flat if:

• Low-maintenance, machine-washable convenience is your top priority.
  
• You value products made from recycled and sustainable materials.
• You want a shoe that is instantly comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period.
  
• You love expressing your style through a wide range of colors and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Everlane Day Glove and Rothy's Flat?

The biggest difference is the material. The Day Glove is made from classic Italian leather for a polished look that needs care, while the Rothy's The Flat is knit from recycled plastic bottles, making it durable, flexible, and machine washable.

Which shoe is more comfortable?

Comfort is subjective. Rothy's offers immediate, zero-break-in comfort due to its soft, seamless knit. Everlane's Day Glove is also very comfortable but requires a short break-in period as the leather softens and molds specifically to your foot for a custom fit.

Do Everlane Day Gloves stretch out?

Yes, as a natural material, the leather on the Day Gloves will stretch slightly and soften with wear. They are designed to mold to your feet, which is part of what makes them so comfortable over time.

Are Rothy's flats breathable?

Rothy's are made of a knit material that offers some breathability. However, because it's a synthetic fiber, some people find their feet get warmer in them compared to natural leather, especially in very hot climates.

How do I know what size to get?

For the Everlane Day Glove, most people find they fit true to size. For Rothy's, sizing can be trickier, many customers stick with their true size, but the brand often suggests sizing up a half size if you have wide feet or are between sizes.

How do you wash Rothy's shoes?

It’s very simple. Just remove the insoles and place both the shoes and insoles into the washing machine. Use cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent, and let them air dry completely before wearing again.

Which flat is better for work?

This depends on your office dress code. For a more formal or corporate environment, the polished leather of the Everlane Day Glove is a better fit. For a business casual or creative office, the modern Rothy's Flat would be perfectly appropriate.

Which is more sustainable?

Both brands have strong sustainability angles. Rothy's uses recycled materials at the core of its product. Everlane focuses on ethical factory partnerships, supply chain transparency, and reducing its carbon footprint. Your preference may depend on whether you prioritize recycled materials or ethical production processes.