Rothy's alternatives: 7 washable flats and sneakers worth trying in 2026

Most people don't fall for a washable shoe because of how it looks. They fall for the routine. You slip them on without sitting down, walk around all day, and when they get grubby, they go in with the laundry. Once you're used to that, it's hard to go back to shoes you have to baby.

If you want to keep that routine but try something different, maybe more cushioning, a sneaker shape, or a pair for your kids, this list is for you. Below are seven washable picks from Atoms and what each one is good at. You'll also find straight answers to the questions people ask before they switch.

Why do people look for a washable flats alternative?

Usually it's not that washable shoes stopped making sense. It's that one detail stopped working. Most people start shopping around for one of these reasons:

• They want more cushioning for long days of walking or standing.

• They're between sizes and want a closer fit.

• They need something that copes better with rain.

• They want the same easy-care routine for the whole family, kids included.

• They want a shoe that stays fresh when it's worn most days of the week.

Every pick below is chosen with those reasons in mind.

What should you look for in washable everyday shoes?

A shoe being washable doesn't help much if it's uncomfortable, hard to get on or the wrong size. Before you buy, check these five things.

Can the shoe actually go in the washing machine?

Look for real instructions, not a vague "easy care" line. You want to know the water temperature, the cycle and how to dry them. Atoms spells this out for its main models, and we've put the full steps further down.

Does it slip on and off easily?

Half the appeal of a flat is stepping in and walking out the door. Atoms gets you there with its Atoms Stretch Laces. You tie them once, and after that the shoe slides on and off like a slip-on.

"Especially for a person that doesn't like having to continuously tie my shoes, having the pocket to insert the laces is brilliant."

Bradley E. P., verified buyer, Model 000: Black (review on atoms.mom)

Will it stay fresh if you wear it every day?

If one pair does most of the work in your week, smell becomes a real question. All the adult Atoms shoes on this list have a copper-infused lining that Atoms says kills bacteria and stops odor.

Will it fit if you are between sizes?

Slip-ons are fussy about fit. Too big and your heel lifts. Too small and they rub. Model 000 comes in quarter sizes (think 9, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75), so you're not stuck choosing between two half sizes that are both a little off.

Is it comfortable enough for long days?

Easy to clean is only half of it. Most people shopping for washable shoes also want the most comfortable shoes they can find for everyday wear. Every adult Atoms pick here uses a lightweight foam midsole made for all-day comfort. If walking is a big part of your day, our guide to the most comfortable walking shoes goes deeper.

Are sneakers a good alternative to washable flats?

That depends on what you loved about your flats. Let's be clear: Atoms doesn't make ballet flats or loafers. If you need that exact shape, nothing here will be a straight swap.

But maybe what you really liked was the ease. Light on your feet, quick to put on, simple to clean, fine with most outfits. A low sneaker with stretch laces does most of the same job, with more cushioning underfoot.

"Comfortable right out of the box. The flexible laces allow you to slip them on like loafers."

David A., verified buyer, Model 001: Black (review on atoms.mom)

How did we choose these 7 shoes?

We kept the rules simple. A shoe only made the list if:

• It can be machine washed. Either it's covered by the Atoms washing guide or its product page lists it as machine washable.

• It's easy to get on and off. All the adult picks use stretch laces, and Kids Model 123 is built to slip on and off.

• Every detail checks out on atoms.mom. Prices, features and care steps come straight from the live product pages and care guidance, checked in September 2026. Nothing is added that Atoms doesn't say itself.

Curious about the thinking behind the shoes? The Why Atoms page covers it.

7 washable flats and sneakers worth trying in 2026

Prices below are what atoms.mom showed at the time of writing.

1. Atoms Model 000 in White (best all-rounder)

If you're not sure where to start, start here. Model 000 in White is the classic Atoms shape, and white works with jeans, chinos, dresses and most things in between. It costs $145.

Atoms Model 000 in White.

Key features

• Light foam midsole, made for all-day comfort.

• Copper-infused lining that fights odor.

• Stretch laces, so you tie once and slip on after that.

• 8mm heel to toe drop. Listed weight: 15oz (425g).

• Cut-outs in the outsole keep it light while staying durable.

Good to know

Skip OxiClean and bleach on this pair. Atoms warns they can discolor white shoes.

2. Atoms Model 000 in Black (lowest maintenance)

Love the idea of white sneakers but hate keeping them white? Model 000 in Black is the same shoe in a color that hides scuffs and city grime. Same $145 price, same copper lining, same stretch laces, same 8mm drop.

It's also the easiest pick for the office, flights and dinner plans.

3. Atoms Model 000 in Dune Beige (best neutral)

If you liked the quiet, neutral look of your old flats, Model 000 in Dune Beige is the closest in feel. It's a soft sandy tone that sits nicely next to almost anything you own. Under the color, it's the same $145 Model 000, with the same lining, laces, cushioning and washing steps.

4. Atoms Model 000 in Sakura Bloom (best for color)

Model 000 in Sakura Bloom takes its cue from spring in Japan. Think white, soft pink and a deeper rose. It's $145, and it's a fun option if your closet leans neutral.

Atoms Model 000 in Sakura Bloom.

Not a pink person? The Model 000 collection has plenty of other colors, including limited editions and the everyday classics.

5. Atoms Model 000 Water-Repellent Series (best for rain)

If your commute involves puddles, look at the Model 000 Water-Repellent Series. It comes in Clove Green, Mulberry Red and Retro Blue, and it's $159.

Model 000 Water-Repellent in Clove Green on a wet day.

You still get everything from the regular Model 000 (foam midsole, copper lining, stretch laces, 8mm drop), and it's still listed as machine washable. We explain how it keeps water out in the waterproof section below.

"These shoes combine the traditional comfort in my favorite color with the added bonus of being water resistant."

Becky T., verified buyer, Model 000: Mulberry Red (review on atoms.mom)

6. Atoms Model 001 (best for long days on your feet)

The Model 001 is built for people who walk and stand a lot. Atoms designed it for everyday walking, standing and mobility, with a step up in comfort for full days. Model 001 in Black is $179.

Atoms Model 001 in Black.

Key features

• Copper-infused lining.

• Stretch laces for slip-on wear.

• 8mm heel to toe drop.

• Comes in Black, White, Bright White, Classic Peach, Mocha Brown and Clove Green, among others.

It's covered by the same washing guide as Model 000.

"These sneakers have been my daily shoe for years now. I live and work in NYC, which means I'm walking nearly every day."

Andrew C., verified buyer, Model 001: Black (review on atoms.mom)

7. Atoms Kids Model 123 (best for kids)

If any shoe needs to be washable, it's a kid's shoe. Kids Model 123 is soft and cushioned, goes in the washing machine and slips on and off easily. It's $75.

Kids Model 123 in Purple at the playground.

Key features

• Flexible, cushioned midsole.

• Copper lining to help keep odor down.

• A redesigned outsole that's light and hard-wearing.

• Colors include Purple, Red and Neon.

Good to know

These run narrow. Based on customer feedback, Atoms suggests going one full size up from your child's measured foot length.

"She can also run in the mud with them because they are machine washable and dry really quickly, leaving no funky smell whatsoever."

Thibaut L., verified buyer, Kids Model 123: Red (review on atoms.mom)

What should you compare before you switch to a washable sneaker?

Before you buy, run through the questions below. Each answer comes straight from atoms.mom.

Still deciding? Our 2026 guide to switching everyday sneakers covers what to look for in support, durability and fit.

What do Atoms owners say?

We went through 1,012 recent reviews on the Model 000, Model 001 and Kids Model 123 pages on atoms.mom (posted between June 2022 and September 2026). The same few things kept coming up.

• Comfort. 567 of the 1,012 reviews bring up comfort. Quite a few people say the shoes felt good from day one.

• The laces. More than 100 reviews talk about the laces or how quick the shoes are to put on.

• Keeping them clean. People mention darker colors hiding dirt and kids' pairs surviving the wash.

• No smell. A smaller group say their shoes don't smell, even after long days.

The product pages also show how many reviewers would recommend the shoes to a friend: 94% for Model 000, 90% for Model 001 and 96% for Kids Model 123.

How do the 7 options compare?

How do you machine wash washable sneakers without damaging them?

Model 000, Model 001 and Kids Model 123 can all be machine washed when they need a deep clean. Atoms is honest that every machine is different, though, so it's at your own risk.

Step by step

1. Use cold water.

2. Pick the gentle cycle.

3. Optional: pop in shoe trees to keep the shape, or put the shoes in a linen bag or pillowcase so they don't thump around.

4. Leave out OxiClean and bleach. In Atoms' experience, you usually don't need any cleaner at all.

5. Let them air dry somewhere out of direct sun.

For small marks between washes, a soft brush with your usual cleaner does the job, then let them air dry. There are more tips in our guide on how to wash shoes in the washing machine.

Can machine washable shoes go in the dryer?

Not these. Atoms is firm on it: no machine drying. Wash them when you've got time for them to dry fully, or keep a second pair on hand.

Which Atoms shoes should not go in the washing machine?

Model 251. None of the Model 251 shoes are machine washable. Also worth knowing: the Atoms warranty doesn't cover damage from washing or drying, so stick to the steps above.

What should you avoid using on white shoes?

No OxiClean and no bleach, since both can discolor white pairs. Also watch out for stained wooden shoe trees. The stain can rub off onto the fabric. Use unstained ones, or slip a pair of socks over them first.

How do you keep washable shoes from smelling?

Washing helps, but it's not the whole story. A few habits go a long way:

• Start with a lining that fights odor. The copper-infused lining in Atoms shoes is there to kill bacteria and keep smell away.

• Dry them all the way. After rain or a wash, give them time to dry fully before you wear them again.

• Swap the insoles now and then. Atoms sells replacement insoles. The Model 000 insoles are antimicrobial, shape to your foot and are designed to get rid of odor.

"I hate smelly shoes. Atoms don't have that."

Krista A., verified buyer, Model 000: Navy (review on atoms.mom)

Do washable shoes stain, and which colors are easiest to keep clean?

Light colors show dirt faster. That's just how it goes. If you want the least work, Black is the easiest on this list to keep looking fresh. Prefer white or a pale shade? Brush off marks when you see them, and give them a cold, gentle wash when they need it. Just keep bleach and OxiClean away from the whites.

Are machine washable shoes waterproof?

No, not automatically. Washable and water-resistant aren't the same thing. On this list, the pair made for wet weather is the Model 000 Water-Repellent Series. It has five layers of protection and is still machine washable:

• The yarn is treated to shed water before it's knitted.

• A very thin waterproof membrane sits between the soft lining and the knit outside.

• The seams inside are sealed.

• A sealed layer between the upper and the sole stops puddle water from creeping up.

• The outside gets a final water-repellent finish.

The idea is simple: the same light, everyday sneaker, just better in the rain, without feeling like a heavy boot. The Atoms water-repellent page goes into more detail.

Are there washable slip-on options for both men and women?

Yes. On product pages like Model 000, you can switch between women's and men's sizes. The Atoms unisex size chart shows how they line up. That makes it easy to buy for a partner or order in whichever sizing you already know. For the kids, there's Kids Model 123.

What if you have wide feet or are between sizes?

• Start with your normal US sneaker size. The Atoms size charts say your Atoms size should match it.

• Between sizes? Model 000's quarter sizes let you land in the middle.

• Usually buy wide shoes? Pick the next half size up.

• Measure late in the day. Stand with your heel against a wall and mark your longest toe on a sheet of paper.

• Buying Kids Model 123? Go one full size up from your child's measured foot length.

Want the full walkthrough? Read our guide on how sneakers should fit.

Frequently asked questions

Are Atoms shoes machine washable?

Model 000, Model 001 and Kids Model 123 are. Wash them cold on a gentle cycle and air dry, at your own risk. The Water-Repellent Series is listed as machine washable too. Model 251 is not.

Are Atoms shoes a good washable flats alternative?

If what you want is a washable, slip-on shoe you can wear all day, yes. Model 000 and Model 001 are machine washable, use stretch laces and have a lightweight foam midsole. If you need a ballet flat or loafer shape, Atoms does not make one.

Does Atoms make flats?

No. Atoms makes sneakers, including slip-on styles with stretch laces. It does not make ballet flats or loafers.

What is the difference between Model 000 and Model 001?

Both have the copper lining, stretch laces and an 8mm drop. Model 001 is designed for everyday walking, standing and mobility, and it costs $179. Model 000 is $145.

Are Atoms shoes available in both men's and women's sizes?

Yes. Product pages like Model 000 let you switch between women's and men's sizing. On the Atoms unisex chart, a US men's size is 1.5 sizes smaller than the matching US women's size.

Can kids' Atoms shoes go in the washing machine?

Yes. Kids Model 123 is machine washable and follows the same washing guide.

Can you put Atoms shoes in the dryer?

No. Atoms says not to machine dry them. Let them air dry out of direct sun.

Which washable shoe should you choose?

Want one pair that goes with almost everything? Get Model 000 in White or Black. If you're on your feet all day, go for Model 001. If it rains a lot where you live, try the Water-Repellent Series. And for the kids, it's Kids Model 123.

Whichever you choose, you end up with a slip-on you can clean at home. Browse the full Model 000 and Model 001 collections to find your color and size.