Which is the best trendy online shoe for you and why (Allbirds vs. Rothy's vs. Tieks vs. Vessi vs. Birdies vs. Giesswein and more!)
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Like me, you’re probably on a never-ending quest to find the perfect shoe(s). There are so many trendy and viral shoes out there, and their ads are probably blowing up your social media channels. My journey started when I began pursuing a sock-free life, a life where I can just slip my often odiferous feet into shoes and not think about them anymore. Shoes are also so important, as we’re upright, active, and ambulatory creatures. As a doctor of physical therapy, I always think about shoes and how they mold to our feet, and how they affect our gait and posture. It is my pleasure to bring you this online guide reviewing and comparing the trendiest online shoes out there (Allbirds vs Vessi vs Rothy’s vs Tieks vs Giesswein vs Birdies), so you can make an informed decision prior to purchasing your next pair(s) of shoes. Which pair of flats is the best to wear on a. date? Which pair of viral shoes is the best to wearing during commuting? Let’s begin with a quick cheat sheet:
Quick Guide (Rothys’s vs allbirds vs birdies vs vessi vs giesswein vs tieks)
| Brand | Best Features | Styles | Promo/Coupon Codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Best Features | Styles | Promo/Coupon Codes |
| Rothy's
|
made from ocean plastics |
||
| Allbirds
|
moisture wicking merino wool line before return/exchange |
No promo/coupons available
 |
|
| Tieks
|
Vegan and leather lines |
Tieks does not offer discounts
|
|
| Vessi
|
puddles10 (save 10%) | ||
| Giesswein | for men vs women |
Check out Rakuten for cash back! | |
| Birdies
|
are vegan |
Free Shipping & Free Returns at Birdies |
You might wonder why Everlane did not end up on this list. Currently (as of March 2020), Everlane only sells leather flats and loafers. I no longer wear leather shoes.
Price Comparisons
(Rothys’s vs Allbirds vs Birdies vs Vessi vs Giesswein vs Tieks) Price Comparisons
Rothy’s Review
The Points, the Flats, and the Mary Jane.
Rothy’s recycles and transforms plastic bottles and marine plastic into thread, which are then 3D-knitted into either shoes or their newly-launched hand bags. We all know that there is potentially an endless supply of plastics, which is sad, but it also means Rothy’s process is sustainable. Rothy’s are shipped in recycled and recyclable boxes. (If you needs to send your pair of Rothy’s back for return/exchange, you can simply mail the Rothy’s in its sturdy shoebox. Rothy’s must be unworn and unwashed and returned within 30 days for returns/exchanges.) Rothy’s are constructed with vegan rubber and some have vegan “leather” soles. Rothy’s had offered a merino wool collection, for an up charge, back in the fall of 2019, and received quite a bit of backlash. I can’t find merino wool pairs anymore on the website. I think they have quietly phased out the merino wool line.
“We’re proud to offset our carbon emissions by partnering with The Envira Amazonia Project: A Tropical Forest Conservation Project (via carbonfund.org). The Envira Amazonia Project is a payment system for ecosystem services forest conservation, and it protects nearly 500,000 acres of tropical rainforest.”-rothys.com
Rothy’s offers shoes for women and children, but not for men. Teachers can apply for a 20% discount off select styles. You can find multiple Refer-a-Friend links for $20 off your first order. You can also get cash back when you use your Rakuten account.
My favorite pairs of Rothy’s
My favorite pairs of Rothy’s would have to be my collection of Points and Flats. I have gifted my pair of Loafers to my mom. (She feels they are very comfortable and she has bunions.) I have the Mary Jane (which I will return soon, because the ribbon is ridiculous) and I have a pair of Sneakers that I don’t wear very often. When the weather is warmer, I often chose to wear either my Rothy’s Flats or Points because they are easy-to-slip-on, pretty, lightweight, and I can go sock-free.
All the beautiful styles of current Rothy’s side by side comparisons in different shades of pink
Materials
Recycled water bottles (thread)
Bio-based algae strobel boards (in-soles)
Vegan/biodegradable shoe boxes
Pricing
The Flat: $125
The Point: $145
The Loafer: $165 (Kids: $65)
The Sneaker: $125 (Kids: $55)
The Mary Jane: $155 (Skip these shoes; they are identical to the Point, but priced at $10 for the plastic-bottle-knit sash/ribbon thing. The bow is a chore to tie and often gets loose since the ribbon is so silky.)
The Chelsea Boot: $145 (A high-top version of the Sneaker; they are nearly identical.)
Sizing
Whole and half sizes are available. Rothy’s believes their shoes do not stretch and have zero break-in period when they’re the right fit. (That’s true!) If you are at half sizes, go with your half size. I’ve found that sizing up works well with Rothy’s points and flats. If they feel too tight or snug (after a day of wearing inside your house), you exchange them for half or a full size up. (If you’re in NYC, Boston, San Fransisco or Washington, DC, you can visit a Rothy’s store and try them on!
Are Rothy’s Water-Resistant or Waterproof?
Rothy’s are not water-resistant or waterproof. My feet often get wet when I’m wearing my flats or points and I walk with my dog over moist grass. They are, however, quite sturdy shoes and can be machine-washed. Please only air-dry your Rothy’s after washing them. You can wear your Rothy’s without socks; however, they do get stinky fast!
My friend Peggy, a pharmacist, loves wearing her Rothy’s at work and her feet look amazing in Rothy’s Point!
Why choose Rothy’s?
If you’re looking for fashionable shoes made from sustainable materials and are great for everyday casual wear, choose Rothy’s. I personally prefer the rubber soles to the vegan “leather” soles, as the vegan leather gets scratched up fast. They are lightweight, easy to care for, and pleasing to the eye. They are great look in the office, and can be worn with dresses, yoga pants, slacks and jeans.
Additional Rothy’s Reviews
Read my in-depth review of the Rothy’s Loafer and Sneaker here.
Read my in-depth review of the Rothy’s Points here.
My Overall Verdict for Rothy’s
If you’re looking for a fashionable, relatively comfy shoe to wear at the office, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Rothy’s. When they’re stinky or dirty, wash them (cold water only) in the washing machine. (Be sure to clean your shoes often these days, and avoid wearing outdoor shoes indoors. Keep shoes and bags by the door of your house. This helps avoid spreading viruses, like the coronavirus, and bacterias all over your house. (1)
During cold and rainy days, your feet will be cold and wet, so Rothy’s should not be your only shoes to travel with. The Sneaker is not a real sneaker, so don’t use wear them for running or jogging. People with bunions may find the Loafers appropriate. Note that Rothy’s do not provide much arch support, but one pair will last you for a while. Rothy’s are appropriate for wide feet (I have wide, flat, stinky feet.) Rothy’s is recycling millions of water bottles into beautiful shoes. (I just wish they would lower their prices and donate back to the community.) Be fairly warned, you’ll get addicted to all the pretty colors and styles, and might want to splurge on one of Rothy’s newly-launched bags!
Allbirds Review
Ah Allbirds, the go-to casual minimalist shoes of celebrities and Silicon Valley techies. To be completely honest, I was not a fan of Allbirds for the longest. In my initial reviews of Allbirds wool loungers and runners, I mentioned how frumpy they made my feet look. (Toe humps!) My interest in Allbirds grew after the company launched their Tree lines. The Allbirds Tree shoes are made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus tree fiber. They are not vegan shoes, as they have removable insoles made with merino wool and castor bean oil. I was sure Allbirds would continue to grow and build their Tree lines, and slowly phase out their merino wool lines. But I was wrong. Over the years, Allbirds has made continuous improvements to the build and silhouettes of their wool lines, and recently introduced the Runner Mizzles and Runner-up Mizzles, water-resistant shoes. In addition, Allbirds have opened physical stores in major cities around the world such as Seattle, Tokyo, and New York. They also sell sleeping masks, and cool, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant socks made with Allbirds proprietary blend of tree and wool, Trino™. Children wool runners, aptly named Smallbirds, are no longer available online as of March 2020. The Smallbirds were only available up to toddler size 10T and were priced at $55.
As for as Allbirds’ effect on the planet, the company offers sustainably-built shoes and are working towards a carbon-zero production process. (They are currently carbon-neutral.)
“And that’s why we’re going carbon neutral for our entire supply chain. That means, starting this year, for every tonne of carbon we emit as a business—from the sheep on our farms to the lightbulbs in our headquarters—we’ll pay to take a tonne of carbon out of the atmosphere. It’s almost like we’re giving the planet an IOU, then immediately paying it back.”-allbirds.com
My favorite pairs of Allbirds
Presently favorite pair of Allbirds is my pair of Wool Runners in limited edition Frost (with a Cream sole). I love how easy it is for me to slip my feet into the newly revamped Allbirds Wool Loungers. My feet stayed warm even when it was cold in Seattle. Before the first wash, the odor-resistant properties of the Wool Runners and Wool Loungers are great. After the first wash, however, I notice my shoes get stinky faster. When it’s rainy in Seattle, I love wearing my Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles, as they are water-resistant.
Materials
Merino wool
Recycled plastic bottles (one bottle = one pair of laces)
Castor bean oil (insoles)
Sugar cane (flip-flops)
Eucalyptus tree fibers (Tree Line)
Pricing
Everyday Sneakers: Wool Runners ($95) | Wool Runner Mizzles ($115) | Wool Runner-up Mizzles ($135) | Tree Runners ($95)
Slip-Ons: Wool Loungers ($95) | Tree Loungers ($95)
Boat shoes: Tree Skippers ($95)
Flats: Tree Breezers ($95)
Trino™ socks: $12 (Hiders/No-Show), $14 (Quarters/Short), and $16 (Tall/Tubers) -FYI these socks are very odor-resistant!
Sizing
Only whole sizes are available at this time. Size up for the Tree lines, or go with your usual size, but definitely do not size down. With the current changes made to the Wool Runners and Loungers, go with your regular size, or size up if you are between sizes. Note that over time, merino wool shoes tend to stretch out.
I wore my new Allbirds Wool Loungers everyday during a week-long trip in Tokyo February 2020
Why choose Allbirds
Allbirds has kept prices fairly competitive, with most pairs of shoes priced at $95. Allbirds continues to improve the structure of their shoes. Allbirds Wool Runners from a few years back were different from the current ones sold. You’re able to machine-wash your shoes as often as you like, and you can place the removable Allbirds insoles into other shoes. (I use Allbirds insoles with Rothy’s flats.) One a recent trip to Tokyo, I walked over 20k steps daily and only wore my new Allbirds Wool Runners. I packed one pair of socks and only used them during my plane rides. My feet were comfortable and warm! With so many styles to choose from, there’s definitely a style of Allbirds for you. The shoe is a minimalist’s dream. While its logo is barely visible, you can quickly distinguish a pair of Allbirds from competitor shoes. It’s no wonder celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Hilary Duff, Mila Kunis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba all adore their Allbirds. (And they look great wearing them!)
Are Allbirds Water-Resistant or Waterproof?
Allbirds Runner Mizzles and Runner-up Mizzles are water-repellant and resistant, but not 100% waterproof. The reason is because they are lace-up shoes, and I imagine there is not waterproof coating over the Mizzles since you can toss them into the washing machine.
Additional Allbirds Reviews
Read my in-depth review of the newly-revamped Allbirds Wool Lounger here.
Read my in-depth review of the Allbirds Tree Toppers here.
Read my in-depth review of Allbirds Trino™ socks here.
Read my in-depth review of Allbirds Runner and Runner-up Mizzles here.
My Overall Verdict for Allbirds
Allbirds are super comfortable, easy to care for, appropriate for traveling and commuting, and the new Mizzles line keep your feet warm and dry when it’s cold and/or rainy. If you’re looking for a solid pair of loungers or runners, pick up a pair of Allbirds. The return/exchange policy is great, as you can wear and try your Allbirds and return them within 30 days, no questions asked. Returned Allbirds are washed and donated. Alas, with Allbirds, you may see toe humps (your toes making a hump as they poke on the surface of the shoe, especially your big toes.)
Vessi Review
Let’s talk about Vessi footwear! Founded by three young Asian-Canadians in Vancouver, Vessi offers fully waterproof and vegan shoes. Knit in Taiwan, “each pair is made with 30% less water, 600% less energy consumption, and less material trim waste by 97% in comparison to conventional practices.”-vessifootwear.com
Vessi footwear started through a widely successful kickstarter campaign. Vessi is immensely popular these days, and I can see why. Vessi shoes are minimalistic in design, comfortable to wear, lightweight (6.7 oz!), and 100% vegan and 100% waterproof. It’s absolutely mesmerizing to see water slide off Vessi’s Dyma-tex 100% waterproof, breathable knit surface. And they are meant to be worn when you’re trekking over wet surfaces, so they’re designed to have good traction and grip, and to be slip-resistant. (Still be careful when you’re hiking and walking over wet surfaces!)
As of March 2020, there are only three styles of Vessi footwear to choose from, so you won’t get choice fatigue. If you’re in Canada, you can also purchase Vessi accessories such as waterproof caps. (I’m dying for a sakura-blossom pink cap!) The only thing to be aware of is that if you have a latex allergy, Vessi shoes are not for you. While they are not machine-washable, they are easy to clean and care for.
My favorite pairs of Vessi
My favorite pair of Vessi is the Cityscape. It’s priced six dollars less than the Everyday Slip-on and Everyday Sneaker. The primary difference between the Cityscape and the Everyday sneakers rests in the laces. (There is more area for the laces with the Cityscape Sneaker vs the Everyday Sneaker.) As for the Everyday Slip-on, it has no laces and Vessi considers them to be “loungers.” I consider them to be lace-less sneakers. Vessi also states that the Everyday sneaker provides additional arch support than the Cityscape Sneaker.
Materials
Vegan materials (Vessi does not reveal what they are…)
Water-based adhesives for glue
Engineered leather and suede
Rubber outsoles
Lightweight EVA (midsoles)
Pricing
Cityscape Sneaker: $129
Everyday Sneaker: $135
Everyday Slip-on: $135
Sizing
Only whole sizes are available at this time. Go with your regular true size. If you’re in between sizes, it’s better to size up. These are snug shoes, meant to fit like a sock.
Why choose Vessi
If you’re looking for a well-made, fully vegan shoe that is also waterproof, choose a pair of Vessi footwear. You can wear them without socks. (They are very snug, so you may need to size up if you choose to wear them with socks.) Without socks on, they feel hot after prolonged wear.
Are Vessi Water-Resistant or Waterproof?
All Vessi shoes are 100% water-proof. (Even though they are waterproof, they are not meant to be worn during swimming.) In the video below, I test the waterproof properties of Vessi footwear, Allbirds, and V-TEX shoes.
Additional Vessi Reviews
Read my in-depth review of the Vessi Everyday Sneaker here.
My Overall Verdict for Vessi
I feel Vessi footwear should start pricing their runners and slip-on shoe at $95, as they are knit shoes, and put together in Taiwan. That would be a good starting price point. I don’t think they should expand their line to offer waterproof flats, because they really defeats the purpose of waterproof shoes, right? (If you expose your feet, they will get wet!) I love how these shoes are made from vegan materials, but would love to know more about what materials. I’m excited to check out their waterproof caps when they are available in America. If only Vessi shoes were machine-washable.
Birdies Review
Please check back for an in-depth review of Birdies. I am waiting on my pairs of Birdies (The Starling and The Phoebe) to arrive.
Giesswein Review
Tieks Review
Tieks, Tieks, Tieks, the Oprah-approved ballet flats. I no longer wear or buy leather shoes, so this review will only pertain to Tieks vegan ballet flats. Each pair of Tieks is handcrafted, and they take a few days to complete; therefore, Tieks ballet flats are priced higher than other ballet flats out there. (They are not 3-D printed or knitted.) All Tieks come with beautiful packaging, a sparkly flower band, care instructions, a tote bag pouch, and a foldable nylon tote bag.
Tieks ballet flats are flexible and durable, and meant to be folded and carried around in their compact state. The reason for this is that the outer sole is split into two sections. When you first unbox your Tieks, they will be a bit curled.
Check out my cute pair of vegan Tieks in Greystone.
My favorite pairs of Tieks
My favorite pair of Tieks is vegan pair in Greystone. Greystone is the only pair of vegan Tieks that is made from vegan material that mimics wool. The other vegan pairs are made with knit fabric.
Materials
Vegan fabric
Vegan “wool”
Rubber soles
Pricing
There are five different styles of vegan Tieks and they are all priced at $175 per pair.
Sizing
As a general rule with most flats out there, I recommend you to size up versus sizing down. Flats tend to run small! So if you’re in-between sizes, size up. If you’re normally a size 8 in US Women’s, go with a size 9 in US Women’s pair of vegan Tieks. (A Tieks employee told me this!) In the past, I went with my true size (size 8) when I purchased a pair of leather Tieks. The fit was off and my toes felt cramped. I ultimately decided to return my pair of leather Tieks. If you decide to wear socks or use your orthotics with these flats, you should definitely size up.
Why choose Tieks
“The Gavrieli Foundation is deeply committed to the empowerment of women in the U.S. and around the globe as a means for social change. Through Kiva, we contribute funds to women entrepreneurs, who we believe are key in the broader fight against global poverty.”-tieks.com
Want to spoil yourself with a cute pair of vegan ballet flats, and help empower women entrepreneurs around the world? Do you always have to change out of your shoes? Let’s say you’re a NYC subway commuter. You’d probably want to wear runners or sneakers during the commute, and then switch to an adorable, comfy pair of ballet flats. Well then, choose Tieks. Tieks are compact when they are folded, and you can carry them in the included tote bag. This is not a mass-produced shoe; it is a specially hand-crafted shoe just for you. It’s high-quality, durable, and freaking adorable.
Are Tieks Water-Resistant or Waterproof?
Tieks are not waterproof or water-resistant shoes.
Additional Tieks Reviews
Read my in-depth review of Tieks leather ballet flats in Electric Snake here.
Read my in-depth review of Tieks vegan ballet flats in Greystone here.
My Overall verdict for Tieks
The packaging is amazing and makes the owner feel special. Your heart might race when you unbox your first pair of Tieks. Since you can fold your Tieks, you can carry them anywhere! Feel free to use the tote bag it comes with, or drop them into your handbag, or tuck them into a compartment in your car. (Make sure you remember where they are, and that they’re not reeking.) It’s not pleather. The textile of the vegan Greystone Tieks is a vegan interpretation of wool. Tieks stylish and fashionable. You really can’t go wrong with a cute pair of ballet flats. You can safely wear these to work, on a date, or on a shopping run. They’re relatively easy to clean. You won’t see any toe cleavage. No dreaded toe humps in the toe boxes! You can also wear vegan Tieks without socks! My only qualm is that they are priced higher than other flats out there. You could be spending almost $400 for certain styles of leather Tieks (when you add in taxes)!
So, Which shoe is best for you?
It all depends, my friends! You have to ask yourself, what are you looking for in a shoe? And in what type of situation? Where and when will you be wearing the shoes?
Best for a date
If you’re not going on an adventurous date, and sticking to eating out or chilling at a bar, go with Rothy’s Points. They’re so sexy and stylish, and comfy! If you will be taking your shoes off at a later point during the date, be sure your feet aren’t stinky. They can get stinky in Rothy’s after just a day or two of prolonged wear. Any of the ballet flats, such as the vegan Tieks or the Rothy’s Flats, or even the Allbirds Tree Breezers would be cute too.
Best for going sock-less
I recommend going with a pair of Allbirds if you hate wearing socks. The merino wool fabric is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. When your shoes do get stinky, toss them into the washing machine for a quick wash. You can also try Giesswein merino wool runners.
Best for commuting on the subway
You can’t go wrong with a pair of runners! (Allbirds, Giesswein). Keep your feet clean and comfortable. You also don’t want to lose your shoes while you’re running up the stairs or dodging crowds of people! (I’ve had shoes slip off during my daily commute on the NYC subways!)
Best for people with bunions
My mom swears by the Rothy’s loafer and she has pretty nasty bunions. I’m thinking Birdies may be comfy for people with bunions as well. Let me get back to you on that.
Best for people with flat feet
If you have flat feet like me, I recommend Allbirds Runners or Loungers, or a pair of Rothy’s flats, but swap out the hard Rothy’s insoles with Allbirds soft and comfy Insoles. I’m thinking the Birdies flats with their seven layers of comfort would be great for people with flat feet.
Best for a rainy day
Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles or any pair of Vessi footwear would be the best choice when it’s rainy. You can try any merino-wool runner, as merino-wool is naturally water-repellant, so perhaps a pair of Giesswein Wool Runners or Allbirds Wool Runners would be good to wear on a drizzly day. Birdies, Rothy’s, and Tieks do not have water-resistant or waterproof styles.
Best for Arch support
Many of these shoes mentioned have removable insoles, so if you have orthotics, you can use them. Most of these shoes offer minimal arch support. Some of the runners offer moderate (medium) arch support, like the Vessi Everyday Sneaker, the Giesswein Runners and Wool Cross X, or the Allbirds Runners and Mizzles.
My friends, what shoes do you love to wear? Are there any shoes you’d like the Phil and Mama team to review? I will continuously update this post. Happy shoe hunting and walking, friends!
xoxoxo, Mama Kat
References
1) https://www.businessinsider.com/pediatricians-tips-for-coronavirus-preventing-infection-2020-3