We're no strangers to the magic of Rothy's. They're editor- and reader-approved, and I've personally overseen much of that coverage. I've tromped around in the heels, researched and vetted its most popular women's styles and evaluated the men's shoes, too. This summer, as fisherman sandals returned to the spotlight, I wondered if Rothy's made a standout pair. So, I asked my friend, Nancy Williams, to take the brand's fisherman sandals ($119; $99) for a whirl around New York. After walking about five miles in the first couple wears, here's her verdict on whether they’re worth adding to your summer wardrobe.
Your Go-To Summer Shoe? Rothy's Timeless Fisherman Sandal
You're going to wear these on repeat
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Published Jul 21, 2026
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Original photos by marissa wu and nancy williams
What We Like
- no break-in period
- machine washable
- cushioned footbet
What We Don't Like
- sizing can be iffy
Rothy's
Fast Facts
- Size Range: US 5 to 13
- Colors: 4
- Machine Washable: Yes
Timeless, Durable Design
Rothy's
The great thing about a fisherman sandal is that they’re a classic style that returns every summer. Rothy's puts their own spin on the silhouette with a soft upper made from recycled-plastic fabric and signature blue stitching in the heel. These sandals also feature a padded footbed, a welcome upgrade from the original insole, which both Williams and I have found a bit thin.
"I like that the material didn't dig into my feet and do believe that that's what made it such an enjoyable first wear," Williams tells me, adding that she didn't need to break them in. The fabric is a tad stretchy, moving with your feet as you walk. There's also an adjustable ankle strap so you can further customize the fit. The sandals come in four colors: Black, Coconut, Pecan and Scarlet.
As with most of Rothy's shoes, the fisherman sandals are machine washable. That's a plus, since the lighter colors tends to show dirt and scuffs more quickly. I've washed countless pairs of Rothy's with great results every time. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I received a compliment on how white my Rothy's sneakers looked—and I've had them for six years.
Sizing Is a Little Inconsistent
Rothy's
The only thing Williams said she'd flag is the sizing. It proved to be rather inconsistent. The brand advises going down a half size; however, Williams actually found the shoes true-to-size and needed to make a swap. Meanwhile, we gave the too-small pair of shoes to our friend who would have benefited from going up half a size. I’ve noticed similar inconsistencies across some of Rothy’s more specialized styles, so if you’re between sizes, it’s worth trying them on in-store before buying.
The Bottom Line
Rothy's has long been a PureWow editor (and reader) favorite, and the fisherman sandals only reinforce why. As Williams raves, "I love them and will be wearing them all summer long!"
The machine-washable construction, cushioned footbed and zero break-in period (which is especially great for those who are blister-prone) make them an easy recommendation.
Based on my extensive experience evaluating the brand's many styles, I can say that Rothy's fisherman sandals are a home run, delivering a stylish, breathable, comfortable summer shoe.
