Rothy’s RS01 vs. RS02: Which Sneaker is the ABSOLUTE best?

In this post, I’ll be comparing the Rothy’s RS01 vs. RS02.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of sneakers, you may be wondering if Rothy’s RS01 or RS02 is the best option. In this article, we’ll compare the two sneakers and help you decide which one is right for you.

Read our full Rothy’s Mens Shoe Review and overall Rothy’s Review.

The RS01 Sneaker is a more stylish and high-end option, with elevated stitching details and premium construction. It’s perfect for men who want a retro feel.

The RS02 Sneaker is a casual, easy-to-wear sneaker that’s perfect for everyday use. It has a wider, cushier fit and comes in several fun colors.

But which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out more!

Meet the Rothy’s RS01

I first tried on the RS01 and didn’t like it because I thought it was too heavy. I returned it and bought it again several months later because I was looking for a more substantial shoe.

With elevated stitching details, premium construction and cloud-like comfort, The RS01 Sneaker is Rothy’s most stylish and high-end men’s sneaker. If you’re looking for color blocking and a retro look, these shoes are for you.

Meet the RS02

The RS02 Sneaker is a relaxed, easy-to-wear sneaker that’s perfect for everyday use. It has a wider, cushier fit and comes in several fun colors (but not as many options as the RS01).

I like the RS02 because it’s a more casual sneaker. I can wear it with jeans or shorts and it doesn’t look too dressy. The RS02 is also very comfortable, thanks to the cushioned insole.

The RS02 is a great option for men (or women) who want a relaxed, easy-to-wear sneaker for everyday use. If you’re looking for a sneaker with a wider, cushier fit, the RS02 might be perfect for you.

RS01 vs. RS02: The Details

Let’s quickly talk about the most important details of the differences: the price, the weight, the overall feel, and the overall style.

The Price

The RS01 is also more expensive than the RS02, which I didn’t realize until working on this review. The RS01 is $169, while the RS02 is $30 cheaper, at $149. While not a huge difference, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re trying to decide between the two sneakers.

The Weight

The RS01 is definitely the heavier sneaker of the two, and it’s noticeable when you first put them on. To be honest with you, I was super shocked when I first tried on the RS01.

As someone who usually wears Allbirds (and frankly, someone who has picked up women’s Rothy’s shoes to feel the weight), I was shocked by how heavy they felt at first. However, the shoes don’t feel super heavy after you wear them for a couple minutes – which is exactly what you want.

The RS02 is a bit lighter, but also a little less substaintial in the overall build quality, too.

The Fit

The RS01 fits true to size, while the RS02 is a bit roomier in the toe box. If you’re looking for a sneaker with a wider, cushier fit, the RS02 is the way to go.

The sizes are also a bit different. The RS01 comes in whole sizes only, while the RS02 comes in both whole and half sizes. If you’re unsure about what size to get, Rothy’s recommends going a half size down from your standard shoe size.

The Style

The RS01 has a more stylish, retro feel, while the RS02 is more casual. If you’re looking for a sneaker to dress up or down, the RS01 is a great option.

Different RS01 Styles

RS02 Styles – More Limited Options

However, if you’re looking for an everyday sneaker to wear with jeans or shorts, the RS02 is a better choice.

Available Styles and Color Options

At the time of publication, there are a couple of different color options available for both the RS01 and RS02. However, I want to talk about the two biggest missing styles: all white and high-contrast is available in the RS01, but not the RS02.

I purchased the bright white in the RS01 but was a bit surprised to not see it in the RS02. So, I purchased the “bone” color – which is a slightly off-white.

I’m not sure why the RS01 is the only shoe available in white, but I wonder if it has something to do with the RS02 being a more casual sneaker.

If you’re looking for an all-white sneaker, the RS01 is your best bet.

What the RS01 and RS02 have in common

As much as the RS01 and RS02 have different, they have many things in common.

Made from Recycled Plastic Water Bottles

Both the RS01 and RS02 are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Rothy’s takes recycled PET (the type of plastic typically used for water bottles) and turns it into a soft, durable thread. That thread is then woven into the fabric upper of the RS01 and RS02 sneakers.

This is what made Rothy’s a sustainable brand from the start, and it’s one of the things that makes their shoes so unique.

If you’re looking for a sustainable sneaker option, Rothy’s is definitely a brand you should consider.

Lightweight & comfortable

The RS01 and RS02 are both lightweight and comfortable, thanks to the recycled plastic upper and cushioned insole.

Honestly, both shoes are incredibly comfortable and you can’t tell much of a difference once they are on your feet.

I will say that the RS02 does feel a bit more comfortable right out of the box, but that could be because they just slightly lighter weight.

Durable & easy to care for

Rothy’s sneakers are also durable and easy to care for. The RS01 and RS02 can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle and hung to dry.

This is a game-changer when wearing white shoes. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me, “How do you keep your shoes so white?” I respond by saying, “I can wash them,” and people think I’m joking at first. But then when they realize that I’m serious, they’re always shocked.

Multiple color options

Both the RS01 and RS02 come in multiple color options, so you can find the perfect sneaker to match your style. However, only the RS01 is available in white.

Rothys RS01 vs RS02: Which is best

To be honest, you can’t go wrong with either pair. But here’s how I’d make the decision: it all comes down to which style you like the most.

Seriously, that’s the only way to decide between these two pairs of sneakers. They’re both well-made, comfortable, and easy to care for. So, it really comes down to which style you prefer.

Do you like the RS01’s more stylish, retro feel? Or do you prefer the RS02’s more casual look? Whichever pair you choose, you’ll be happy with your decision.

For me, the deciding factor is that the RS01 is available in white. I love the all-white look, so the RS01 is my absolute favorite. But if you don’t care about that particular detail, then either pair would make an excellent choice.

For $30, the difference isn’t that extreme, so you’re probably worrying about the wrong thing. Just get the RS01 or RS02 pair you like best and be done with it. You’ll love whichever pair you choose!

Let us know if you have any questions or comments about our ultimate RS01 vs. RS02 Comparison in the comments below!