Vivaia vs Rothy’s – Which Wins in 2025?

If you’re here, you’re already intrigued by the comfort and sustainability claims of VIVAIA and Rothy’s shoes—two brands known for stylish, washable shoes made from recycled plastic bottles. They’re both eco-conscious, celebrity-loved, and undeniably chic. But in the 2025 battle of VIVAIA vs. Rothy’s, this style blogger still prefers VIVAIA—and not just for the price point!

Let’s break down the updated pros and cons of each brand.

What VIVAIA & Rothy’s Have in Common in 2025

Visually, they remain similar—with sleek knit uppers and feminine silhouettes. You’ll find both brands on stylish celebs: think Aubrey Plaza, Julia Roberts, Meghan Markle, and Selena Gomez. But don’t be fooled—VIVAIA and Rothy’s are not the same brand.

While Rothy’s launched in 2012 (based in San Francisco), VIVAIA entered the scene in 2020 and quickly developed a niche of its own—especially among women who love variety and elegance.

Rothy’s “The Bow Point II” ($165) | VIVAIA’s Azura ($139)

Style Range in 2025

When I first wrote this comparison, VIVAIA had a broader product range. That’s still true today, but Rothy’s has expanded significantly in recent years. You’ll now find everything from Mary Janes and heeled sandals to clogs and loafers on its website.

That said, Rothy’s still leans more casual and minimalist, with many rounded-toe designs and modest heel heights.

As a petite woman, I gravitate toward sleek, elevated silhouettes—especially pointy toes and kitten heels (like this slingback). And here, VIVAIA is in the lead, offering more flattering options for those of us who prefer polish and height without sacrificing comfort. Forbes seems to agree, as it included VIVAIA’s pointed-toe knot mules on its list of “sustainable summer staples perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.” This is the first of several reasons I prefer VIVAIA.

• Click here to browse VIVAIA shoes
• Click here for the VIVAIA’s Amazon storefont
• Click here to browse Rothy’s shoes
• Click here for Rothy’s Amazon storefront

Addison Slingback  – c/o VIVAIA 

New Favorites – VIVAIA vs Rothy’s

This summer, VIVAIA’s Miley Mary Janes caught my eye. With interchangeable ribbons, they’re a convertible dream—offering multiple looks in one pair.

Meanwhile, VIVAIA’s Scarlett kitten heel and Anna mid-heel remain best-in-class for comfort. If you spend your days on your feet (like I do, teaching and filming at Purdue University), these shoes are a lifesaver. I even sprint across campus in them—see it for yourself in [this IG reel]!

Rothy’s does offer heels now, including its adorable 2.5” Mary Jane and 2” Knot Sandal, but the silhouettes tend to be chunkier and rounder. I haven’t seen a true stiletto or pointed-toe kitten heel from Rothy’s yet—something VIVAIA offers in abundance.

Miley Mary Janes (VIVAIA)

Sustainable Materials: Who’s Greener?

Both companies craft their shoes from recycled plastic bottles, spinning the plastic into thread for their signature knit fabrics. Each claims its eco-friendly processes help carve out a new use for single-use plastic, ultimately diverting plastic from our oceans and landfills. You can read more about Rothy’s sustainability efforts here and VIVAIA’s here. Rothy’s uses 11 bottles per pair, while VIVAIA uses 6. However, eco-friendliness goes beyond materials.

Here’s the 2025 sustainability nuance:

• Rothy’s has earned more third-party certifications recently (like LEED Gold for its factory and is TRUE Zero-Waste Certified).

• VIVAIA, meanwhile, promotes a closed-loop production system, but offers fewer third-party verifications.

BUT—be critical of sustainability claims. As Harvard Business Review points out in its discussion of the “myth of sustainable fashion” , recycled plastic turned into fashion can’t be recycled again. That means it still ends up in landfills eventually. It’s worth a read if you want to develop a deeper understanding of fashion’s impact on the environment. Longevity matters more than marketing.

The bottom line? Buy what you’ll wear often and for years. I’ve worn my VIVAIA shoes for everything from teaching to travel and they still look brand new!

Margot Mary Jane 

Affordability in 2025

Here’s where things get interesting… For years, VIVAIA was a clear winner in this category. However, prices have leveled out between the two brands in 2025. It’s now a toss up! Since prices fluctuate, I am comparing the best sellers for both brands at regular price.

• VIVAIA best sellers: $129-$179

• Rothy’s best sellers: $139-$189

On a budget? Be sure to check out Rothy’s “final few” section and VIVAIA’s “season-end sale.” You can find beautiful shoes for less than $100!

Rothy’s Mary Jane Heel ($189) | VIVAIA’s Anna Heel ($169) 

Comfort & Fit (Updated for 2025)

Let’s talk real-world wear… arguably the most important distinction when comparing VIVAIA vs Rothy’s! After trying both, VIVAIA comes out ahead in this category. However, let me preface my thoughts with a reminder that every foot is different. When choosing between brands, it’s important to consider your foot shape. What feels amazing on mine might not work for yours.

To help you compare, I have a small foot (size 6) with slightly wider than average feet and prefer a lot of cushioning and stretch/flexibility in my footwear.

Kara Sandal

My experience with VIVAIA vs Rothy’s 

Both VIVAIA and Rothy’s shoes are made with flexible and breathable knit fabric. However, VIVAIA styles tend to feel softer and more padded. I found Rothy’s tougher to break in (i.e., heel blisters) and wanted more arch and heel support. Honestly, they made my feet ache a bit at the end of the day.

In contrast, my VIVAIA shoes fit like a second skin the minute slipped my toes inside. They have heel and arch support built into the shoe liner. Additionally, there’s extra padding on the insoles. They provide all the shock-absorbency I need. Many VIVAIA styles, like the Kara sandal (I live in this one in the summertime) and Addison slingback, also have an adaptive heel strap that let’s you fully customize your fit.

Scarlett Heel

When it comes to sizing, Vivaia shoes run true to size and slightly roomy, in contrast to Rothy’s which lean smaller with less stretch. If you have wider feet, like me, you’ll prefer Vivaia. When I say “wider,” I don’t specifically need to buy wide shoes. However, my feet are not exactly what I’d call slender, so I appreciate a bit of extra room in the toe area.

To sum things up:

• Rothy’s: Stylish, but I experienced some break-in blisters and not enough arch/heel support.

• VIVAIA: Slipped on like a glove—no break-in, cushioned insole, built-in arch support, and soft heel padding.

Foot shape matters here:

• Have wide or average-width feet? VIVAIA is your friend.

• Have narrow or petite feet? Rothy’s may offer a snugger, more structured fit.

Struggle with bunions? VIVAIA’s Aria 5° is a dream for wider feet, thanks to its roomier toe box. And sizing runs TTS to slightly roomy—a welcome relief for those of us who don’t want cramped toes.

Yaffa Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

Colors & Customization

If you love vibrant hues and bold patterns, Rothy’s takes the win. It’s classic flat, The Point, comes in over 30 seasonal and core shades—even leopard and florals.

VIVAIA sticks to a more muted, neutral palette, offering 3–10 colorways per style, often focused on minimalism and elegance. Think “capsule wardrobe chic.”

Verdict: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

• If you prefer streamlined silhouettes, feminine elegance, and a better value—go with VIVAIA.
•  If you want cheerful colorways, petite sizing, or care most about third-party sustainability validation—Rothy’s is your match.

Want to try VIVAIA? Start browsing here. Curious about Rothy’s? Here’s the site.

Bonus Tip: Amazon Prime = Easy Try-On

Still unsure? VIVAIA has an Amazon storefront with many styles (like the Margot Mary Jane) on Prime. This allows you to try before you commit—with easy returns and free shipping. Rothy’s also has an Amazon storefront. Happy shopping!

Bow Loafer