By Jasmin Malik Chua / Source: Ecouterre

rothys-shoes-1-537x403

Rothy’s just might be the shoe of the summer. Produced using a three-dimensional knitting technique that generates little to no waste, each seamlessly constructed ballet flat comprises the equivalent of about three recycled plastic bottles that have been fused into filament, spun into yarn, and treated with a proprietary moisture-wicking agent. (WWD describes the shoe as “surprisingly soft.”) The rest of the footwear is equally mindful, consisting of carbon-free recyclable rubber outsoles and recyclable foam insoles. Available in round- and pointy-toed versions, which retail for $125 and $145 respectively, Rothy’s comes in a dazzling array of solid and camo-print colors, including stone, flax, and pale pink.

rothys-shoes-4-537x403

STEPPING OUT

Rothy’s, based in San Francisco, is the brainchild of Roth Martin, who ran a design gallery, and Stephen Hawthornthwaite, a 16-year veteran of the finance industry.

“I have always had a tremendous appreciation for great functional design,” said Martin, the company’s chief creative officer. “Having spent over three years overseeing production in order to incorporate environmentally conscious technology into a chic everyday women’s footwear brand has been an incredible journey for us.”

Every Rothy’s flat, according to the company, is machine-washable, although air-drying is recommended. Rothy’s has also partnered with materials manufacturer PlusFoam, a certified B Corp, to recycle the entirety of each shoe at the end of its wearable life.

“Using cutting-edge technology to diminish our carbon footprint while also adding an innovative twist to a classic ballet flat is very rewarding for both of us,” Hawthornthwaite, Rothy’s CEO, said.

Read more @ Ecouterre