Forget flashy logos and loud designer names — the latest status symbol among the ultra-wealthy is all about subtle sophistication.
Enter the Zegna Triple Stitch — a sleek, laceless shoe that’s quietly becoming the footwear of choice for CEOs, celebrities, and frequent flyers aboard private jets.
Retailing at $1,100, these minimalist slip-ons have been spotted on the feet of Apple’s Tim Cook and CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, while Hollywood heavyweights like Hugh Jackman, Kieran Culkin, and Nicolas Cage have sported them on the red carpet.
A Blend of Comfort, Class, and Understated Cool
The Zegna Triple Stitch is not your typical luxury shoe.
It’s laceless and effortlessly elegant, made from soft leather or suede, and available in a palette that can match nearly any tailored suit — from classic black and white to rich tans, blues, and browns.
But the real appeal isn’t just how it looks — it’s what it represents.
These shoes don’t carry a visible logo, making them the epitome of “quiet luxury,” the trend that celebrates discretion over display.
As Dr. David Loranger, associate professor of fashion marketing at Sacred Heart University, told the Daily Mail, “No one knows what it is, unless they’re in the know.”
The Rise of the “If You Know, You Know” Status Symbol
Loranger explained that part of the Zegna shoe’s popularity comes from cultural shifts in corporate style.
The once buttoned-up world of finance and business has loosened up — thanks to the influence of tech culture and millennial leadership.
“Executives today come from generations with more casual dress standards,” Loranger noted.
“That’s why a smart, comfortable shoe like the Triple Stitch fits perfectly into the modern work wardrobe.”
Testing the Hype on Wall Street
To see if the shoes lived up to the buzz, the Daily Mail took a pair to Wall Street in New York City.
The reactions from finance professionals were as mixed as the stock market.
One tester gushed about the comfort, saying the shoes felt “like wearing slippers,” and jokingly dubbed them “Crocs with a trust fund.”
Another passerby, Dan, was so impressed that he guessed the pair cost around $3,000.
“They’re nice looking,” Dan said. “So humble — no brand. It’s like Mark Zuckerberg’s thousand-dollar T-shirts.”
Not everyone was sold, though. One skeptical onlooker said, “The shoes better be the greatest things ever for me to spend over $100.”
When he learned the actual price tag, he laughed, saying, “I’d fly overseas and buy them from the factory instead.”
Then he added, “For people with private jets, that’s probably like a cup of coffee — so I get it.”
Why the Wealthy Love Them
According to fashion stylist Liz Teich, known as @thenewyorkstylist online, the secret lies in the shoe’s hybrid design.
“It’s the perfect mix between a dress shoe and a sneaker,” Teich explained.
“It makes sense that CEOs and Wall Street guys love them — they can stay comfortable while still looking polished enough for business meetings.”
The Succession Effect and “Quiet Power” Dressing
Loranger compared Zegna’s success to another classic — Tod’s loafers — which became a corporate favorite after appearing in HBO’s hit show Succession.
That show, he said, helped ignite the quiet luxury movement now dominating men’s fashion.
“As people see influential figures like Tim Cook wearing these shoes, the demand just keeps growing,” he said.
And according to Loranger, this isn’t a passing fad. “Shoes like these have been around for years, and they’re not going anywhere,” he added.
“Zegna has simply elevated what brands like Mephisto and Ecco started — but for a wealthier, more style-conscious audience.”
The Cheaper Alternatives for Everyone Else
If $1,100 feels a bit steep, Teich offered some budget-friendly alternatives that capture the same refined look without the luxury price tag.
“Brands like Cole Haan and Oliver Cabell make great dupes for under $200,” she said.
“They even use Italian leather. Unless you’re one of those Wall Street guys comparing shoe notes, you’re better off going with one of these.”
The Verdict
The Zegna Triple Stitch has become more than just a shoe — it’s a statement of quiet confidence.
In an age where wealth whispers instead of shouts, it’s no surprise that these understated slip-ons have found their place among the elite.
For the rest of us, though, comfort and style might still come at a more reasonable price — even if we’re not boarding a private jet anytime soon.