Sorry In Advance, But Now That You Know These 28 Products Exist, You'll Think About Them Every Day Until You Own Them
Shopping
·
Forget about you. We're gonna have a hard time forgetting about soot sprite dryer balls.
1. A spinning water bottle organizer for those among us who have an extensive collection of jumbo water bottles. This lazy Susan-style water bottle holder can accommodate up to six 40-oz. Stanleys, Starbucks tumblers, and more.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This was easy to put together and store my 40-oz. cups with handles. Turns smoothly and looks nice." — D. Kneller
Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in six colors).
2. A no-tools-required dual-showerhead to make tandem showers a romantic experience instead of fighting with your partner because someone is roasty toasty under the showerhead, and the other person is shivering in the back of the tub. Parents love this thing for getting kids in and out of the shower without fights over the water.
Boona is a small business on a mission to make showers more enjoyable, whether you're showering alone or with a partner.
Promising review: "This is a high-quality product that's straightforward to install. The water pressure is incredible! It's like a brand-new shower. You can adjust which showerhead the water comes out of individually or both simultaneously. It's a game changer for our kids, so they don't fight over the water anymore!" — Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $199+ (available in three colors and in a single showerhead style).
3. A WD-40 pen (A pen! Genius!) so you can enjoy the squeak-quieting, hinge-lubricating, rust-preventing powers that you know and love from traditional WD-40 but in an easy-to-maneuver precise pen tip.
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.86.
4. A "neutralizing" lip gloss if you love your lip freckles but wish they didn't always pop through your gloss. This non-sticky gloss evens out dark and light spots on your lips using a magical thing called color theory.
Pound Cake is a BIPOC-owned small business started by Camille Bell and Johnny Velazquez.
Promising review: "I've been married to IBP's lip oil for years! CAKE THEORY changed that for me in less than 24 hours. Slept in it the first night and woke up with the softest, plumpest lips. Super hydrated and moisturized, and not even an ounce of stickiness! GET IT!" — Devin
Get it from Ulta for $22 (available in two shades).
5. A Tub Topper because parents everywhere, bathtime is about to change forever. It attaches with suction cups to the lip of the tub and acts as a splash guard, toy tray, and a fun zone thanks to the flat surface, which allows for play.
Promising review: "Like you, when I first came across this, I was hesitant because of the price. It's a bit steep, I thought to myself. But then, after another night of bathtime with two towels on the ground to soak up the water my child had splashed all over, I took the plunge and bought it. And definitely worth it a million times over. My child LOVES the extra space for toys and I love the water staying in the tub. I definitely and highly suggest buying it. You won't be disappointed! Or your child!!" — Brianna
Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in four colors).
6. A set of sheet holders for the folks who are running marathons in their sleep only to wake in the morning with bedsheets that are pretty much everywhere but on the bed. Not convinced? Even if you sleepwalk and SHOOK your entire mattress, the sheets would still stay put.
Amazon
Promising review: "I have an adjustable base. My issues have always been with the top sheet. They don't stay tucked in, and sheets shift. These didn't catch my eye at first. They looked bulky and cumbersome. All I kept seeing were things I had unsuccessfully used. I gave these a second look and decided to buy them. I've had them on my bed a week now and I'm impressed! NO sheet shifting, and they stay tidy with minimal effort to make the bed. These appear to be sturdy as well. I know they are a little pricey for sheet holders, but these are worth it." — Joni
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
7. A magnetic dryer ball holder to make laundry day a fuss-free affair. Instead of rooting around your laundry room looking for one of the dozen dryer balls you swear you own (and which have all inevitably rolled off and behind the dryer), you can easily grab one from this organizer. Plus, if you attach this holder to the side of your machine or a nearby shelf = *chef's kiss*
Amazon, www.amazon.com
You can also use it to store tennis balls!
Promising review: "So one of the reasons I didn't use dryer balls before is because where do you put them when you're not using them? How do you dry them in between uses? This answers both. It works great, and I love how the balls roll down to dispense. Everyone wants to play with it when they first see it." — Meghan
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
8. And a trio of reusable soot sprite dryer balls as cute and helpful as their film counterpart. They'll prevent wet clothes from clumping in the dryer, so you don't have to run your machine several times.
www.amazon.com
Friendsheep is a small business that sells dryer balls handmade by women in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Promising review: "These are so incredibly cute! I love that they look like soot sprites! I used them today and noticed a significant decrease in drying time. No static, and able to be scented with essential oils. A great alternative to polyester, single-use dryer sheets." — Daria
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $18.
9. A spicy Mothman-scented roll-on perfume oil that'll have you wondering, "What does the Mothman smell like?" Let me tell you: A cozy combination of black pepper, pine, spices, herbs, tonka bean, embers, wood, patchouli, and musk. Am I...attracted to Mothman?
Groovy Galaxy is a small business based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Promising review: " To say I'm obsessed with this perfume is an understatement. It smells INCREDIBLE! I've gotten so many compliments on it, too! I do have to reapply every now and then, but I can smell it throughout the day for several hours. It honestly reminds me of a Christmas tree candle, which I absolutely love. Will be purchasing more of these in the future :)" — Taylor
Get it from Groovy Galaxy on Etsy for $12.95.
10. A set of turtle-shaped toilet bolt caps if your bathroom is lacking the right amount of aquatic creatures. And no, the recurring mildew in your toilet bowl doesn't count.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Absolutely love these. My daughter's toilet was missing the original caps, so I thought I would give these a try. They are so nice looking!! She loves them. Great quality and fits perfectly over the screw. Going to buy some for my bathroom now! Buy it, you won't regret it." — Valentine Girl
Get a pair from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in eight other styles).
11. A pack of carborundum sponges because these are the heavy hitters you'll want for stains and gunk that no other sponge is strong enough to handle.
Promising review: "Nice and thin. You'll find so many more uses for these around the house than just getting stuff off the underside of cookware! I had hard, scaly water deposits on the glass surrounding our powder room faucet (one of those fancy, highfalutin modern-looking things). I've tried everything for four years to get this stuff off. One day I thought, maybe i'll try my sponges. Took it all off super easily!!!! Faucet looks like new. My only rec is to spot-test your item first before using it because it will scratch certain surfaces if you scrub too aggressively (for example, it gets the burned-on, weird stuff off of the bottom of my fave Our Place pan, but I rubbed too hard in one spot and it took the color right off lol)." — Hoarder
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in two sponge thicknesses).
12. A ceiling fan carbon filter for grabbing dust, pollen, smoke, dander, and other allergens as the fan spins. It sticks to the fan blade and is unnoticeable — but you may notice the difference in the air!
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
13. Invisible Bandage, a GENIUS, well, invisible bandage to soothe and protect blemishes, minor cuts, and burns. It's a sort of top coat for your skin that contains healing active ingredients, creates a smooth surface for makeup, and protects against bacteria and irritants. Hate the idea of applying foundation to a popped pimple but doubly hate how obvious pimple patches are with a full beat? Try this!
Violette_Fr
Promising review: "I'm perimenopausal, so apparently, that means I break out all the time. But this little bit of magic actually does what it says. I cover the red angry areas. Leave it a few minutes to dry, then put some concealer over. Not only do they stay covered, but when I remove my makeup. The spots are soothed and healing up. As I said, magic!✨" — Vanessa H.
Get it from Violette_Fr for $28.
14. A shoe-washing bag so you can turn back the clock on your fave (now very scuffed and muddy) sneakers. Inside the bag are thousands of soft microfiber "fingers" that gently clean your shoes. You'll even get two adjustable shoe trees you can place inside your shoes while they're being cleaned in the bag to help your shoe retain its shape.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I normally do not write reviews but had to for this one… I wore these white sneakers all over Scotland and London for two weeks, so they were far from white upon my return (I wish I had taken a before pic prior to washing them). I ordered this gadget and threw them in the wash not expecting much but willing to give a try prior to replacing them. They're white again! It is as close to brand new as you could expect, given the wear. I'm both ecstatic and impressed!" — Whitney
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in four colors).
15. An outlet extender if your bed, couch, cabinets, etc., can't lie flat against the wall because a pesky cord is in the way. This adapter has three outlets, so you can push your bed flat against the wall and still plug in the charger.
Promising review: "I have been looking for a solution that would allow for a nightstand and also a dresser to be pushed up against a wall even with things plugged into the outlet behind that furniture. I FOUND IT. This wall outlet extender does exactly what it says it will do. I have a fan, clock radio, and watch charger plugged into it and can still move the nightstand right up against the wall. The light on the dresser no longer forces the dresser to be out a couple of inches; it, too, can be pushed right up against the wall, and the cord is not in danger of getting crushed and becoming a fire hazard. A game changer! I will be ordering a few more." — Lynda L.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.78+ (available in three styles).
16. A work-from-anywhere kit because how many times have you posted up at a cafe only to realize — DANG IT! — you don't have your charger? Even once is one time too many! Leave this kit in your work bag and you'll always be prepared on the days you're working outside your home or office.
It comes with a 2-in-1 charging cable, cable organizer, USB wall charger, microfiber cloth, phone/tablet stand, earbud cleaning tool, password hint list, sticky notes, sticky flags, pens, two stain-removing towelettes, two hand-cleaning towelettes, breath drops, lip balm, and two pain relief tablets.
Promising review: "Got this as a gift for my coworker. She texted me days later, letting me know it was really useful. It would be a good stocking stuffer, white elephant gift, or gift for staff working remotely. Would recommend for sure." — Alma
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in three case colors).
17. A dog paw scrubber for all-in-one paw cleaning that won't bother your pooch and certainly won't bother you now that your floors will be free of muddy paw prints.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wanted something that would clean my baby's paws after our walks because I didn't want germs or dirt coming into the house. It smells great, it works well, and I can see that the rubber part doesn't bother my doggy! It's super easy to use, and I use it to keep her paws clean and my house clean! 10/10, especially for the price point!" — Thia
Get it from Amazon for $6.24.
18. A vibrating ice pack (you might recognize it from Shark Tank!) to help make the process of getting a shot just a teensy bit better. It's designed to desensitize the injection site before you get poked, as well as distract you from the pinch of the needle. Use it during doctor visits, first aid treatment, to soothe bee stings, and more!
Amazon
Dr. Amy Baxter is the creator of Buzzy, and her company, Pain Care Labs, is a woman-owned small business
Promising review: "My son has had to have his blood drawn more than we'd like. Usually, it is difficult and a long, drawn-out, tantrum-filled process. Until we got Buzzy! This little bee is amazing. You turn him on and place him right above the injection/draw site, and he keeps his little arms from feeling the prick! The vibrating distracts the nerves so the needle doesn't hurt. No more screaming, no more tantrums! It's a must-have for kiddos who need their blood drawn." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in four styles).
19. A cropped puffer vest so you can stay trendy, never spendy. It shouldn't be controversial to say that $100+ for a cropped puffer vest is SICKENING.
Promising review: "I love this vest! It is super warm, so it's perfect for our winter days in Texas. You really don't need anything else. The colors are great, and I love this neutral tan. Reminds me of Burberry but without the price tag. The zipper works great, too, as well as the ties to make it complement your body type. Hits at the perfect spot on your waist so you don't look like a marshmallow." — MEL
Get it from Amazon for $25.88+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors).
20. A water dispenser leveler that'll probably elicit a literal "OMG" from you now that you know there is a solution to the annoying problem of it being nearly impossible to fully fill a glass with water from the fridge because of the current angle of the spout.
Packard 3D Designs is a Maryland-based small business run by mechanical engineer Austin Packard.
Promising reviews: "Game changer for our fridge. We had to adjust our shelves a bit, but it was way worth it to have this thing fit!" — Alex McGee
"This has made getting water from my refrigerator much easier for my grandkids and me." — Susan
Get it from Packard 3D Design s on Etsy for $25 (available in two colors and two attachment styles).
21. A Windex outdoor glass cleaner if you're tired of sighing in disappointment when you look at your dirty windows but ain't no way, ain't no how you're getting on a ladder to clean those floor-to-ceiling windows. Just attach the bottle of Windex to your hose, spray the solution, and you're done!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The windows are noticeably squeaky clean and clear, and no scrubbing is required after only needing about 20 minutes to dry on a sunny day. I also used this to clean two outdoor glass dining tables, which are now ready for lunches and early dinners outside in the summer. Great product, definitely recommend and will be buying again!" — Helen Simmons
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $25.45.
22. An extendable silicone straw because no, I will not apologize for wanting it! Nope! I am lazy. I want to sit where I'm sitting and not have to bring a heavy Stanley water bottle to my mouth when I'm thirsty.
Promising review: "Bought for working out because I'd rather use my cup than water bottles, and honestly, I was surprised to see that it works. The straw is longer than expected. The only flaw is the straw is hard to get in if you have ice already in your cup." — lisa
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors).
23. Some aligner removal tools to make the surprisingly and unnecessarily difficult task of removing your aligner, well, easy! This tool gently hooks underneath your aligner so you can stop sticking your dirty fingers in your mouth (and grossing out everyone at the table with you).
Promising review: "Ok, so I do not use these every time I take out my Invisalign, but I ALWAYS have one of these with me because, while 8 times out of 10, I can pull them out myself, there are those occasions where for whatever reason, I can get my Invisalign out almost all the way but then sometimes my right side gets stuck on the last button, and it gets painful, almost like a tooth being pulled. When that happens, I get this bad boy out, and I am good to go. The size is perfect, as it's easy for me to use despite my long-fingered, large hands, yet it's small enough to fit in my Invisalign case. Also, since there are two, I keep one at home in my bathroom medicine cabinet and the other in the Invisalign case that I carry in my toiletry bag, which, of course, I carry with me all the time since I brush or at the very least use mouthwash every time I eat anything or drink something that isn't clear. I absolutely recommend these if, even on rare occasions, you have trouble removing your Invisalign." — Elizabeth B.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (also available individually and in larger multi-packs).
24. A hand-carved silk moth hairclip so breathtaking and delicate that you won't regret for a single moment watching the money ~flutter~ out of your bank account.
Tarnavskaya Studio / Etsy
Tarnavskaya Studio is a small business based in Ukraine.
Promising review: "These are far more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I can't wait to buy more!!! I got two at once, and they arrived promptly and were packaged beautifully and lovingly." — Jennifer D'Plume
Get it from Tarnavskaya Studio on Etsy for $17+.
25. A pack of towel clips that'll prevent kids and pets from pulling down the towel. Or, maybe you have neither of those things, yet your hand and kitchen towels always end up on the ground.
Amazon
Promising review: "This clip is amazing. No more towels falling on the floor. It was becoming a routine thing since my cat thinks it's fun to pull the kitchen towels off the oven. Not now, bad kitty! Great product...wish I had bought one sooner!" — Joanna
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
26. A Lego night-light if you dream about stepping on Lego bricks in your sleep. Wait, no, that's just your kid's new Lego night-light.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My 6-year-old wants to redo his room for his birthday. So we retired the dinosaurs and did Lego! We have never seen a happier boy!!!! It has two settings, and they are memory settings. One changes colors and one is a brighter white light. They go off after a period of time and, if bumped, come back on. It is silicone. If it is dropped, no worries. It'll be perfectly fine!! Will be buying more!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in five colors).
27. A seashell door knocker because it brings the perfect Florida/beach/coastal cottage vibes to your front door. Even if said front door is in the middle of South Dakota.
Promising review: "Gorgeous hardware of exceptional quality and design. Our new door knocker has made our new house a home!" — Betsy
Get it from Wayfair for $144.94+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
The North Face is now on Amazon: Shop backpacks, tents, jackets and more
The North Face is now available on Amazon! Their online store is launching on the site, featuring all the brand's must-have items. From men's and women's clothing to camping gear and backpacks, you can be ready for any season. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the eco-friendly designs, and the water-repellent materials used in most of The North Face's products. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get your new The North Face items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Whether your teen needs a new backpack for school or you want a hiking pack for your next outdoor adventure, The North Face has you covered. Ideal for day-to-day use, The North Face Lichen daypack has a spot for everything you'd ever need to carry. It has a center front zip pocket for your most-needed items and stretchy mesh side pockets that provide ample room for water bottles. There's a 16-inch laptop sleeve inside the pack and multiple additional pockets for easy organizing. The FlexVent suspension system has supportive shoulder straps that are chiropractor-approved. Great for school and life, The North Face women's Jester laptop backpack is a durable bag filled with well-organized pockets. The front compartment includes zip pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key clip. Also included is a padded laptop sleeve that'll protect your computer in the event that your bag drops or tips over. There are over a dozen colors and patterns to choose from as well, so you can customize your bag to match your personal style with ease. Made with your teen student in mind, The North Face teen Chuckwalla daypack has enough room for books, lunch and tech, all while still giving off a cool vibe. There are spacious zip compartments, one with a 16-inch laptop sleeve and two mesh water bottle pockets. Reflective details on the pack help your child stay visible on their walk to school or from the bus. Day hikers and campers will appreciate the construction and space in The North Face Terra 55 hiking pack. It has a padded back panel and shoulder straps, as well as a hip belt that helps with breathability and lightens the load. There's also a sternum strap for even more support. The Terra hiking backpack features a full-length, two-way zipper that offers quick access to all sides of the bag, so you can always grab what you need. Find jackets and sweatshirts that are water-repellent. The North Face also has t-shirts and comfy joggers you'll never want to take off. The North Face is well known for their Aconcagua jackets that are lightweight but extremely warm. The jacket has been updated to include a 100% recycled body and fill. Made from waterfowl down, the fill in the jacket helps you stay warm even in wet weather. The jacket is also wind-resistant, making it a strong choice for the fall and winter seasons. Soft and lightweight, the Evolution half dome hoodie is a classic by The North Face. The standard fit is roomy and comfortable, offering plenty of mobility, even when layered. This sweatshirt is sure to become your everyday sweatshirt during cooler weather, thanks to the premium cotton and polyester blend that makes it durable yet soft. Van lifers and campers alike will appreciate this Evolution van life t-shirt. Featuring a creative van design on the back and The North Face logo, this t-shirt adds to any style you're looking for. It has a standard fit with added room in the chest and shoulders for extra mobility. Made from 100% cotton, this tee will keep you cool on warmer summer days. Whether you're heading out for a pick-up soccer game in the park or you're just lounging around the house, these Wander joggers will keep you comfortable. The joggers have advanced moisture management to keep you cool and a standard fit that's the perfect blend of tailored but not tight. The FlashDry-XD tech and water-repellent finish wick away sweat and keep you from overheating. You can find a variety of women's clothing on The North Face's storefront. From winter jackets to classic t-shirts, create a new wardrobe that is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Get an ultra-warm Parka just in time for winter weather with the Aconcagua Parka. Filled with recycled down and polyester insulation, you'll have no problem staying warm. The knee-length design keeps your whole body warm in the winter. Made from both wind- and water-repellent materials, this is an everyday jacket, no matter the weather. Stay dry in rainy fall and winter weather with the Antora rain hoodie. Whether it's drizzling or downpouring, this jacket has you covered. The DryVent 2L performance shell is coated with a water-repellent finish that's also windproof. Made with comfort in mind, this rain jacket has a loose, oversized fit with an adjustable drawcord for a tighter fit. The women's Evolution Box NSE tee features The North Face's classic logo on a stylish, lightweight shirt. The fit is true-to-size, with added room in the chest and shoulders for easier mobility. The 100% cotton material is soft to the touch and durable for long-term wear. Who doesn't love a good pair of leggings? These Fd Pro 160 tights from The North Face are made with eco-conscious fabric and designed to wick away moisture. Made from 100% recycled polyester, you can feel good when you choose these leggings. Plus, the soft elastic waistband and flat-locked seams provide all-day comfort. The North Face is famous for its tents, hammocks and blankets that are designed for intense campers. Frequent campers looking to upgrade their tent setup will appreciate the Wawona four-person tent. It's easy to set up and has a double-wall construction that makes it extremely durable. The tent is extra-tall and has a large vestibule for storing gear or to use as a seating area. Prefer to sleep in a hammock? This lightweight, portable Wawona camp hammock is a great way to relax or get a good night's sleep. Included are tree-attachment straps and carabiners that make the hammock easy to set up in minutes. The hammock has a water-repellent finish, so you can leave it up even in the rain. For more deals, visit When you're camping in the fall or winter, make sure to pack extra blankets. The Wawona camo blanket is a soft, fully recycled blanket with synthetic insulation that keeps you warm. When you're ready to pack up, the blanket can be stuffed in your backpack or tightly rolled up and stored with your gear.
CNN
4 hours ago
- CNN
People love Rothy's sustainable shoes. I tested them against an Amazon pair to see if they're worth the hype
In the great shoe debate of flats versus heels, I've always been a heels girl. But I recognize that a good pair of flats can be a versatile addition to any shoe rotation, especially as warmer days call for more breathable, lightweight footwear. Friends and colleagues of mine have frequently praised Rothy's for a number of reasons: its sustainable practices; its easy-to-care-for, washable designs; and its cute, trendy styles. Despite this, I'd never ventured to try a pair for myself, partially because the hefty price tag left me hesitant to splurge. But with similar flats available at Amazon for a much better bargain, I wanted to see whether Rothy's shoes were really worth their salt or if the alternatives could give me the same look and feel for less. I spent the last few weeks testing Rothy's The Point II flats against the Babudog Mesh Flats I found at Amazon, trekking city blocks and strutting our office corridors to see which shoes best deliver on style, comfort and overall value. 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.
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
Amazon's biggest discounts this week: Athletic gear, pet gear and office supplies 30% off or more
For savvy shoppers and deal hunters, Amazon has a wide variety of products discounted by 30% or more. This is the perfect time to find useful items for every interest and need. Whether you're preparing for an adventure with a new pair of high-powered binoculars or simply looking to expand your creative hobbies with a kids' rock painting kit, there's a deal for everyone. The discounts apply to a diverse range of products, including athletic wear, gear for pets, and office supplies for your home. Original price: $104.97 The True Classic Workout Shirts for Men are made of a quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during intense workouts. The soft, athletic fit is perfect as a standalone shirt or a base layer. Amazon Prime members get fast, free delivery, access to invite-only deals and the option to Buy With Prime. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $69.99 Keep your dog cozy and your car clean with this multipurpose dog bed for car. This non-slip pet mat fits securely in your back seat. It is made with durable, easy-to-clean fabric, making it perfect for any trip and suitable for use as a seat cover or on backseat extenders. Original price: $49.99 Boost your productivity and posture with this versatile laptop stand. It features a 360-degree rotating base and a foldable design that fits all MacBooks and laptops up to 16 inches. Original price: $19.99 Let your kids' creativity shine with the Dan&Darci kids rock painting kit. This all-in-one set includes everything needed to decorate 10 river rocks, featuring standard and metallic paints, glitter glue and googly eyes. Original price: $59.99 Enhance your outdoor experiences with these 20x50 high-powered binoculars. These compact binoculars offer powerful magnification and low-light vision. They're perfect for birdwatching, hunting, sports games or travel. The binoculars come with a carrying bag. Original price: $37.99 This set of Men's ultra-breathable underwear is made from a blend of bamboo and spandex. These boxer briefs are exceptionally soft, moisture-wicking and more breathable than cotton. Original price: $39.99 Use the Bagsmart compression packing cubes to make packing a breeze. These lightweight organizers utilize a compression zipper to minimize the bulk of your clothes, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage. Original price: $44.99 Enhance your workouts with this versatile weighted vest, suitable for both men and women. The vest is available in multiple weights, ranging from six to 25 pounds. It features adjustable straps for a secure fit, a reflective stripe for safety and a convenient back pocket for storing essentials. Original price: $70.99 The Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam seat cushion is made from pure memory foam that molds onto your body. Its versatile design provides exceptional support for any chair, whether at your office desk or in your car. For more deals, visit Original price: $39 This deep tissue massager features a heated massage head for accelerated relaxation and seven interchangeable heads for targeted relief. It is perfect for soothing aches and promoting recovery.
