30 Affordable Winter Essentials That Will Keep Your Home Cozy Without Breaking The Bank
All of these finds are under $20 a pop.
1. A set of blackout curtains that'll help keep the draft out and the warm air in. Instead of cranking up the heat, pull your curtains to help insulate your room.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I finally invested in blackout curtains for my room and my kids' room, and now I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner! These curtains do exactly what they are supposed to do. My kids are early risers, usually getting up when the sun comes up. Today, I was able to sleep until 9:30 because they were still in bed! I woke up not even knowing what time it was because my room was still so dark, haha! These especially made a huge difference in my room, which faces the side of the house the sun rises on. These curtains are silky feeling, which I wasn't expecting, but it gives a sleek appearance. I highly highly recommend this brand." — Key Monique
Get it from Amazon for $19.94+ (available in 30 sizes and 33 colors).
2. A handheld milk frother to transform your winter beverages into frothy, steamy goodness. From mixing hot cocoa to frothing your espresso drinks, this handy tool will elevate your drinks to the next level.
www.amazon.com
Just don't forget to pick up some AA batteries at the same time, or who knows when you'll actually get around to using it.
Promising review: "Beautiful frother. Excellent quality and froths so well! I mix my collagen powder and oat milk and it makes my coffee taste even better! I love making lattes as they come out perfect. Love this frother and highly recommend it to everyone! The best one on the market!!" — WSBlue430
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 41 styles).
3. A pack of shower steamers that'll turn your freezing-cold bathroom into a very luxurious spa. With scents like vanilla and orange to calm your frostbitten soul and eucalyptus to make breathing through winter congestion *slightly* less miserable, these are necessary for anyone battling Arctic-level temps outside.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"The affirmations under each shower steamer are such an amazing touch! Truly great if you are congested or just need a relaxing self-care shower/bath! The scent is not overpowering but still effective. I have purchased these at least three times, lol." — Nikki
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
4. A double-sided blanket so thick and warm you're basically guaranteed to fall into a peaceful slumber. One side features a soft, wool-like touch, while the other is a smooth, comforting fleece.
Promising review: "I bought this for my fiance for Christmas. She loved it, and says it's the best blanket she ever had. It's a very nice size, nice color, but most of all, it's incredibly soft and cozy. Once you put this over yourself, you find yourself drifting off to sleep. It's heaven in a blanket. When it's not on her, I use it myself. I highly recommend this blanket. You won't regret it!" — Vince
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five sizes and 22 colors).
5. A reviewer-beloved Cozy Spaces coloring book if you're looking for something to do when it feels like there's a frozen tundra outside. This book will transport you to a world of snuggling scenes and ridiculously cute animals living their coziest lives.
Psst — Coco Wyo has a *ton* of other cozy stress relief coloring books with different themes in their Amazon storefront!
Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon!
Promising review: "This coloring book is a wonderful way to unwind and de-stress. The illustrations feature familiar, cozy corners that are both charming and relaxing to color. The designs are intricate enough to keep you engaged but not overly complicated, making it perfect for both adults and teens. The quality of the paper is great, holding up well to colored pencils, markers, and gel pens. I love how each page feels like a little escape, and coloring them has become a therapeutic routine." — Ali El-Khatib
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
6. A three-layer door draft stopper that sticks to the bottom of your door to prevent cold air from coming in or warm air from escaping. This is especially necessary if you live in an old home where insulation might not be as good as it used to be.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I was a bit on the fence about buying this, but it is definitely worth it. It's cut down on my heating bill by a good amount. Install was easy as heck." — Amazon Customer
"Kept all the drafts away for sure. Also keeps heat and AC temperatures in rooms comfortably. Actually saw a difference with my utility bill. Highly recommend and easy to put on. Was done in literally three seconds!" — Ph0t0gM@
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors).
7. A hot water bottle with a knitted cover for those nights when the chill seems to seep into your bones, offering a toasty, snuggling solution that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. It's the same old-school remedy your grandparents swore by, just upgraded with a nifty sweater.
Promising review:"Perfect for cold winter nights! We got two hot water bottles, one for me and one for my husband. We love them! It takes the chill out of the bed. We used to fight over who would get in first to warm up the bed. We just heat water in the kettle and pour it in. It stays warm until the morning. (And the little sweater covers are so cute!) Our cat likes to lay on it, too! Only be careful as you pour the water into the bottle." — Dale Ann
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors and two-packs).
8. Or a flat cat heating pad that you microwave to warm up if you want a heating pad that makes you chuckle.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This was so much better than I anticipated. The quality is really nice and there is a removable cover that you can remove and was h. It is soft and comfortable and comes in the cutest little box. So cute and functional. Heat is a humid heat but not too intense right out of the microwave." — brittany
Get it from Amazon for $17.69 (available three sizes and four other styles).
9. A fan-favorite luxury-scented candle (that reviewers swear smells like Labo Santal 33!) if you're looking for a signature scent for your home. One whiff and it'll feel like your home just put on a cashmere sweater.
www.amazon.com
Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes.
Promising review: "I was staying over at a friend's house and sitting next to her coffee table. She had this candle on the table and even though it wasn't lit I could smell it, and it was so delicious that I instantly went online to find it and bought it for myself! If this came in a perfume I would buy enough to last the rest of my life. I don't know how to even explain the scent but if you are an amber/patchouli/vanilla fan, this is absolutely for you. The jasmine adds an unbelievable freshness without a flowery scent. I even bought the shampoo and conditioner which I will probably use as more of a body wash and shaving cream but that is how desperate I am to get this scent on me!" — Melissa I.
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
10. And a rechargeable lighter to safely light all your candles, especially the ones where the wick is allllll the way at the bottom of the jar. And it'll ignite 500 times on a single charge.
This butane-free lighter charges with a USB cord and the igniting spark shuts off automatically in seven seconds.
Promising review:"This is seriously the coolest device of my winter holiday. It makes lighting candles a breeze. Yes, there is a weird crackling noise, but that's a super minor annoyance. It's a super intuitive device. Plus the lighter with the USB (included), charge for a bit, then pop it open and light ALL THE THINGS; well, candles. I don't know how well it lights cigarettes or whatever. However, for my personal intended use, it's awesome!" — Jee W
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 10 colors).
11. A tea sampler box so you can have a variety of teas to sip all winter long. There are eight different flavors to choose from — from a bold English breakfast to calming chamomile — this will be an important part of your winter survival kit.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Every single tea in this selection is beautiful! I even loved the lemon and orange, and I do not like anything of an orange derivative because it always tastes artificial. This was absolutely lovely! The teas are very smooth and mellow, very flavor-forward. No overwhelming acidity or bitterness — even if you're like me and forget to take the tea bag out! It's a proper cup of tea for each varietal. It came well packaged in a lovely box that is very giftable. This was a value that well exceeded the price. I HIGHLY recommend this selection of teas! I am ordering more for birthdays and such. And especially more for me! Get this!" — Shonda C.
Get a 48-pack from Amazon for $11.87.
12. A set of super soft and warm velvet pillowcases that are under $15 a pop. These look way more luxurious than the price would indicate.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising reviews: " Very plush! So cozy for cold nights when cuddling up on the couch or bed is all you want to do...The packaging they came in was a sealed pouch that you can put them back in when they aren't in use during summer months. Very happy with my inexpensive purchase." — Wendy W
"I will never buy a normal pillowcase again. These are so great and soft, and they zip, just a bonus." — Donald Cauthan
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 10 sizes and nine colors).
13. A bedside carafe set so you have fresh water at the ready when you wake up in the middle of the night. No more slipping out of your warm bed to pad into the kitchen for a quick sip.
Promising review: "I saw this carafe in a BuzzFeed article. This is definitely something I needed that I didn't know that I needed. I live in a two-story house with the kitchen on the opposite end which makes me groggily navigate the stairs at night. I usually have a water bottle on my nightstand but decided I could upgrade. This carafe is a little smaller than I'd like but for the price, it's really perfect and no-frills. It's simple but functional. I guess you could use this for mouthwash too but it's perfect for bedside water. I love that the cup covers the top when not in use so that the water stays clean. I would not hesitate to purchase this item again." — TheJadeMermaid
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
14. A rechargeable clip-on reading light if you love to read but it gets dark so early now. This will help illuminate your page without casting light around the room.
It's completely free of blue light, has three brightness levels, and a 360-degree gooseneck.
Promising review:"I bought this because I am sensitive to lights, the charge lasts so long, the light is so warm, but not too yellow. It is also not too bright. I prefer it when it starts to die, and it gets dimmer. I wish it had one more dim setting. But it also can be bright if you need. Love this light I think everyone should buy this. !! So cozy! Great gift." — Allison T.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors).
15. A TikTok-famous sunset lamp to bathe your room in a dreamy glow, because why wait for golden hour when you can have it anytime? It'll transform any space into a calming, Instagram-worthy vibe with its soft, warm light.
Place this far away for a diffused lighting effect or closer up to focus the colorful beam on a specific spot.
Tsrarey is a small business that sells mood lighting for the home.
Promising review: "Immediately, out of the box, it makes any room more aesthetically pleasing. It's such a simple but beautiful light to make your room feel cozy. The warm color also adds calm and serenity to your space. I am so satisfied with it, I will be buying another. My space has weird geometric angles and this light makes them feel even cooler." — -jordan_
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three styles).
16. A bath overflow drain cover because you deserve a deeper, more relaxing bath during these cold months. It easily sticks over your tub's drain, letting you fill your bath higher for an extra-deep soak.
Amazon
Promising review:"I have a high-stress job, and I've started taking baths as a way to unwind. However, it never seemed like I could keep enough water in the tub to really enjoy it. This little thing makes a HUGE difference!! I get at least an extra 3 inches of water and it is great." — Hyacinthe Snyder
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in nine colors).
17. A luxurious faux fur rug so there's always something soft to touch down on when you slink out of bed in the morning. Put it anywhere: seats, benches, etc!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"So cute, warm, and soft in my Louis XV counter-height chairs that I work from every day at a table. Really adds a luxurious touch and will add to the warm and cozy feel. I might be tempted to buy more for other seating areas! Economical way to upgrade a chair!" — Dr. Lori Lind
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 16 shapes/sizes and eight colors).
18. A wireless headphones headband so you can transform your pillow into a private concert for one, serenading you to sleep with your favorite chill playlist or ambient noise. I actually pull mine down over my eyes to block out light while I doze off.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I've been using this for a few weeks now, and it has truly transformed my sleeping experience. As a side sleeper, traditional headphones were always uncomfortable and fell out during the night. This headband's soft fabric and flat speakers make it incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The HD speakers deliver surprisingly clear sound without disturbing my partner, thanks to the noise-canceling feature. Whether I'm listening to calming music, white noise, or guided meditation, the sound quality remains consistently excellent. The Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and the battery life is impressive, lasting through several nights of use before needing a recharge." — GRod
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 19 colors).
19. A foaming lavender bath to make your bathing rituals even more luxurious. Packed with soothing lavender and magnesium-rich Epsom salt, it's like a warm hug in a tub when the cold hits the hardest.
It's vegan, cruelty free, and made in the US.
Promising review:"I love this stuff soooo much. I have had some rash issues on my fingers ever since I got a full-body rash from Downy Unstopables and had to take prednisone to get rid of it. Ever since I started regularly soaking in the tub with this, I have had hardly any flare-ups. Something about the ingredients in this particular combination makes my skin sing. Plus, it smells amazing and provides top-notch bubbles. Worth every penny."— Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
20. A pack of light-dimming stickers to apply on the pesky small lights that are on necessary electronics like chargers, monitors, and gaming accessories. Since the sun sets so early now, those annoying little lights will be on full display as early as 3:30 p.m. No thanks!
Promising review:"My wife hates all my gadgets in our room and how they do an excellent job at lighting it up. Between the constantly flashing red, blue, and green LEDs, it was hard for her to fall asleep and stay asleep, causing some not-so-nice mornings, if you know what I mean. LightDims was an inexpensive impulse purchase because, hey, why not? It may compel my wife to stop complaining and actually get some peaceful sleep. Well, I'm glad to announce that LightDims did the trick! I'm still able to monitor device activity at a glance, without putting on a personal light show in the room. The LightDims adhere strongly and come in various shapes and sizes for convenience. It seems like they'd remove easily, although who would want to? I'd definitely recommend LightDims to anyone for use on all their devices!" — A. Williams
Get a sheet of more than 100 stickers of varying shapes and sizes from Amazon for $3.99. These larger dimming sheets from Amazon are $7.99 for two 6-by-3-inch stickers and work wonders if you're trying to cover a larger surface area, like a clock face.
21. An all-natural sleep spray so you fall into a deep, peaceful slumber. Made from 100% pure essential oils, the notes of lavender, cedar wood, and sweet marjoram will whisk you away to somewhere a little warmer.
Ethereal Mountain / Etsy
Ethereal Mountain is a small business based in Delaware making unique items for the home.
Promising review: "This Sleep Spray is everything I hoped it would be. The fragrance is light and helps lull me into a relaxing sleep!" — Babs
Get it from Ethereal Mountain on Etsy for $13.29.
22. A mug warmer because you deserve a hot drink that stays hot, no matter how long your WFH meeting (or Netflix marathon) drags on. It'll seriously be the MVP of winter mornings (and afternoons...and evenings).
Promising review:"One of those items I didn't know I needed until I had it. As a busy mom of two little ones, I can't even remember the last time I got to finish a hot cup of coffee. Until now! This truly kept my coffee warm for literal hours. And I love the wood grain look of it. It's nice and doesn't look cheap at all. I'm going to keep it on my desk for when I'm working, and I'll never go without hot coffee again!" — ADR80
Get it from Amazon for $18.20+ (available in seven colors).
23. A eucalyptus lavender pouch to transform your mundane bathroom into what feels like a spa day at a 5-star resort. The freshly trimmed eucalyptus leaves paired with fragrant dried lavender will fill your shower with calming aromatherapy, perfect for melting away stress. Simply place it where the steam can do its thing, and voilà — instant relaxation.
Each bag lasts for two to three showers.
Eucalyptus Blooms is a North Carolina-based small business that specializes in eucalyptus bunches designed to freshen up your home.
Promising review: "These smell AMAZING, and they're such a perfect size for the shower. I used to have big bundles of eucalyptus, but they always took up so much space. These are perfectly sized and the blend of eucalyptus and lavender is HEAVENLY." — Maggie
Get a set of three from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $11.99 (also available in a set of five).
24. A set of cylindrical wineglasses because why venture out into the frigid cold to grab a drink with a friend when you can instead host from the comfort of your own home?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories.
Promising review:"I saw these wine glasses on TikTok and had to order them. They are perfect! Will be purchasing again as gifts for my friends!" — diana
Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three styles).
25. A set of corduroy pillow covers to give your living room (or any room!) a quick and easy seasonal makeover. If you're still rockin' the linen pillow shams with the seashell pattern on them...maybe it's time for something a little more wintry.
Amazon
Promising review:"These pillow covers exceeded my expectations. I needed to cover up some older and worn decorative pillows, so I chose solid corduroy to accent my home colors. The cool thing about these covers is that, along with fitting well, the fabric is super soft! Most decorative pillow covers tend to be scratchy; we ACTUALLY use our pillows for naps, so this is great! The coverings easily slipped over my pillows, and the zipper closing worked with ease. The color was just as shown (blue). I will definitely order these again." — zbergteacher
Get a set of two covers from Amazon for $12.54+ (available in 36 colors and nine sizes).
Don't forget to grab inserts for these if needed! For optimal fluffiness, use inserts that are 2 inches bigger than the covers (so 20x20 inserts for 18x18 covers, for example).
26. A single-slice toaster so you can have a single piece of toast whenever you want — you always deserve a warm lil' treat when it's cold out! Plus, it's slim enough to not take up nearly as much countertop space as a traditional toaster.
amazon.com
Promising review: "I love everything about this toaster. It's cute, has a small footprint for my new little apartment, and does its job well. It toasts evenly and is fast. I use those little silicone reusable toaster bags to make grilled cheese and any kind of sandwich I want, without making a mess and heating up the stove or oven. (I made a turkey and cheese sandwich last night). 'Grilled' to perfection. Sandwiches come out like paninis. Very great price and a high-value product!!" — Elise M.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two colors).
27. A durable and luxurious faux-fur throw in an array of colors to drape over your bed...or crawl under when it's too cold out and you need instant warmth.
Promising review: "I bought this throw a year ago. We have it on the couch, and we are a pet-friendly home. This throw gets washed once a week in very hot water and dried in a hot dryer. It looks as good as the day I received it. I would highly recommend. You will not be disappointed." — Happy Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 18 colors and three sizes).
28. A teeny tiny electric skillet and rapid noodle maker if you live in a place with an inadequate kitchen or just want the option of a hot bowl of ramen without needing to create a big mess.
amazon.com
Plug it in, wait one to three minutes until preheated, and when the indicator light shuts off, you can begin cooking.
Promising review: "I live in a basement with no kitchen. I have this little kitchenette I have built up, but have been wanting something to make a burger in, with the option to make other foods. I liked the thought of this one because I can make noodles, a pancake, eggs, or anything else I wish. And have the option to clean the little pan that comes in it. This also came with a lid. So far so good, my burger was yummy." — Angela Osbourne
"Every flight attendant needs this. If you travel for work this is a must have. All hotel rooms don't have microwaves, and who feels like leaving their room? Not me. So I plug this up and heat my food up in less than five min. I pack this in my carry-on; it's a must-have" — Lala
Get it from Amazon for $15.04.
29. A set of popular fairy lights to cast a beautiful and twinkly illumination whenever and wherever. Camping under the stars is out of the question during the colder months, so this is the next best thing.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love the ease of these lights! I bought two sets for two different bedrooms for my daughters and they ABSOLUTELY love them! They are easy to hang up over the curtains. I love that I don't have to worry about trying to string together several strands of Christmas lights that are way too long and super heavy over the curtain rod. The LED lights are very lightweight so they don't put any extra weight on my curtain rods. Also, we love the different light modes that it can do. My girls love the warm glow that it gives to their bedrooms. The first thing my almost teenage daughter said was, 'My room looks like a Pinterest room!' So overall, it was a WIN-WIN! Definitely worth the money!" — MyMomShopsAtGoodwill
Get it from Amazon for $17.59+ (available in six styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Rothy's The Point II Flats Rothy's clean- and classic-looking ballet flats can work as wardrobe basics or colorful statement shoes. The machine-washable design makes them a breeze to care for, and though the price point is a bit steep, you can see the cost reflected in the durable build and overall quality of these shoes. Babudog Pointed-Toe Mesh Flats The mesh design and memory foam insoles on these Babudog flats make them comfortable right out of the box. For under $30, they're decent flats if you're looking for lightweight shoes to add to your wardrobe, but their design lacks solid durability, so you might find yourself replacing them sooner than you'd like. With their affordable price point, though, that might not be a deal breaker for some. Rothy's proprietary rPET yarn, spun from plastic bottles Mesh Rothy's In Love insoles, made from recycled plastic bottles and recyclable foam Padded memory foam Yes No 13 15 Yes Yes but limited selection Yes No 362 g. 320 g. On first glance, the Rothy's and Babudog flats share a lot of design similarities. Both are made of woven materials for a light and breathable feel, both have slightly raised heels on their outsoles and both have tapered toe boxes for a sleek silhouette. But despite these similarities on paper, the Rothy's flats have a much more elevated feel than the Babudog shoes. Rothy's flats look pretty basic, but there are a number of intentional design choices that give these shoes a more elegant feel overall. First, the lines of these shoes are super clean, creating a geometric design that looks surprisingly flattering, and the reinforced stitching around the opening helps prevent fraying. Though the shoes are made of Rothy's proprietary knit — which is sourced from recycled plastic bottles — you'd never guess the shoes are woven until you're up close. Even the insoles are decked out in a color-coordinated knit for ultimate cohesion. The flats deliver a crisp look and classic shape that pairs well with almost anything. Plus, Rothy's selection of fun colors and patterns give you the chance to turn otherwise simple flats into statement shoes for your wardrobe. The outsoles also have a cute tortoiseshell knit pattern; while not a necessity, this is another detail that points to Rothy's commitment to quality design. Whether I was wearing jeans, linen pants or a flowy skirt, I could rely on these flats to add a polished finish to my look, and the Lollipop Red color is just as vibrant in person as it looks online. The Babudog flats aren't unstylish by any means, but they lack the clean lines and thoughtful details present on the Rothy's. The mesh fabric isn't as tightly woven and the rounded opening isn't as sharp in design, which gives the flats a more casual appearance. The Babudog flats are offered in 15 colors, but the selection is limited based on sizing. I opted for the yellow shade, which appears a bit more muted in person than it looks online. Still, these flats were a nice way to shake up my rather neutral-centered wardrobe, and the yellow color was versatile enough to pair with an array of outfits without looking out of place. Granted, they're still not as bold or eye-catching as the Rothy's. Though they have the same basic silhouette, the toe shape on the Babudog flats is also more rounded, while it's more pointed on the Rothy's. The Rothy's pointed toes do cause a more narrow fit, but in return, you get what I feel is a more sophisticated-looking design that works for both casual outfits and office attire. Wearing these flats side by side, there's just something more appealing to me about the look of the Rothy's on my feet. Though neither I nor the coworkers I surveyed could narrow down exactly why we liked the look of the Rothy's flats better, I would wager it's the sum of all these small details that helps create a more elegant overall look. Related article The 20 best ballet flats that are chic and comfortable, according to stylists As much as I love the look of the Rothy's Point II flats, they were an absolute nightmare to break in. Granted, some of the blame rests on my poor decision-making: I was so excited when my Rothy's flats finally arrived that I decided to put them on straight out of the box and head for a stroll along the water and into a local art museum. This route ended up being 4 miles round trip from when I left my apartment to when I returned, not counting the walking I did through the museum's exhibits. While a few miles is typically within reason for me to walk around the city, 4 miles in brand-new shoes was not the best idea. The Rothy's flats felt snug and comfortable as I headed out my door, but after about 20 minutes, I started to feel some heat and discomfort around the back of my heels and tops of my toes. Even though the back heels had stayed in place on my feet, there was still a good amount of friction between my skin and the knit shoes as I walked. As a runner, former dancer and lifelong athlete, I'm no stranger to having roughed-up feet, but these flats delivered by far the largest and most painful blisters I have ever experienced. I was on the verge of tears walking home and couldn't wear any shoes with a closed heel for almost a week after wearing these Rothy's flats. In addition to taking skin off both my heels, the pointed toes on the Rothy's flats also created blisters on my big toes and the two outermost toes on both of my feet. This was my first time wearing Rothy's, so I figured I had missed some crucial instructions or done something wrong, because there's no way people would buy these shoes if this pain was consistently required to break them in. As I did more online research, I noticed some Rothy's reviewers also complained of blisters with their Point II flats, even when they went up a half or full shoe size to accommodate their feet better. I polled some of my Rothy's-wearing colleagues as well, and almost all of them said they experienced some sort of heel rubbing (though none as severe as mine) while breaking in their Rothy's shoes. Some online users recommended letting the Rothy's 'breathe' for a few days once you take them out of the box, allowing the knit material to naturally loosen prior to the first wear. Other reviewers rave about how comfortable their Rothy's are and don't mention experiencing any blistering. A potential part of the issue for me is that I have wider feet, so the narrow design of the Rothy's flats left my toes a bit squished and firmly gripped onto my heels. I did end up wearing my Rothy's again after washing them and patching up my feet, and noticed that they felt a bit looser. Even after removing my protective bandages, the Rothy's flats didn't cause any subsequent blisters as I continued to wear them. Brutal break-in phase aside, the Rothy's were perfectly comfortable to wear for a day at the office (including commuting). However, I still wouldn't recommend them for any long periods of walking. Despite being both mentally and physically scarred from trying to break in the Rothy's flats, I still had the Babudog pair to try. To my delight, these flats were comfortable straight from the box and — though I didn't wear them for 4 miles — they left my feet blister-free after a 2-mile round-trip walking commute to and from the office. There was essentially no break-in period required for these flats. Similar to the Rothy's, they also have narrowed toe boxes, but they're a bit wider by comparison, which left more room for my toes to spread. The mesh fabric isn't as tightly woven as the Rothy's knit, as I noted previously, and that means you get a slightly looser fit overall. While that provides less lateral support, it also equals less uncomfortable rubbing and blistering. True to their claims, both the Babudog and Rothy's flats felt light on my feet. The woven knit and mesh designs are breathable too, so my feet didn't get overly slippery, sweaty or stuffy as I wore them. The pair of Rothy's flats are about 40 grams heavier than the Babudog ones, but the weight difference is not noticeable once they're on your feet. If I'm splitting hairs, I would give a slight edge to the Rothy's shoes for warm weather wear. Rothy's In Love insoles are made of recycled plastic bottles like the knit of the uppers as well as recycled foam, and they do a better job at preventing foot sliding. Even if your feet get sweaty, the knit material keeps them from slipping around, nicely holding everything in place as you walk. The memory foam insoles on the Babudog shoes are soft but have a smoother, slicker surface that's more prone to sliding when moist. Related article The 16 best slip-on shoes for women, according to stylists If you're wondering what makes the Rothy's worth $125 more than the Babudog flats, it's their construction. The mesh on the Babudog shoes doesn't have recoiling, meaning that after just a few wears, the shoes began to permanently warp and loosen along the outside edges. Rothy's flats still stretch to accommodate your feet, but the tight knit along the sides of the shoes springs back into place, ensuring that you get the same structure, shape and fit each time you wear them. While the memory foam insoles in the Babudog flats are soft, I appreciate that the Rothy's flats have removable insoles, so you can replace them with orthotics if you need more customized support. But if you want to keep them in, the insoles themselves provide a solid amount of cushioning through the midfeet and heels. Rothy's flats also have firmer and more supportive outsoles than the Babudog shoes. I've written my fair share of shoe coverage here at CNN Underscored, and many podiatrists often reference the 'twist test' as a way to look for support in shoes. To conduct this test, you try to twist your shoes in half, as if you're wringing out a towel. Shoes with decent support will be stiffer and harder to twist, while shoes that are lacking support will be easy to bend and manipulate. Neither of these flats are going to offer your feet as much support as a good pair of walking sneakers, but the Rothy's put up a better fight. Though both shoes twist a fair amount, Rothy's flats are much more rigid and have more structure through the heel and toe areas that prevent the shoes from collapsing on themselves. The Babudog shoes fold and bend with ease, offering very little structure for any part of your feet. This is partly an intentional feature of these shoes — they're designed so that you can fold up the flats and toss them in your bag — but it compromises on support. Plus, both the Babudog and Rothy's shoes already take up minimal space when tossed in a bag as is, so the folding feature isn't a huge selling point. Rothy's flats also earn kudos for their machine-washable design. This feature is kind of the impetus of the Rothy's brand as all its styles — not just its flats — are machine-washable. It might not sound like a huge deal, but when my flats got scuffed while walking the streets, it was very convenient to be able to throw them in with my next laundry load instead of painstakingly spot cleaning them. This easy-to-care-for design coupled with sturdy outsoles, springy knit and removable insoles all suggest more durable shoes that are meant to last. Even if I wore my Rothy's every week, I'd still expect them to hold up for several years before I needed a replacement. I'd be shocked if the Babudog shoes lasted through even a year of weekly wear. Even though the break-in period was gruesome (and I'd do it differently in hindsight), I still find myself drawn to Rothy's The Point II flats. The pointed-toe design, bright knit and clean lines make for a truly sophisticated and sleek-looking pair of shoes that are still casual enough for daily wear. The fact that they're machine-washable is a huge plus, and the removable insoles mean you can swap in more supportive orthotics if needed. The knit uppers provide some stretch without compromising fit or form, and the tortoiseshell-patterned outsoles offer better midfoot support than the Babudog shoes, all of which are features that bode well for the long-term durability of the Rothy's flats. Still, $155 is a lot to spend on shoes, even if they are well constructed. For that reason, I'd recommend trying to grab a pair of Rothy's when they go on sale. Though they're not as stylish, the Babudog flats are still a cute, comfy and affordable shoe option to work into your wardrobe. They're not the most supportive shoes and the mesh uppers don't have the sturdy and springy construction of the Rothy's flats, but they're comfortable right out of the box with a lightweight feel and soft memory foam insoles. Just be warned that they started to show signs of loosening after a few wears, so you might find yourself replacing them after a few months of continual use. Do Rothy's flats stretch over time? Do Rothy's flats stretch over time? I felt that my Rothy's flats did loosen up a bit as I wore them. They were quite tight straight out of the box and did some real damage to my feet on the first wear. Some reviewers recommended letting the knit fabric 'breathe' outside the box for a few days before wearing the shoes. I would recommend breaking them in over a few days at home, or wearing socks with them to help slightly loosen the fit, before attempting to wear them out for a full day. My flats also felt more relaxed through the heel and toe areas after I washed them, though they still retained a secure overall fit. Should I size up or size down when buying flat shoes? Should I size up or size down when buying flat shoes? Both the Rothy's and Babudog flats claim to run true to size. I purchased both in my normal shoe size and found they fit snugly on my feet without feeling overly restrictive or compressive. Many reviewers of Rothy's flats recommend going up a half size or even a full size, though — especially if you have wide feet — since the style is narrower through the top of the feet and heels. Some reviewers also claim that opting for a larger size can help prevent the heel rubbing and blistering that I (and others) experienced while wearing the Rothy's flats. If I buy a pair again, I'll probably follow this advice in the hopes of avoiding another painful break-in phase Should I wear no-show socks with flat shoes? Should I wear no-show socks with flat shoes? I went sockless in both the Rothy's and Babudog flats and felt comfortable, but you could certainly wear low-cut no-show socks if you wanted. It might be hard to find a style that truly won't show since both of the flats are cut pretty deep, but you could try something like these thin liners from Amazon. In retrospect, I wish I had worn some no-show socks while breaking in the Rothy's flats, since I think the extra layer between my skin and shoes might have helped better protect my feet from blisters. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy spent several weeks testing Rothy's The Point II flats and the Babudog flats from Amazon, assessing them for comfort, style, support and overall durability.
