Maybe it’s because I had a really, really good month and wanted to reward myself. Maybe it’s because I’ve been debating them for over 2 years now and I couldn’t say no any longer. Or maybe it’s because everyone under the sun asks my opinion on them and it was finally time for me to be able to give you my thoughts. BUT I FINALLY bought my first pair and I’m here to give you my honest review of Golden Goose sneakers.
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SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | SWEATSHIRT | HEADBAND
A year ago, 2 for that matter, I wanted them but honestly couldn’t really fathom paying over $400 for a pair of Golden Goose sneakers. I was that same way with designer bags years ago. We all change though and circumstances can lead you to make a purchase of something you thought you would never actually buy. Personally I had a great March while muddling though a rough 2020 and wanted to reward myself. Also, being in my line of work I think it’s good to know what trends and what items are truly worth the splurge so I can be an honest resource to my followers. So hence the big purchase.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | CARDIGAN | SHORTS
For those that don’t know anything about Golden Goose sneakers let me give you a little brand history. Golden Goose is an Italian company and operates out of northern Venice. Their shoes are handcrafted from Italian leather. Yes, handcrafted and not mass produced which leads to the higher price tag. There are not thousands of the same styles on the market to buy. Each style is unique and only so many are available.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE)
As for the “dirty” look that are synonymous with Golden Goose sneakers? GG believes in producing things that are “lived in, distressed and touched with life.” That’s the thing about Golden Goose sneakers — they come to you feeling broken in, casual and cool. Granted some styles are more “dirty” than others.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | TEE | JEANS
So now that we know a bit about the brand let’s dive into my honest review of Golden Goose sneakers. I was so torn which style to get. There are TONS to choose from. Ultimately, I wanted a pair I could wear year round but would also have a pop to them. When I opened the box it was immediately love at first site. Visually they exceeded my expectations. Gorgeous, soft leather, the perfect amount of distressing (I didn’t want a super “dirty” looking pair) and the softest pop of color on the star.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | LEGGINGS | JACKET (similar)
As for comfort, they felt amazing right from the start. If you have a narrow foot I would 100% recommend Golden Goose sneakers. While I love my P448 sneakers (more on them later in the post) I have a hard time wearing them with the laces knotted on the side. I’d say the majority of people who wear Golden Goose or P448 sneakers do the side knots. With a narrow foot the P448’s slip when I side knot. However, with Golden Goose sneakers I could side knot and they stay on with zero slippage. To me that is important as I want to wear this style as it’s intended to be worn — with side knots. Sizing I find them to run TTS. I am a size 7 and ordered a 37 and the fit is spot on.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | DRESS | BAG | STRAP | NECKLACE (CODE TAMMY20 FOR 20% OFF)
Golden Goose sneakers can run anywhere from $395 upwards. I’d say on average they cost around $500 a pair. Here’s the thing though — they go with EVERYTHING! We all know sneakers are all rage right now and it’s all I really wear. But while the price tag is higher on these they truly up any outfit and add a cool, casual vibe. Style them with jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses, shorts. EVERYTHING! And over time, they will get better and better. Italian leather just ages so much better compared to other leather so expect to love your GG’s more as years go by.
SNEAKERS (ALSO HERE) | SWEATSHIRT (CODE TAMMY10 FOR 10% OFF) | JEANS | BAG
Are they worth the hype? Personally if you can afford it I will say you won’t be disappointed. I do see now what the hype is all about. They meet both aesthetics and comfort. However, if you aren’t in the market to spend around $500 on them there are plenty of alternatives, many of which I’ve shown you over the years.
LEFT: VINTAGE HAVANA (similar) | MIDDLE: GOLDEN GOOSE (also here) | RIGHT: P448
P448 I reviewed in this post. They are also an Italian crafted sneaker but run around $300 a pair. And Vintage Havana has been the budget star sneaker I’ve shown you for ages and cost right around $100 give or take. P448 are extremely comfortable, but again if you have a narrow fit you may find you have to tie them whereas with GG you shouldn’t have to. Vintage Havana is a great price point for getting the look that Golden Goose and P448 give. However, in terms of comfort and quality you absolutely cannot compare them to Golden Goose or P448 for that matter. But again — to sport the star sneaker trend that is cost effective I 100% recommend Vintage Havana.
As for where to buy you can often catch them on sale. I had gotten mine 15% off. The 2 retailers I linked my exact ones at often have deals that I’ll share in my trending 5. Other places to look are Italist, Nordstrom, ShopBop, Revolve, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.
Are Golden Goose an investment? Absolutely. Are they a status symbol, fashion statement? Absolutely. No different from carrying an LV or Gucci bag. Some love luxuries and other’s find them not necessary. It’s totally a personal decision and there is no right or wrong. I do always try to show you girls BOTH highs and lows and always want to be the best, honest resource for you. Hopefully this post helped you decide if Golden Goose sneakers are worth it. AND if you can’t quite fathom spending that kind of money hopefully I gave you some other options that are stylish yet more affordable. The most important thing when it comes to fashion is to feel good in what you put on to conquer the day!
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Thank you for breaking this down. I think a lot of people have these same questions. You did a great job of giving sizing details, comfort and price points. You answered all of my questions I was searching for!
I’m so glad it was helpful! GG are a big investment and these were all the questions I had too before buying!
A year later and your review is still valid and helps me. Thank u so much! I’m still torn however lol maybe I’ll try a vintage havana pair before venturing to GG. Omg but is it like going from Coach to LV? Lol I dont do coach. I’ve come too far. Lol anyway thanks again! Xoxo
Hi! Oh my gosh you hit it on the head! Yes like going from Coach to LV! But honestly VH are good fill ins for the price! I also style P448 a ton! Also Italian made like GG but less expensive. I find P448 to be more comfortable too. I’ll have to do a blog post reviewing P448 soon. Feel free to email me and I can send you some photos of P448 and links to ones I love!! It’s a good sneaker to get before you try GG!