Are Golden Goose Sneakers Worth the Money?
What’s All the Hype on the Distressed, Dirty Fashion Sneakers Trend? Check out the GGDB Super Star Sneakers
Distressed sneakers with scuffed up soles and damaged-looking leather? From ripped up denim to shoes that look like they’ve went through a long night of bar-hopping, the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand sneakers (GGDB) have taken over the footwear world’s attention. Thus, I have decided to write up my own men’s Golden Goose sneaker review for my recently purchased metallic and navy model.
The Italian-footwear brand (Venetian to be specific) often has people comparing the distressed shoes to Converse, with the similar shoe structure and star emblem. Defined as avant-garde, mixing a blend of American-skate culture and Italian craftsmanship, Golden Goose is a newer name to the designer footwear market. Customers will immediately take notice of the differences with other standard sneakers, once they take a quick look at the $500-$700 price point and “Made in Italy” label. I have always been a fan of Common Projects and if interested you can read my comparison review to the Golden Goose sneakers afterwards.
Before you start hurling some unfriendly vocabulary at the sneakers, take a minute to see why these sneakers continue to be scooped up and mentioned in fashion magazines. Now, let’s get into the men’s Golden Goose Sneaker Review.
The Distressed Sneaker Trend is Here to Stay
People said the same thing about ripped-up denim, “Who would wear holey jeans or purposely ripped-up denim?” The naysayers were out there, but people continued buying. Today it has become a consistent part of many trend-setters and peoples’ closets. Both guys and girls have become accustomed to these new design trends. The same moment has arrived for distressed sneakers.
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand founders Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Galdo, a Venetian designer couple, recognized they could do something unique with the sneaker market. The distressed-design feature has its place within the fashion apparel world, but not within the footwear market. Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandra Galdo started with an idea and are now running with it, having opened over 180 stores globally since 2023. With the tape-wrapped soles and the now iconic star logo everywhere, Golden Goose has quickly become an internationally recognized brand.
My Initial Thoughts on My First Pair of Golden Goose Sneakers
I had to pick myself up a pair just to see what the commotion was and to get a real take for myself on these new sneakers. I picked up the Superstar in the silver and navy combo. I’ve never owned a pair of silver shoes before, but I thought the color combination would go great with a variety of outfits. A cool three-point star and minimalist details throughout the shoe, it looked like something I could possibly wear. From photos you can never expect to fully know what you’ll receive. But alas I finally moved forward with the purchase and my pair arrived at my front door step.
Taking the sneakers out of the box was a pretty defining moment. The sneakers were actually very different and cool. What really caught my attention was the feel of the shoes and how well constructed the sneakers are. The crinkled silver leather felt like premium leather and the minimal amounts of intricate detailing on the sneakers were eye-catching. It did take a minute for to adjust to the scuffed-up looking soles and the white star that didn’t look completely white. The sneakers however, grew on me real quick and have since become a great addition to my sneaker collection.
Handcrafted, Minimal Detailing – Bring Each Golden Goose It’s Own Unique Feel
The detailing on these shoes are exclusive and unique in their own way to Golden Goose. The blue-labeled GGDB/STAR gives you a slight hint that these aren’t another pair of common Converse kicks (the three-star design hints that too.) Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, also known as GGDB, is embossed on the back of the navy heel. The GGDB logo is punctured in with small miniature holes to spell out the brand on the top of the tongue. All the logos are minimally noticeable throughout the shoe, as they don’t stand out in your face. The insole gives you a clearer idea as to what the sneaker is with Superstar supersized on a black square background.
The other detailing, which some may not consider detailing, is the custom scuff designs around the base of the shoe. Each Golden Goose sneaker has a unique finish, which gives each pair its own individual look and feel. My pair of Golden Goose sneakers are distressed throughout the base of the white sole. It looked like somebody may have taken a quick dip into some wet cement and scraped off all that they could. There is also a deep scuff on the inner heel side and adds to overall appeal. It looks like I probably walk my feet a little too close to each other. As you read through the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Sneaker Review, do remember that almost all the shoes look this worn and distressed.
What Material and Textures are Used to Construct the Distressed Sneakers?
The crinkled metallic, Italian-leather is one of my favorite parts of the sneaker. It looks almost like tin-foiled wrapped around the whole shoe. but what I really appreciate is how the leather crinkles up on the sides. The heel padding is superb and looks great as well. It’s not too much padding to where its just too much, but is just enough to where it fits how it should around a heel. The blue, sturdy calf-leather is also very smooth and comfortable.
The inner shoe is lined with French terry knit fabric and pieces of leather lining strategically placed. I can’t tell you technical reasons as to why they used French Terry, but it’s not a common material used in many shoes. French terry fabric does has moisture-wicking abilities which would be very beneficial for warm, sunny days in these kicks. I believe it added to the overall comfort level of the sneaker and breathability.
How do Golden Goose Sneakers Fit?
The fit is phenomenal and I mean all day comfort. Most Italian-made footwear usually run a bit narrower and Golden Goose seemed to pick up on that. These particular guys give you that extra width room right off the bat. I had no problem wearing them to work and felt the Golden Goose Superstars fit my feet perfectly.
One of the biggest surprises about the shoe is the extremely comfortable 3 cm high insole. People will say it’s a wedge sneaker and that is exactly what it is. With a thickly padded, supportive heel area, people have continued referencing the insoles. Fans of the brand are inter-changing the insoles from the high-tops and low-tops for increased comfort levels. Comfort is important right?
Seems like Golden Goose Deluxe Brand nailed it with the comfort level of a higher-end designer brand. It’s not a very common realm within the designer level of footwear.
Wrap Up of the Golden Goose Deluxe Sneaker Review
Get over the fact that these distressed sneakers are not worth the money or even trying on. Countless brands from Saint Laurent to P448 are all beginning to launch their own designs. However, will they come up with the same iconic look and comfort level as a Golden Goose sneaker? Highly doubt it. From the craftsmanship involved with each shoe to the unique styles Golden Goose is going to find continued success. If you have anything to add to the Golden Goose Sneaker Review please feel free to chime in!
Another recommendable sneaker project are Common Projects, read my full review here:
Images by Anson Zong-Liscum
