Our verdict
The Atoms Shoes and Rothy’s Mary Jane are close. We gave the Atoms Shoes a slight edge at 6.5/10 over the Rothy’s Mary Jane at 6/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. Atoms are versatile and comfortable, but poor breathability makes feet sweat heavily—we'd pick Allbirds instead.
Our pick
Atoms Shoes
Rothy’s Mary Jane
Side by side
| Attribute | Atoms Shoes | Rothy’s Mary Jane |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 6.5/10 | 6/10 |
| Best for | Atoms are versatile and comfortable, but poor breathability makes feet sweat heavily—we'd pick Allbirds instead. | Love the style but the bow straps ripped quickly and Rothy's poor customer service response left us unwilling to buy another pair. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Atoms Shoes if…
Atoms are versatile and comfortable, but poor breathability makes feet sweat heavily—we'd pick Allbirds instead.
- Simple, versatile minimalist design pairs with any outfit
- Unique stretch laces cinch tight for a snug fit and slip easily on/off
Choose the Rothy’s Mary Jane if…
Love the style but the bow straps ripped quickly and Rothy's poor customer service response left us unwilling to buy another pair.
- Elegant design with decorative bow
- Comfortable fit with rounded toe
Why we rate them this way
Atoms Shoes — 6.5/10
Atoms are versatile and comfortable, but poor breathability makes feet sweat heavily—we'd pick Allbirds instead.
What we liked: Simple, versatile minimalist design pairs with any outfit, Unique stretch laces cinch tight for a snug fit and slip easily on/off, Vegan and 100% recyclable, Lightweight, comfortable foam midsole, Copper threading minimizes odor.
Worth knowing: Polyurethane-knit upper causes excessive foot sweating and lacks breathability, Uncomfortable to wear without socks due to poor moisture management, Stretch laces still require tying and untying despite marketing, Simple design lacks distinctive look to justify $145 price tag.
Rothy’s Mary Jane — 6/10
Love the style but the bow straps ripped quickly and Rothy's poor customer service response left us unwilling to buy another pair.
What we liked: Elegant design with decorative bow, Comfortable fit with rounded toe, Made from sustainable recycled plastic, Good value at $155, Machine washable with removable insoles.
Worth knowing: Bow straps ripped after a handful of wears, Design requires excessively tight tying to secure, Customer service refused repair/replacement, only offered $30 discount, Poor response damaged trust in brand.
Common questions
Is the Atoms Shoes or the Rothy’s Mary Jane better?
We rated the Atoms Shoes 6.5/10 and the Rothy’s Mary Jane 6/10, so we lean Atoms Shoes — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
What's the difference between the Atoms Shoes and the Rothy’s Mary Jane?
Short version — Atoms Shoes: Atoms are versatile and comfortable, but poor breathability makes feet sweat heavily—we'd pick Allbirds instead. Rothy’s Mary Jane: Love the style but the bow straps ripped quickly and Rothy's poor customer service response left us unwilling to buy another pair.