I first discovered Golden Goose Deluxe Brand on a trip to Venice back in 2014. If you’ve never been, Venice is like a big circular maze, and while you can generally find your way back (it’s also very tiny), you can also manage to get a little lost, in a good way. So I remember popping into the store and thinking, “These are very cool yet incredibly expensive sneakers,” and going on my merry way. Of course, then I started seeing the shoes EVERYWHERE. I eventually caved and bought a pair, and while I’ve had my Superstars for several years now, they remain one of the most-worn shoes in my closet (and most-featured here on Cheryl Shops). I absolutely love my Golden Goose sneakers, and here’s why.
They’re super durable
While Superstars come in a bunch of fabrics, mine are made of leather that is obviously of super-high quality, because it’s held up incredibly well in the several years that I’ve owned them. Most Golden Goose sneakers have a “vintage” finish —some people think this makes them look dirty, and they’re not wrong, but I also think this makes them age more gracefully. I love a fresh, clean pair of sneakers as well as a well-loved, well-broken-in pair, and this eliminates that awkward in-between period.
While Superstars come in a bunch of fabrics, mine are made of leather that is obviously of super-high quality, because it’s held up incredibly well in the several years that I’ve owned them. Most Golden Goose sneakers have a “vintage” finish —some people think this makes them look dirty, and they’re not wrong, but I also think this makes them age more gracefully. I love a fresh, clean pair of sneakers as well as a well-loved, well-broken-in pair, and this eliminates that awkward in-between period.
They’re comfy
I did find the leather to be a bit stiff at first—most of my sneakers are canvas or knit—but it’s definitely softened up with age. In terms of sizing, Golden Goose utilizes European whole sizes. I am almost always an 8.5 in the U.S. with slightly wide, high-arched feet, and my size 39 sneakers fit me perfectly. In other words, go up to the next size if you’re a halfie.
I did find the leather to be a bit stiff at first—most of my sneakers are canvas or knit—but it’s definitely softened up with age. In terms of sizing, Golden Goose utilizes European whole sizes. I am almost always an 8.5 in the U.S. with slightly wide, high-arched feet, and my size 39 sneakers fit me perfectly. In other words, go up to the next size if you’re a halfie.
They’re flattering
I know that’s a weird way to describe a sneaker, but stay with me for a minute. Remember when Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers were all the rage a few years back? These are like a much subtler version of that—the Superstar has a tiiiiny, 3/4-inch wedge built into the back of the heel. You’d barely even notice it, except it gives you just enough lift to make a difference. I also think it’s what makes them look good with skirts and dresses, but more on that later.
I know that’s a weird way to describe a sneaker, but stay with me for a minute. Remember when Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers were all the rage a few years back? These are like a much subtler version of that—the Superstar has a tiiiiny, 3/4-inch wedge built into the back of the heel. You’d barely even notice it, except it gives you just enough lift to make a difference. I also think it’s what makes them look good with skirts and dresses, but more on that later.
They’re unique
I have one of the more conservative versions of the Superstar, but what I love about this line is that they come in all sorts of wacky colors, patterns, textures, and materials. Glitter stars and leopard-print laces? Sure! Hand-written graffiti? Sign me up. Allover crystals? Why not! Every pair is handcrafted (and distressed!) by traditional artisans, and it shows—they’re like little works of art.
I have one of the more conservative versions of the Superstar, but what I love about this line is that they come in all sorts of wacky colors, patterns, textures, and materials. Glitter stars and leopard-print laces? Sure! Hand-written graffiti? Sign me up. Allover crystals? Why not! Every pair is handcrafted (and distressed!) by traditional artisans, and it shows—they’re like little works of art.
They go with everything
As I mentioned before, Superstars are my most-worn pair of shoes IRL and on this blog, and year after year, they’re one of your most clicked-on items. So if you’re not yet convinced, let me tell you that I’ve yet to find something they don’t look good with. Jeans, obviously, but they go with skirts, dresses, dressier pants, leggings, and, well, literally everything.
As I mentioned before, Superstars are my most-worn pair of shoes IRL and on this blog, and year after year, they’re one of your most clicked-on items. So if you’re not yet convinced, let me tell you that I’ve yet to find something they don’t look good with. Jeans, obviously, but they go with skirts, dresses, dressier pants, leggings, and, well, literally everything.
They’re an investment, but…
You can easily find a pair for less than full price, sometimes up to 50% off if you’re lucky. I bought mine on Farfetch, which pulls stock from European boutiques and frequently offers promotions and sales. Cettire and Italist are also good sources (especially when the exchange rate is in your favor), and if you prefer secondhand, The Real Real and Vestaire Collective can be great too. Be careful with peer-to-peer marketplaces that don’t authenticate products, though, because there are a lot of fakes out there, sadly! Just be patient—your perfect pair of Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers is out there, and you’re going to love them!
You can easily find a pair for less than full price, sometimes up to 50% off if you’re lucky. I bought mine on Farfetch, which pulls stock from European boutiques and frequently offers promotions and sales. Cettire and Italist are also good sources (especially when the exchange rate is in your favor), and if you prefer secondhand, The Real Real and Vestaire Collective can be great too. Be careful with peer-to-peer marketplaces that don’t authenticate products, though, because there are a lot of fakes out there, sadly! Just be patient—your perfect pair of Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers is out there, and you’re going to love them!
