Look, I get it. The Row Ginza sandals are gorgeous. That squared toe, the thin leather straps, the way they somehow make any outfit look intentional. But dropping $1,000 on sandals? I have a Blue Line pass to pay for. That's why I've spent the last month hunting down the best The Row Ginza sandals dupe options. And I found some solid contenders.
The original Ginza sandals are the minimalist's dream—a thin, single strap across the toes and an ankle strap, usually in black, white, or tan leather. They're simple, elegant, and versatile. But at that price, they're an investment most of us can't justify for a seasonal shoe. Enter the dupes: shoes that capture the same vibe without making you skip rent.
I'm not going to lie and say any dupe is a perfect copy. But for about 5–10% of the price, you can get a sandal that looks eerily similar and feels even better for everyday wear. I own one of these dupes myself, and I've worn it through Chicago summers—hot pavement, farmers markets, and the occasional dash into a dive bar. Here's what I found.
What Makes the Ginza Sandal So Coveted?
Before we talk alternatives, let's break down why the Ginza sandal is worth copying. It's not flashy. There's no logo, no hardware, no gimmick. It's just a perfectly proportioned sandal. The toe strap is placed at the base of the toes (not across the knuckles), which makes your feet look longer and leaner. The ankle strap is adjustable, so it fits a range of ankles. The sole is thin but substantial enough for city walking—not a flimsy flip-flop sole.
These details are what you should look for in a The Row Ginza sandals dupe. A cheap knock-off that uses a thick strap or weird proportions will fall flat. But a well-designed dupe nails those proportions and uses decent leather (or at least decent fake leather).
Three The Row Ginza Sandals Dupes Worth Your Money
I tried about a dozen options, from Amazon specials to higher-end fast fashion. These three consistently delivered the right look and feel.
1. Quince Italian Leather Strap Sandals
Price: $59.90. Quince is my go-to for affordable leather goods that don't look cheap. These sandals have the same thin double-strap design, adjustable ankle strap, and genuine Italian leather. The toe strap is slightly thicker than the Row's, but the overall silhouette is spot-on. I own the black pair, and the leather softened nicely after a week. The sole is a 0.5-inch heel, which adds a subtle lift without being uncomfortable. For a dupe in real leather, this is the best value I found.
2. Steve Madden Louella Sandal
Price: $59.98. Surprising entry from Steve Madden, but the Louella gets the proportions right. The strap is thin, the toe placement is good, and it comes in three neutral shades. The leather is not as soft as Quince's, but it's passable for the price. One downside: the ankle strap is fixed—no adjustability, so it might be loose on very slim ankles or tight on wider ones. If you have average ankles, it works fine. I've seen these at Nordstrom Rack for under $40.
3. ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Flat Strappy Ankle Strap Sandals
Price: $28.00. Yes, ASOS. Their in-house brand has a surprising number of minimal sandals. This one has the closest strap shape to the Ginza—thin, parallel, and placed right at the toe crease. It's faux leather, but the finish is matte, not shiny. The sole is flat (no heel), which some people prefer. The wide-fit option is great for people who have wider feet or bunions. At this price, you can treat them as a seasonal throwaway. I've had mine for two summers, and they're still going.
How to Style Your Dupe Sandals
The whole point of a The Row Ginza sandals dupe is that it should work with everything. Like the original, these dupes look best with ankle-baring pants or midi skirts. I wear mine with cropped wide-leg trousers (Uniqlo's Smart Ankle Pants) and a tucked-in white tee. For cooler evenings, throw on a linen blazer. The minimal strap doesn't cut off your leg line, so they lengthen your silhouette.
Avoid pairing them with super short shorts—the contrast between bare leg and thin strap can look unbalanced. Instead, go for a longer hemline: a midi dress or culottes. And yes, they work with socks if you're going for that Berlin art student look. I've done it with thin no-show socks, and it's surprisingly comfortable for long walks.
Final Verdict
You don't need to spend a thousand dollars to get a clean, minimal sandal. Quince's Italian leather sandals are the closest you'll get to the real thing without the price tag, and they'll last. But even the $28 ASOS pair will get you through a summer of brunches and park hangs. The Row Ginza sandals dupe market is stronger than ever, so you can save your money for other things—like that expensive coffee habit or rent.
Comfort is not a compromise. It's an attitude. And now, it's an affordable one.
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