You know that feeling when you see a pair of shoes and think, "Those are perfect," and then you see the price tag and think, "Actually, I’ll just walk barefoot"? That’s basically the universal experience with The Row. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have this uncanny ability to take the most mundane items—like a basic thong sandal—and turn them into a $1,000 status symbol.
Specifically, the The Row Ginza and the more recent Dune flip flops have reached a level of cult-like devotion that’s honestly a little bit terrifying. The Dune sandal, with its thin straps and contrast red sole, was Lyst’s "Hottest Item" in 2025. It’s a rubber flip flop. Let that sink in. People are paying nearly $700 for rubber.
But here’s the thing: you don’t actually have to empty your savings to get that "quiet luxury" look. The search for a high-quality the row flip flops dupe has become a hobby for fashion editors and Reddit sleuths alike. We’re looking for that specific blend of Japanese-inspired minimalism, chunky platforms, and "if you know, you know" vibes without the four-digit invoice.
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Why the Ginza and Dune Are So Hard to Copy
If it were just about a piece of rubber between your toes, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. The Ginza is legendary because of its construction. It uses a hand-wrapped suede midsole and a calfskin footbed. It’s dense. It has weight. When you walk in them, you don’t feel like you’re wearing a beach shoe; you feel like you’re wearing furniture for your feet.
The Dune is a different beast. It’s part of that "ugly-chic" movement. It’s purposely flimsy-looking but perfectly proportioned. This is where most "inspired" versions fail—they either make the platform too chunky or the straps too thick, and suddenly you look like you’re wearing 2005-era Roxy sandals instead of something Zoë Kravitz would wear to Sushi Park.
The Best The Row Flip Flops Dupe Options for 2026
If you want the look without the Olsen-sized price tag, a few brands have stepped up. Honestly, some of these are so close that you’d need a magnifying glass to tell the difference from three feet away.
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1. The High-Street Hero: Mango and Zara
Mango is usually the first to the finish line with these. In their recent 2025 and early 2026 collections, they’ve released a platform thong sandal that mimics the Ginza’s square toe and stacked sole perfectly. They often use real leather, which is a big deal if you want them to last more than one summer.
2. The Comfort King: TKEES
If you’re chasing the sleeker, less chunky "City Flip Flop" or "Dune" vibe, TKEES is the gold standard. Their Boyfriend sandal is basically the refined version of a beach flip flop. It’s thin, it’s leather, and it comes in those muted, "I live in a beige apartment" tones that The Row loves.
3. The Minimalist Specialist: A.Emery
Based in Australia, A.Emery is basically the "if you can't afford The Row, buy this" brand. Their Kinto and Paton sandals are architectural. They use heavy-duty leather and have that same slightly-oversized footbed that makes your feet look dainty by comparison. They aren’t "cheap" (usually around $170-$200), but they are built to last a decade.
4. The Surprising Contender: Staud
Staud’s Freja thong sandals have been everywhere lately. They lean a bit more into the 90s aesthetic with a slight kitten heel or a more pronounced flatform. If you want a the row flip flops dupe that feels like a deliberate fashion choice rather than just a copycat, this is your best bet.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Alternative
Don't just buy the first pair of black flip flops you see at Target. To pull off the look, you need to be picky about the details.
- The Sole Shape: It has to be slightly squared off. A perfectly round toe looks too "sporty."
- Material Contrast: The original Ginza often mixes leather straps with a suede-wrapped base. Look for "mixed media" construction to get that expensive texture.
- The "Oversize" Factor: One reason the Olsens' shoes look so cool is that the footbed is often a few millimeters wider than the foot. It creates a frame. If the sandal is too narrow, it loses that high-fashion edge.
- Strap Placement: The straps on The Row sandals usually sit further back on the foot than cheap flip flops. This gives them a more secure, "sandal-like" feel rather than a "floppy" one.
Is It Worth Buying the Real Thing?
Look, I love a good deal as much as anyone. But we have to be honest: The Row uses Italian craftsmanship that's hard to replicate at a $60 price point. If you find the real ones on a site like Net-A-Porter or The RealReal for 40% off, it might be worth the splurge.
However, many users have reported that the City Flip Flop—the sleeker, all-leather version—can be a nightmare to break in. We're talking bandaids on every toe. If you’re going to spend $800 on shoes, they shouldn’t make you bleed. This is where the dupes actually win. Brands like Ancient Greek Sandals or Reef (believe it or not, their "Sandy" or "Ginger" models are being styled by editors now) offer way more cushioning for a fraction of the cost.
How to Style Your Dupes for the "Quiet Luxury" Look
The secret to making a the row flip flops dupe look like the real deal is all in the styling. You can't wear them with a t-shirt and gym shorts. Well, you can, but it won't look "luxe."
Try pairing your platform flip flops with oversized, pleated trousers—the kind that almost touch the floor. Let the chunky sole peek out from underneath. Alternatively, a long, black silk maxi skirt and a crisp white button-down (left unbuttoned, obviously) creates that effortless "I’m on my way to a gallery opening" vibe that defines the brand.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to hunt down your own pair, start by checking Mango and Cos first, as their stock moves fast. For a more "investment" dupe, keep an eye on A.Emery or St. Agni.
Always check the materials; if you can get 100% leather for under $150, you've found a winner. Avoid anything with a "plastic-y" sheen, as that's the quickest way to make a minimalist outfit look cheap. Stick to matte finishes and neutral tones like espresso, cream, or the classic charcoal black.