Nineties minimalism and quiet luxury may be (slightly overused) fashion buzzwords today, but The Row, established in 2006, has embodied these principles from the beginning. Founded by perennial style icons, Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen, the brand has long spoken to customers who value quality materials, ease of wear, and, importantly, a low-key approach to logos.
That lack of an in-your-face label, however, has not stopped a number of the brand’s classic pieces from becoming instantly recognizable to those in the know. The Row’s bags, in particular, have gained a cult following—however their shoes are just distinct, with many of their boots, flip-flops, and loafers frequently selling out.
Here, we break down their most-coveted, classic shoe styles and take a closer look at what makes them so desirable.
A Guide to The Row’s Iconic Shoes
The Soft Loafer
Crafted from nappa leather or shiny eel skin, sometimes with a tassel, the Soft Loafer has been a runaway hit for the brand— spotted on celebrities from Kendall Jenner and Zoë Kravitz to Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi. Its rounded toe and natural scrunching lend a supple feel to an otherwise structured, menswear shape.
The Ginza Sandal + City Flip-Flops
Leave it to the Olsen twins to turn the humble flip-flop into a luxury must-have. Their chunky leather Ginza sandal, launched in 2019, instantly became a cult-favorite, inspiring dozens of copycats. They launched the slimmer City flip-flop a few years later, in 2023.
The Sneakers
The Row can take (at least partial) credit for the low-profile sneaker trend that’s come surging back in recent seasons. The lightweight Flynn sneaker in canvas is reminiscent of a classic Keds’s style combined with a textured rubber sole, while the Suede sneaker is a more luxe, but still low-key, option.
The Liisa Heel
The Liisa heel (dubbed the nipple heel by fashion critics!) has been a staple in The Row’s collectsions since the early 2010s. They have frequently riffed on the versatile shape, translating it into pumps, mules, and even a slim sock boot.
The Mary Janes
A favorite style among The Row-addicted, the Ava Mary Jane expertly combines playful femininity and refined elegance with its high vamp and square-toe. In recent seasons, the brand has released a rounded-toe Mary-Jane too, the Boheme, and the more directional Kai, with a block heel in glossy leather.
The Zipped Boot
One of The Row’s first truly viral styles, the Zipped boot debuted on fall 2019 runways. It has been selling out ever since. The boot’s chunky platform combined with its slim profile have earned it a number of celebrity fans: it’s been seen on Jennifer Lawrence, Zoë Kravitz, and Hailey Bieber.
The Canal Loafer
A sister of the Soft loafer, the Canal is even more subtle. With a deconstructed, low-to-the-floor shape it wears almost like a leather slipper. The style has since evolved into a moccasin-like slip-on shape too.
