The Row Shoes Typically Get Bad Reviews, Except These Boots
Introducing The Luxury Report Card, a column where we chat with tastemakers about their luxury purchases and explore the psychology behind buying designer goods. What makes a luxury item worth the price? What is hype and what is real? And why do people choose to pay for more than just the item they’re buying? We investigate.
Photography: Chrissy Rutherford
In an era of showmanship and celebrity-name brands, The Row stands out as the few luxury labels leading with a “product first” approach. Launched in 2006 by child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the brand owes its visibility partly to the twins’ status but it has rarely—if ever—leaned on their fame to win over consumers. The reason everyone seems to love The Row is because of the product quality; that cotton tank may cost you $350 but it is made of 100% organic cotton and will last a long time. The fashion press remains bullish about every collection, and despite the prohibitive price tags, The Row’s ascent continues undeterred (Financial Times estimates its annual revenue to be in the neighborhood of $300 million).
While praises of The Row apparel and bags abound, reviews of the shoes are mixed. In a recent newsletter, fashion writer Emilia Petrarca detailed her negative experience with the Mary Jane flats. She wore them the first time for a half-hour walk; blisters and scuffed soles followed. Meanwhile, the popular Ginza thong sandals have also fared badly. "While they’re edgy and cool, they’re not the most comfortable,” fashion stylist and avid The Row collector Neelam Gill told Harper’s Bazaar. Similarly, fashion editor Chrissy Rutherford complained about the bare leather sandals. “Just have to say these sandals are the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet,” she posted on Instagram story.
Comfort in footwear is essential, but as far as The Row sandals go, other factors seem to take precedence. Surprisingly, the consumer sentiment is favorable to the brand’s Leather Ankle Boots. The combat-inspired shoe features a chunky rubber sole that seems to offer more support than the summer styles, plus a front zipper for some pizzazz. What did The Row get right about these shoes?
As I began my search for durable winter boots, I asked Rutherford about the pair she owns.
Photography: Chrissy Rutherford
Item: The Row Zipped Combat Boots
Price paid: $1,400
Current Retail Price: $1,490
Overall Grade: A
“I’ve had them for four years, and they’re basically my longest relationship.”
When and where did you buy these boots?
CR: I bought them at Barneys New York (RIP) in October 2019. I actually had a gift card for $2,000 for a shoot I had done for Barneys at the time. I put the rest towards a pair of Celine loafers right before the department store closed down for good.
How would you describe your style and how does the aesthetic of these shoes fit within that?
CR: I like to think of my style as polished. I like it to feel effortless, comfortable, and classic. I also like to play around with feminine and masculine elements in the same look. I think the boots can just make any outfit feel really cool and can anchor pieces that might feel very light and feminine.
What kind of luxury shopper are you?
CR: I am definitely not an impulse purchaser when it comes to luxury. Sure, I have the money to afford most of the luxury items I want, but I like to take my time and be thoughtful about my purchases. How will it fit into my existing wardrobe? What kind of mileage am I going to get on that piece? Do I really need it? How often do I find myself thinking about the piece when my interest is piqued?
What about The Row—be it its branding, product quality, or reputation—made you turn into a consumer?
CR: While I was an editor, paying attention to a brand like The Row was part of the job, but I knew its price point was way out of reach with my editor's salary. I thought the idea of spending $300 on their white t-shirt or over $2K on one of their bags seemed crazy, even though they had a great reputation for quality. Admittedly, their ready-to-wear was also a little too minimal for where I was at in my style journey. However, their zipper boots just happened to catch my eye one day when I was at Barneys for a shoot. Then I noticed one or two people I followed on Instagram had them, and I just couldn't stop thinking about them. I liked that they were a little unusual: they were big and clunky, and I just loved the exposed zipper.
Photography: Chrissy Rutherford
“The Olsen twins are one of the very few celebrity-turned-designer success stories.”
From your perspective, what makes The Row so special? Is it mystique or performance, or both?
CR: The Olsen twins are one of the very few celebrity-turned-designer success stories. They've always been known for having great style, and people respect their point of view. They focus on quality over trendy items. I think part of the appeal is knowing you're going to spend a fortune on a sweater, but you could wear that sweater for years to come, and it will stand the test of time. As I've gotten older, I've definitely been more interested in their ready-to-wear, but I think they always have some standout pieces when it comes to accessories.
Take me back to the first time you wore these shoes. What was your first impression?
CR: They were a lot lighter than I expected, but I do remember the zipper kind of pressing into my foot in an uncomfortable way. I was worried that they also made my size-41-feet look massive (they do, but I got used to it!)
How often do you wear them? Has the material carried well over time? (i.e. has the surface been scratched? does the material still look good etc.?)
CR: I wear them VERY often. If I'm not wearing heels or sneakers, then I'm probably wearing my zipper boots. They have held up really well over time. The platform is so thick that I don't think you really see the wear on it. It does get scuffed up, though, and the black platform gets lighter-colored marks on it. I am going to actually try to get them cleaned and shined up to see if they can look as glossy as when I first bought them.
Photography: Chrissy Rutherford
Are these shoes comfortable? Help us understand why or why not.
CR: I think they are SUPER comfortable; I can wear them all day and have no issues. I wear them on the plane, I've worn them on safari, I've really worn them everywhere possible. They've been all over the world with me.
What should shoppers know before buying them today?
CR: I would say make sure you wear them with soft boot socks. The only time I've ever had issues with them is when I wasn't wearing super soft socks, and my heels were irritated. I have also heard people have had issues with the zipper being really tight, and that's easily fixable.
All in all, would you say they are worth the price? Why or why not?
CR: Technically, I didn't pay for mine; I bought them with a gift card, but I absolutely believe that they are worth the price. I still would've purchased them eventually. I've had them for four years, and they're basically my longest relationship. I'm thinking about buying the brown suede version as a present to myself.