The Rag & Co Story: A Decade of Bold & Beautiful Steps

If you look back and trace your steps over the last ten years, you’ll most likely find a pair of Rag & Co shoes that were your silent companions. Maybe they carried you through your dream job interview, a blind date that turned into a “Yes, I do,” or simply made you feel put-together while commuting on the subway.

A decade ago, when Rag & Co began its journey, the motto was simple: building a line of genuinely premium, genuine leather shoes that spoke luxury and comfort, without loud promises. The motivated founders never believed in a flashy launch or fantasy. They were fueled by a clear obsession: to create luxury everyday shoes that felt and looked timeless since day one! And if you’ve been a part of our journey since those early days, you might still remember a pair (or two) from one of the first collections that paved the way for much more.

The Journey That Felt Home

Much like any fine pair of shoes, the road had to be broken in first. The team still fondly remembers the early days — the endless nights spent sketching, sourcing the finest materials, and locating skilled artisans who understood the true essence of handcrafted footwear. The dream was not only followed by the handful of people who believed in the goodness of Rag & Co, but by the customers who trusted us even when the brand was in its infancy.

Today, we’re glad to say that some of our decade-old clients never miss a piece from every new drop. Every time we bet on a new style, Rag & Co’s loyal fanbase tries and tests it, and fills our emails and website with sparkling reviews.

Now, as Rag & Co enters its birthday month, many of its exquisite footwear pairs have become the most-spoken-about, far and wide, throughout the States and beyond.

For example:

Zooey, our handwoven flat mules, were amongst our best sellers too. They turned quite a few heads the moment we launched them. Maybe it was the vibrant color they came in, or simply the idea that flats could be fun, bold, and anything but boring. Today, you’ll still find these beauties on our website for just $52, a small price for a pair that stood out even a decade ago.

Unsurprisingly, TUTSI and BARTSI were among those that quickly followed, too, becoming Rag & Co’s bestsellers. Inspired by intricate and exquisite African art forms, they feature thoughtful touches woven into the design, carrying subtle details that honor the heritage in every pair as a tribute to the culture behind them.

As we enter our birthday month, we still stand tall as more than just a footwear brand. We’re the reminder that handcrafted luxury footwear is more than a need of the hour — it’s the new rule for a 2025 woman’s wardrobe.

One Pair That Changed It All

One pair in particular, the team reminisces, changed everything — LEONA. A simple, classic thong leather flat that turned into a phenomenon overnight. The day Martha Stewart slipped on a pair of Rag & Co and declared they were her new staple was the moment we realised we were doing something right! That quiet nod turned into a full-blown ripple effect, and LEONA, our clean-cut leather flats, became the brand's bestseller.

The classic leather flat found a fan in Martha Stewart herself. It was huge. The sandals sold out so quickly, even from our archives, that we couldn’t even manage to get a creative photoshoot done. We had to air-fly fresh stock from halfway across the globe just to keep up. For weeks, our premium genuine leather shoes were ranking high organically all over the web, and the team spent long nights packing and shipping those shoe boxes worldwide. It was crazy!

But what was it about LEONA? Maybe it was how effortlessly elegant they looked with practically everything — ankle jeans or dresses, and how they fit the feet like a glove. And the thrill was — maybe — just maybe because we were onto something bigger than only being a handcrafted luxury footwear brand.

From The First Pair Onwards…

From there on, we kept walking. One step at a time. One design at a time. Rag & Co’s timeless luxury everyday shoes grew into a niche of their own. If you scroll back far enough, you’ll spot some of our earliest designs: classic loafers, block-heel boots, nude mules that have been performing well ever since. However, back then, each pair felt like we were rolling the dice. Would customers truly see the value in slow-made, handcrafted, premium genuine leather shoes? Turns out, they did.

Today, we’ve expanded and introduced wider fits, roomier toe boxes, and soft leather uppers that feel like a warm hug for your feet, all while never letting go of our promise to blend premium craftsmanship with optimum comfort. This month, as we bring our birthday offer footwear, we can safely say that our shoes still carry the same spirit as day one – whether it’s a classic horsebit-detailed loafer, a pair of ruched slip-on sandals, or cozy boots that hold up season after season. They’re versatile, beautiful, and crafted to defy passing trends.

You’ll find each pair still carrying the quiet signature of Rag & Co — a premium genuine leather or soft suede finish, a handcrafted touch, and a promise that true style doesn’t need to be loud but felt and remembered.

Our Little Thank You To You

Through these ten years, there have been milestones worth framing and celebrating — from our first international pop-up to the limited-edition capsule collection that almost crashed our website at midnight, to the day we decided to buy a bigger studio just to ship the daily orders. And this month, we’re all geared to celebrate our 10-Year Anniversary Sale. Yes, we’re turning ten.

This will be our generous way of saying thank you for believing in the finest and the beautiful. As we still chase the same idea that the right pair of shoes can change how you walk, talk, move, and feel about the everyday, every step is worth celebrating with Rag & Co. From August 21st to 31st, you can enjoy our handcrafted luxury footwear at a flat 40% off. You never know, this could be your chance to finally take home a pair (or ten) from our timeless shoe collection from our birthday offer footwear sale you’ve been eyeing. You may even discover our exclusive early launches and subtle peeks of where we’re headed next.

And because birthdays should come with warm presents, every order placed during the 10-day sale will earn you a $10 cashback on your next purchase. That’s our little nudge to keep you moving forward in style.

So, What’s Next For Rag & Co?

New cuts and silhouettes, bolder prints, supremely premium finishes, metallic touches, and a heartfelt promise to keep making luxury everyday shoes that feel as exceptional as they look. But above all, more journeys in shoes that feel like home, and more stories — yours and ours, tied together by every step you take in a pair of Rag & Co.

Thank you for choosing Rag & Co – for choosing handcrafted luxury footwear that keeps your feet wanting more. Experience our 10-Year Anniversary Sale and find your next go-to shoe where every pair is curated to be worn, loved, worn again, and loved some more.

Here’s to the next ten and many more. Let’s keep walking. Together.