A Detailed Men’s Golden Goose Sneaker Review
What’s with the Hype on a Distressed Fashion Sneaker?
Distressed sneakers with scuffed up soles and damaged-looking leather? What is the world coming to. From ripped up denim to shoes that look like they’ve went through a long night of bar-hopping, the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand (GGDB) has taken over the footwear world’s attention. Thus, I have decided to write up a men’s Golden Goose sneaker review for my recently purchased metallic and navy style.
The brand that has people comparing the shoes to Converse and shaking their heads in disbelief at the price point are in for a spin. For those interested in a comparison to Common Projects, you can read my comparison review here.
Before you start throwing your bumbling vocabulary at the sneakers, take a minute to see why these shoes continue to have people scooping them up. Now, let’s get into the Golden Goose Sneaker Review.
Get Over Making Fun of the Distressed Sneaker Trend, It’s 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 and people continued buying. Today it has become a consistent part of the denim closet. Both guys and girls have become accustomed to these new design trends. The same moment has arrived for sneakers.
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand recognized there was something they could do within the sneaker market to bring something unique to the table. This specific design feature has been done within the fashion apparel world, but not within the footwear market. Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandra Gallo started with an idea and are now running with it. With actual tape wrapping around particular models and the now iconic three-star logo everywhere, Golden Goose has quickly become a well-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 silver and navy. I’ve never owned a pair of silver shoes before and I thought the color combination would go great if I were to keep them. Four star up near the front and minimalist logos 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 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 good leather and the little amounts of small detailing on the sneaker 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 become a great addition to my sneakers.
Not Too Much Detailing
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. (The three star design hints that too.) Golden Goose Deluxe Brand or GGDB is embossed into and spelled out on the back of the navy heel. The GGDB is punctured in with small miniature holes to spell out the brand on the top of the tongue. All the logos are noticeable throughout the shoe, but don’t stand out as in your face. The insole then gives you the clearest idea what this sneaker is with Superstar supersized on a black square background.
The other detailing, which some customers may not consider detailing, is the custom scuff designs done on 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.
Material and Textures
The crinkled metallic 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 leather is also very smooth.
The innner shoe is lined with French terry knit fabric and pieces of leather lining strategically placed. I couldn’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.
Did I Mention the Fit Yet?
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 the first day out to work. The Golden Goose Superstars fit my feet perfectly.
One of the biggest surprises about the shoe is the extremely comfortable 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. If somebody has a photo of the High-Top style wedge, I would love to add it to the Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Sneaker Review!
Wrap Up of the Golden Goose Deluxe Sneaker Review
Get over the fact that these distressed sneakers are shoes not even worth trying on. Countless brands from Saint Laurent to P448 are all filling in the market with their designs as well. 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 that do grow on you, 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
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