Well, it’s finally here — my fashion sneaker review and comparison! I’ve been teasing this post for a while, and I finally have it ready to go.
As always with this type of post, I always wish I had tried more styles, but as it is I compared 9 pairs of fashion sneakers ranging from $65 to $550, and these are the results.
First, a little back story. You should have known, right? I always have a story.
I’ve tried many fashion sneakers over the years and styled quite a few for the blog, but in actuality, I rarely wear them. I like the idea of a fashion sneaker, but I almost always reach for a pair of ballet flat or loafers or flat boots with my casual outfits. The exception is when I wear a sweatshirt and jeans, and then I feel like sneakers are in order.
Lately, though, I’ve been noticing a lot of the bloggers I follow for fashion inspiration trading in their booties and loafers for fashion sneakers — and wearing them with jeans and sweaters and other casual-but-not-sweatshirt-like tops. I like the juxtaposition of the athletic footwear with street clothes, and the look is growing on me.
My go-to sneakers for quite some time have been the Converse Shoreline, and I still like them, but they’re beginning to look dated to me.
Now, please don’t get all upset and tell me you just finally bought your first pair of Converse or ask if you should stop wearing yours. No, not at all. I’m not giving mine away just yet, and there’s nothing wrong with them, but I’ve been wearing them for several years, and I’m ready for something new. In fact, what I’m looking for is a different style entirely, and there is room for both in my shoe wardrobe.
What I have in mind is a white leather sneaker, and ideally I’d find one with some metallic or black accents so they’re not quite so stark, but plain white is okay too.
(Yes, I’ve done the Adidas Superstar, and I like them, but they felt heavy and clunky and never really broke in well, so I ended up passing them on to my daughter.)
The shoes that started me on this quest are the sneakers gracing every other post in my Instagram feed these days — the Golden Goose.
If you haven’t heard of this hot trend in elevated athletic footwear, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand is an Italian luxury fashion sneaker brand born in 2000 that has developed a cult following over the past 19 years and is now one of the hottest street style trends among celebrities and fashion bloggers.
Prices average around 500 U.S. dollars per pair, although you can find a sale if you’re patient. They’re a part vintage chic, part skater sneaker, part luxury designer shoe; and one of their trademarks is the worn-in look. They’re basically the sneaker version of distressed premium denim.
GGDB shoes are handmade in Italy, so the quality of materials and workmanship are bar none, and no two shoes are identical. I’ve heard it said it’s like wearing a piece of art on your feet. Well, when you put it that way…
Here’s the thing about me, though. I like to have the latest and greatest (#justbeinghonest) but I also like to be a little ahead of the game. While I like the Golden Goose sneakers more the more I see them, they’re starting to get so ubiquitous that I’m almost at the point of not wanting them anymore. I’m a contrarian that way. Plus I’m actually not even sure I’m cool enough to pull them off. They definitely have a youthful vibe, and as a 46-year-old suburban housewife, I’m probably better off with a more classic style.
All that to say, I set out to find a fashion sneaker I like as much as the Golden Goose, but something a little more under the radar… a “grown up Golden Goose,” if you will. I’m willing to consider luxury brands, but I’d rather not spend more than $200 on this purchase. I’m sure some will still think that’s insane, but when you consider that it’s less than half the price of a pair of Golden Goose, I figure I’m being downright frugal. Haha!
Naturally, my hunt to find new fashion sneakers turned into a project for the blog. Many of you were interested to see my findings, and some of you gave me suggestions or made requests, so I decided to photograph all the sneakers I tried and report back.
I’m comparing comfort, fit, weight, price, as well as look and feel. I obviously don’t want to keep 9 pairs of sneakers, so I can’t thoroughly test them out for longterm comfort, but I can tell you how they feel out of the box and as I wear them around the house for a few minutes. I tested them out in the carpeted areas upstairs so I could keep them in pristine condition.
Let’s get started!
Fashion Sneaker Review & Comparison
For reference, I’m 5’5″ and 135-140 with an hourglass figure, and I typically wear a size 8.5 sneaker. I share my height and weight because I believe that factors into how shoes look in proportion to my body.
#1. Superga ‘Cotu’ Sneaker $64.95
Introduction: Superga is an Italian company that has been around since 1913! They’re a favorite shoe of the stylish and always classy Kate Middleton, and they’re best known for their rubber soled canvas kicks. I’ve had a pair before so I knew they aren’t exactly what I’m looking for this time, but I ordered these at a reader’s request because they’re a good option for a canvas sneaker and I thought the would help round out this review.
Pros: They’re lightweight and fairly comfortable right out of the box, and the classic styling is flattering and versatile. These look great with everything from jeans and pants to shorts and skirts.
Cons: They don’t have much cushion or arch support, so if that’s important to you, you should know that. Also, being all-over bright white canvas, they look like a shoe that would get dirty quickly and not be easy to clean. They’re also fairly heavy for a canvas sneaker, weighing in at 14 oz each.
Conclusion: Stylistically, I’m fairly neutral on these. I like them better than, say, Keds… but they’re still plain canvas and very white. To be honest, I feel like they look better in photographs than they do in person. They look okay here, but in person, I was very meh about them. That said, they have a nice understated look, and the price is right. For size reference, I ordered a 9, and they are definitely too big on me. If I were to keep them, I’d need to get an 8.5, so I’d say they’re true to size.
#2. Taos ‘Star’ Sneaker $79.95
Introduction: Taos is a brand of comfort shoes out of New Mexico. Signature touches include natural stones, metal ornaments, and playful embroidery — all referencing the area’s natural heritage. I’ve worn Taos brand sandals before so I knew they made a good quality shoe, but I associate them with comfort shoes and didn’t expect to like these sneakers as much as I do. These were a reader recommendation, and I’m so glad they were brought to my attention!
Pros: For a canvas sneaker (which, as I said, is not really what I’m looking for) these are really cute. And they are also extremely comfortable and lightweight (11 oz each.) They have a really good arch support for such a low profile sneaker, so if you need that, definitely try these. I also like the contrast stitching, and they have a flattering shape to them.
Cons: Honestly, I don’t have much in the con department. They’re not leather, which is what I was looking for, but otherwise, I’m definitely tempted to keep these.
Conclusion: These are a good bang for your buck since you’re getting arch support and some modest padding, and the styling is surprisingly good for a comfort sneaker. They’re not really what I was looking for, but I was pleasantly surprised with these, and they’re definitely a contender. I also think they would be perfect for my Disney World trip in March because they have support but are also lightweight and breathable. They will also pair well with shorts. They’re also true to size; I have the 8.5.
Sidenote: if you like slip-on sneakers and need arch support, these Taos Soul slip-ons look really cute and get great reviews.
#3. Tretorn ‘Nylite2Plus’ Sneaker $84.95
Introduction: Tretorn is a Scandinavian sneaker featuring minimalist styling that was super popular in the 80s, and I hear they’re making a comeback. I’m not sure if they’re going to take off or not; I’ll be curious to see how that pans out, but I decided I had to do my fashion blogger duty and order a pair for old time’s sake.
Pros: Out of the box, these are fairly comfortable. They have some cushion and support, and the leather seems durable. I chose the White/ Gold color combo because I thought the gold emblem elevated the look a bit. They’re also extremely lightweight for a leather shoe, just 10 oz each.
Cons: I’m not a big fan of the seams on the toe, but that’s totally a personal thing. They’re a little stiff and need some breaking in, but I don’t really have anything bad to say about these, except they’re not quite the look I’m going for.
Conclusion: Overall, if you like the look, they’re a good value for an under-$100 leather sneaker. They run true to size; I’m wearing the 8.5.
#4. Veja ‘Esplar’ Extra-White $120
Introduction: I can’t remember where I saw these for the first time, but I’ve started noticing them on more girls now that I’m turned onto them. Veja is a French-born shoe company that combines fair trade and ecology. They use organic or recycled and fairly traded materials, and all products are made in a high standard factory in Brazil. As an aside, I really wanted the ones with the black V logo on the side, but I can’t find them anywhere in my size, so I ordered the plain white ones.
Pros: I love the styling on these shoes. They have very clean aesthetic, and the logo is subtle (more so on these than on the ones with a contrasting color, but it’s still not in your face.) These remind me of a more refined Adidas Superstar. They fit my thin, narrow feet very well and don’t feel heavy or clunky. They’re also fairly lightweight, weighing in at 12 oz each.
Cons: These have no support to speak of, and the tongue is very stiff. Every review I’ve read say they require some major breaking in, and then they’re great. I’m justnot sure I want to work that hard for $120 sneakers, even if they do look great on. They also have a cotton lining that isn’t particularly comfortable. It’s not uncomfortable, but when you compare it to the Greats and the Josef Seibel brands (below), it comes up lacking.
Conclusion: I wanted to love these shoes. I like the idea of supporting companies practicing fair trade and ethical production methods, they look great on — maybe the best of all I tried. They’re definitely one of my top contenders, but I don’t know that I have the patience to break them in, and I really prefer a more luxe lining. They’re true to size; I’m wearing the 39.
#5. Josef Seibel ‘Caspian’ Sneaker $129.95
Introduction: These were another reader recommendation, and I also ended up ordering the Josef Seibel Sina (see below.) I hadn’t heard of this brand before, but it will definitely be on my radar going forward. Josef Seibel is family-held German shoe company, and they pride themselves on premium quality materials, the best workmanship, and comfort. They also boast anatomical footbeds and foot massage insole systems to maximize comfort and increase blood circulation. Basically, if you love a good comfort shoe, you will want to check out this brand.
Pros: Out of all the shoes I tried, out of the box, these are by far the most comfortable and lightweight as well. They only weigh 9 oz each! They have good padding and support, the tongue doesn’t push into the front of my leg at all, and the low profile sides don’t bother my ankle bones either. They fit great, and they look and feel like good quality shoes.
Cons: Um, well. I can’t think of much. I don’t love the styling, but that is a subjective criterion. I also don’t care for the color choices in this particular style; I really wanted a white pair — which is why I also ordered the Sina below. But otherwise, yeah… these are great shoes!
Conclusion: These also aren’t exactly the style I was going for, although I do like the perforated details on the side. They’re definitely a low profile sneaker, and I wanted something that looks a little more substantial, but I’m finding that comes with comfort issues. For the comfort alone, these are a contender. They run true to size; I’m wearing a 39, which equals an 8.5 in American sizes.
#6. Josef Seibel ‘Sina 11’ Sneaker $134.95
Introduction: I ordered these because I wanted to try one of the Josef Seibel styles in white leather, and from looking at them online, I couldn’t tell which style I liked better — these or the Caspian (above.) Also of note, the white leather isn’t really white — it has a grey tinge to it that may be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for. They also have a slightly higher profile than the Caspian, which is not a pro or con, just an observation.
Pros: While I didn’t find these quite as comfortable as the Caspian, they’re still very comfortable due to their cushion and arch support, and they’re extremely lightweight at 10 oz each. Both this pair and the Caspian are leather lined, making them extremely comfortable and breathable, and giving them a luxe feel that belies their price point. They also have removable insoles that can be replaced with an orthotic, if need be.
Cons: All I can think of when I look at these is bowling shoes. I’m not sure what it is, but something about the style of them doesn’t quite jibe with what I’m looking for. Also, the tongue pushes into the front of my leg, and they’re also higher on the sides, so they aggravate my ankle bone a little bit as well.
Conclusion: All that said, I am mainly comparing them to the Caspian (above.) Compared to the other shoes in this list, they’re lightweight and quite comfortable. If you like the styling, they’re definitely worthy of consideration. They run true to size; I’m wearing a 39, which equals an 8.5 in American sizes.
#7. Greats ‘Royale’ Sneaker $179
Introduction: I discovered these through another blogger, and I really love the mission of this brand. Greats is a sneaker brand that was born in Brooklyn and are made in Italy. The two founders are passionate about building the best footwear in the game at the best price, and these shoes have been dubbed the “most accessibly-priced luxury sneaker in the world.” I have to say, I’m impressed!
Pros: Where do I start??? The quality is outstanding, and the second I put my foot in these shoes, I was obsessed. They’re leather lined and so luxe. I did want sneakers with some other color details, but I ended up ordering these plain white ones because I didn’t see any others I liked better. They have a very clean aesthetic, which I appreciate.
Cons: Unfortunately these are the heaviest of all the shoes I ordered… weighing in at a whopping 17 ounces per shoe. They also fit my foot a little bit big. I actually ordered the 8.5 and the 9, and the 8.5 was too short while the 9 seems a little big on me. I have narrow, flat feet so they look a little clunky compared to the Veja, which is the most similar of all the ones I tried.
Conclusion: These are a strong contender… very strong. I love the quality for the price, I love supporting a company based in Brooklyn, and they look great on. If I had thicker/wider feet, they would be perfect. I need to wear them around the house a little more to decide for sure if I can deal with the extra weight for the luxe lining and classic styling.
#8. P448 ‘John’ Sneaker $250
Introduction: P448 is an Italian luxury street style sneaker brand that was born in 2014, and they get their inspiration from the skate world as well as the hip hop subculture. This is clearly reflected in their designs. These are the most similar style to Golden Goose, and they’re actually the shoes that got me on this sneaker quest. Even though they’re over my $200 budget, I was curious enough to order them to see how they compare to the rest.
Pros: I love the grey and rose gold accents and the subtle perforated P448 logo. It adds texture without being in your face. When you slip your feet inside, they are super comfortable. The tongue is soft and lined with some kind of suede or terry material, so it doesn’t jab into your leg like most of the other leather sneakers do.
Cons: I can’t keep them on my feet! They came laced this way, so there’s no good way to tighten them unless I re-lace them and tie them in the traditional way, and I’m assuming that will detract substantially from the cool factor, haha! While the sole is rather stiff, but there is good padding, and I can see how they would break in fairly easily if the shoe would actually stay on my foot. Maybe I should give it a try before I return them. They’re also heavy, weighting in at 15 oz.
Conclusion: I love the styling on these, and the comfort when you put your foot inside, but I’m not sure I’m cool enough to pull them off with my daily outfits. While I’m willing to up my budget to $250 for a pair of sneakers I truly love and think I’ll wear a ton, I’m a little too wishy-washy on these to justify the price tag.
#9. The Muse: Golden Goose ‘Superstar Metallic’ Sneaker $550
photo credit: Alison Cornell
Yes, I bought them. I couldn’t resist. I HAD to know how they compare to the rest. I ordered these Golden Goose Superstar Metallic Sneakers from Nordstrom on a whim the day before I was scheduled to shoot these pictures. The reason they’re purple is this was the ONLY pair in the store in my size — and they’re actually a size too small. I really wanted to try these or these — as I said above, I prefer a sneaker with some black accents — but at least with these purple ones, I could get the gist of the brand and make an informed comparison to the rest.
Introduction: Golden Goose Deluxe Brand is an Italian luxury fashion sneaker brand created by two Venetian designers, a husband and wife team, and I think I gave a more than adequate background to my interest in these shoes at the beginning of this post.
Pros: I was instantly impressed when I pulled these out of the box with how lightweight they are, and how high quality the materials look and feel. They weigh 12 oz, just like the Veja Esplars. I slipped them on, and they are everything I dreamed they would be… even though they’re a size too small, they feel like I’ve been wearing them for years. They have a suede tongue that is super soft, and the insides are padded and feel so lived-in and comfortable.
I did read that they also require some breaking in, but they seemed pretty comfortable to me. These also have a built-in wedge that gives you a little extra height, and thus some support for walking as well. These particular shoes have a very low side profile so they don’t bother my ankle bone at all, and the tongue is short so it doesn’t protrude into my leg. I could definitely see wearing these right away and being comfortable in them.
Cons: The price tag, duh! But honestly, for the quality and comfort straight of the box, I think they’re worth it… IF you would wear them often enough to get your cost per wear out of them. I also don’t feel as comfortable in the skater-inspired style as I do in the more minimalistic, classic styles of the Greats and the Veja sneakers. These definitely have more of a youthful, trendy vibe. That is not a con for everyone, but it is for me.
Conclusion: If I had received these in my size in the one of the white/grey versions, I would be verrrrrry tempted to keep them. Just for the comfort alone, I could justify this purchase. BUT I do feel the Greats Royale and Veja Esplar — and even the Taos Star — fit my style aesthetic better. I just wish they were as comfortable.
The Verdict
Would you believe, I am still undecided!
If I could combine the style of the Veja with the comfort of the Golden Goose or Josef Seibel, I’d be sold. The Greats are actually the strongest contender at this point because of the combination of comfort, style, and quality. They just don’t fit quite as well as I’d like, and they look a little clunky on my feet. I’m also tempted to keep the Taos in addition to one of the leather pairs, as I can see them serving different purposes.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Thank you for your hard work! I say this in the politest way possible but white shoes are really hard to wear because they make {your/ insert any name here} feet look huge. I’m not sure if it’s because of the skinny jeans, but that’s why I like the shorelines. I would prefer a pair of white athletic sneakers to all of those. I hope you find a pair you like!
That is true! I till like the look, though… can’t say why exactly.☺️ I think that’s another reason why the GGDB keeep calling me… they aren’t as stark and the way they’re designed, they don’t make your feet look huge.
I have not worn my Greats out yet and got the black perforated pair. I do like their look. I had Tretorns in the ‘80’s and when I bought a pair a few years ago they were not as comfortable and just different. Josef’s are so comfortable.
Jo-Lynne – This is a great post and I really like the pros and cons of each style – so helpful! I happen to have a pair of the Josef Seibel Sina 11 that I bought a year and a half ago. The color is a dark nude color (Nesti Oil/Kombi Nude) – not quite coral but goes with most everything. The material is leather but it feels like more of a suede. They are very comfortable and I love the quality of this brand! I also have two pairs of Superga which I like a lot but they aren’t totally a great fit (feel a little big in places). It all depends on the feet – right? Thank you for this post and all of your hard work! Blessings!
Thanks for all the research on fashion sneakers I really appreciate it but I think you said it best when you said they look like bowling shoes!! To me all the styles do. I don’t find any flattering. I find they make feet appear clunky and larger than they actually are. Sorry!
For comfort fashion sneakers I love my black leather Guess slip ons. I also have them in a denim colored canvas. I’m giving Steve Madden a whirl this spring as I just purchased his slip on sneakers in beige suede.
Let’s face it, I’m lazy. No bending down and tying sneakers for me.
Honestly, I hate tying sneakers too… one reason I’ve loved my Converse Shorelines. I did see a tutorial on how to knot the laces on sneakers so you can slip them on and off — the way the P448s were tied, I guess. I may try that, depending on which style I end up with. Not sure it would work on the Greats or Vejas.
Tretorn was My shoe of choice in 1980! As much as I still love it I couldn’t wear them again without feeling silly. I can’t embrace the white sneaker trend. Currently I’m loving my Puma Vicky sneakers and have them in navy, olive and blush. On a side note I just ordered my first pair of Everlane’s Day Glove. Have you worn these? Your thoughts?
No, I haven’t, but I’ve been curious about their shoes. You’ll have to let me know how you like them.
First of all, thank you so much for your hard work and detailed summary of each shoe! Wow – that is a ton of work! Secondly, -9F or -22C is tough. Lets call a spade a spade: that just plain sucks. Hope warmer, milder weather is quickly on its way to you pronto! Thirdly (is that even a word?), I nearly keeled over with some of the shoes #1 – 4. I used to work in a hospital and saw older nurses wearing those orthopedicy style white nursing shoes when on duty with their nursing caps and I can’t get that image out of my head. Its something of the” One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” era of nursing.
I agree with the other’s comments that white shoes really can make all of our feet look so much bigger and more obvious. Not sure if I ever want to draw that much attention to my clod hoppers!
I really like shoes #5 and 6, the Josef Seibel Caspian and Sina 11 sneakers. Thanks again for the summary! Stay warm!
I’m so glad you said that about the nurses!! That’s exactly what I keep thinking! Ha!!
Still…great and fun post as always! With 3 boys still growing…I just keep thinking about how many pairs of pants and basketball shoes I could buy with $500!
Haha! One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest era of nursing — I can see how that would stick in your head, lol!
I liked the style and unique color of the Josef Seibel Caspian shoe.
A pair of $500 tennis shoes “worth it”?????? Come on, Jo-Lynne!!! I clearly have found the wrong blog!
Evidently you have. This is a fashion blog, where I consider matters of fashion, and yes, sometimes I look at luxury brands that are trending and see for myself why they are so popular. I tried sneakers ranging from $65 to $550 with lots of lower price points to consider and reported my findings. That’s what I do.
I’m a huge believer in cost per wear and purchasing the best your budget can afford, and if you read through the comments, there are several who do indeed believe $500 tennis shoes are worth it. There are others who do not, or simply find them out of budget, but they were polite in sharing those opinions. If you feel you have stumbled upon the wrong blog, feel free to move on and find one that makes you happy. Life is too short!
I have always been a Sperry’s girl. They are my Go-To shoe. However, I have tried Superga and found them not to be very supportive( I have flat feet). I would like to get out of my comfort zone and try the Taos or Joseph Seibel. Thanks for the post!
I think you would like both of those, for sure. Much better support and more lightweight than Superga.
Drooling over and trying to justify $500 fashion sneakers is not a sign of having fashion style- it’s a sign of being a fashion victim! Your blog is clearly not for me.
👋🏻
I have a pair of Josef Seibel sandals and LOVE them. I purchased them for a DC trip and walked 45 miles in them in one week without a blister or sore feet and never broke them in. We even got caught in a thunderstorm with no shelter out by the tidal basin and they were sopping wet and they still are in great shape and almost look like new. They have a cork footbed. I had been having some foot discomfort prior to the trip and was really worried. They are my go to when I want comfort. Stodgy but a little less stodgy than some others I tried. Would highly recommend this brand to anyone who needs to worry about the comfort and support of their feet.
I imagine they are AMAZING to walk all day in. Seriously the most comfortable of all I tried.
They are not white leather but I am going to try the Vessi’s. They are woven but waterproof and the reviews I have seen are very good for comfort. I think they would pack smaller than regular tennis shoes and be practical and versitile for travel. I love the gray ones but the white with gold trim look pretty tempting.
I know others that swear by Allbirds. Again – not leather but they are supposed to be very comfortable.
I think both of these are cuter, less clunky than many of the white leather ones.
I’m not sure if this falls in your category of “fashion sneakers,” but I absolutely love my wedge sneakers by Linea Paolo. I have the camo, and people stop me all the time to ask where I got them!
https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/linea-paolo-anna-wedge-sneaker-women/5031288?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FLinea%20Paolo&color=rock%20per%20suede
I do like those a lot! They’re not what I’m looking for at the moment, but they’re really fun.
I agree
The taos have a different look but would be worth getting.
I like the Veja and Josef pairs, but personally, I wouldn’t spend more than $100 on sneakers, I just don’t wear them enough, which also makes them last a long time, lol! My opinion on the GGDB shoes are- not impressed at the style. Like at all. I love distressed jeans, but seriously could reproduce this look on any of my shoes! lol! They look TOO worn out already to pay that much. I’ll let the ‘celebrities’ keep them! 😀 So there’s that! Have a super awesome day and stay WARM! <3
I would never even consider $200 or $500 sneakers
Just my personal opinion that I could do much better things with that amount of money. I do own 2 pairs of the Taos & love them.
Thank you SO much for taking on this sneaker comparison! Although I think that spending $500+ for a pair of dirty looking sneakers is crazy, I now appreciate their appeal due to your descriptions. I keep hearing about Golden Goose and was intrigued. You did a fantastic job in your thorough details and comparisons. Thanks also for introducing me to other brands I was not familiar with. Well done!
Thanks, LaTricia. I appreciate that. 🙂 I think it’s fascinating to see what’s out there and why it’s popular. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I have the Ecco Soft and love it. Have you run across any with snake print in your search.
I think the golden goose looked the best out of all the pics. You looked hip and cool 😎
This was just the post I needed! I have a huge sneaker wardrobe (all I wear, really, thanks to a nerve injury- luckily I’m a rural PA housewife so no need to be dressy much!) But I’ve yet to take the plunge on white sneakers because they just seem to overly highlight my feet… and everything here is muddy and unpaved… We’re headed to Disney in late March though and I’m trying to look a bit more trendy than normal 🙂 Currently I live in Saucony bullets and Frye sneakers but the Seibels are calling me b/c of comfort… thanks again for doing the legwork (ha ha) on this!
So glad it’s helpful! I’m at Disney now, haha! There are lots of sneakers. Everyone is wearing them, pretty much.
I’m 43, mom of 2, sheltered from the bloggers and influencers I never saw a golden goose until today at the park with my kids and I fell in love instantly. Skateboarding brought me to this country, 20 years ago because of my ex. I have pink hair, I have several vans, adidas and pumas, and I do think the gg were made for me!!! The funny thing is that I’m a contrarian too but in this case I will make an exception, the p448 is catching my eye too and a sweeeter price is super appealing, I never spent so much on a shoe before but this my be the time! I’m obsessed!!! It’s so my style!!!
LOL! Andrea, I totally get the contrarian thing. I wanted the p448 to work for me for that reason. They’ve got the same vibe without the icon status (and crazy high pricetag.) I hope they work for you!
Interesting post, being that I myself am looking for a new pair of white leather sneakers. I also just purchased a pair of Rag and bone black leather mid high tops. Couldn’t pass up the deal. Well I just put them back in the box to return , after my 18 year old son commented on how they seem like a shoe a 20 year old wears. So yeah , back they go. By the way my 15 year old daughter, who is already a Fashionista, was the one
This post is AMAZING! It’s so nice to have comparisons of all the “now” sneaks in one place! I will say I am in complete agreement with you regarding the Veja and the Golden Goose. I have a pair of the stark white Veja Espalar and another pair of the Veja V-10 with gold metallic accent. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the aesthetic of both pairs so much (although I did get the V-10’s dirty almost immediately 😒), but the tongue of the shoes keep me from wearing them constantly. They hurt the front of my ankle so badly! I tried GG a while ago, but I just felt ridiculous in the worn-look (35 year old work-at-home mom). However, I did recently find two “clean” versions of the GG (one from Farfetch.com and the other from Nordstrom) and I’m currently contemplating on keeping a pair. One pair is stark white and the other pair has a black accent heel. They are so darn comfortable.
Yeah, I do like them… and I like the idea of a “clean” pair. I just don’t wear sneakers much this time of year so I think I’m going to wait till fall to decide. 🙂 I do love my Vejas tho!
Have you tried Vegabond?
I haven’t, but now I’m off to google them! 🙂
What a GREAT post!!! Thank you. I’m 66, and totally LOVE sneakers. After watching Bohemian Rhapsody and being a Queen fan since their inception, I desired a pair of Adidas like Freddie Mercury wore for Live Aid….classically cool and timeless with that white and black look you wrote about. I ordered the Adidas Original Samba’s. I don’t think looks-wise they’re THE shoe that Freddie wore, but close enough. Having worn Adidas way “back in the day,” I must say they felt terrible. The leather is stiff, the sole is stiff, there’s no support whatsoever, and you sort of walk with a flapping motion of your feet. I wanted to love these, but Adidas has used cheap materials compared to the soft leather of the 70s and 80s. I would think that if Adidas came out with a high end, better quality shoe resembling Freddie Mercury’s Adidas, they’d have a bunch of old rockers like myself plunking down some cash for them. That’s my rant. For a sneaker rave: I have a pair of Paul Green’s which are made in Austria. Classy take on Converse. Very comfortable, quality leather, excellent arch support. You can never go wrong with any style of Paul Green’s. Finally, allegedly according to UPS and Nordstrom, I’m to be receiving my first pairs of Golden Goose. The Nordstrom reviews were too good to pass these up. I opted out of sparkles and flashy looks for a more plain weathered white. We’ll see how they fit my narrow, size 6-6.5 foot, and if I at all resemble Freddie Mercury. Lol.
Hilarious! Let us know how you like them.
Steve Madden has some excellent dupes that are amazing quality. The ones that are good are the Steven brand by Steve Madden and they are made in Italy and leather. He does have others that are man made and are not as great. Check out the Rezza and Rubie styles and let me know what you think!
Great post! I’d recommend you didn’t try Vince sneakers for their comfort and minimalist styling. Also, Ash sneakers are fun and comfortable and quite reasonably priced. I recently bought white leather lined Frye sneakers which I also love.
ssense.com has a lot of Golden Goose options on sale!
Oooh, yay! Thanks for the tip!
What size did you buy of the Golden Goose Shoes. You said you normally wear an 8.5 and these weren’t your size but these come in European sizing. The general rule of thumb with GG is to go down a size if you wear a half size. I’m wanting to get a pair but are hard to find a place that carries them around me.
39 was the right size – you can see them in this post: https://jolynneshane.com/try-ons-what-i-wore.html That’s what I normally wear in Euro sizes.
Thanks for taking the time to review these for us. I love how the Golden Goose sneakers look on you and you’ve certainly helped me make up my mind. I’m going for them – hope they look as good on me as they look on you. Take care of yourself
I’d love for you to do a 2020 version of this! MGemi is another brand with great white sneakers as is Freda Salvador.
I should! 🙂
Hi – great blog. definitely will follow you…are you on IG also? Just a thought……KK – my issue is that after years of wearing flat shoes, I now have a wider toe box than ever. I used to have narrow feet — not anymore. I’m in my 60’s but don’t want to look like a nurse in tennis shoes….Are there any of the above you’d recommend for the toe box size – regardless of age!! Thanks so much
Hi Mary! Yes, my IG is here: https://www.instagram.com/jolynneshane/
Oooops, I’m sorry! I pressed SEND too soon. It’s been a year since I tried these, so I’d have to go through them again to be sure I’m giving good advice for toe box size. But I hear ya – I actually have a wider toe box compared to my heels. The Greats definitely had a roomy fit. I’m very comfortable in the Vejas – the ones I kept. I am also giving the P448 another try this year, and I found them more comfortable this time around.
I came across this post via Google. Did you ever choose a sneaker? I’ve heard the Veja Campos are the most comfortable Vejas. I’m considering the Esplars because they come in more color options I like. I recently tried the Everlane court sneakers, and they are comfortable but honestly a bit frumpy with certain outfits. I’ve also come across a French alternative to Supregas called Spring Court, which might be worth investigating. I’m not a fan of the classic looking Keds but some of their other models are pretty cool looking imo and more comfortable than Supergas on my feet.
Hey Kayla, I did! I ended up with the Veja Esplar, and I love them. They did take some breaking in, but not for long. I also ended up getting the P448 Johns this year, and I love those too. I agree that the Everlane can read frumpy. I did an update to this post this year, if you want to check it out: https://jolynneshane.com/2020-fashion-sneaker-reviews.html
Oh, nice I’ll check out the update! So many styles to choose from .
A comparison between sneakers at the same price range would be much more meaningful. Just a personal opinion of course.
I’m 68 years old and I wear a all white Golden Goose Pure star with great pleasure. Of course it is a matter of preference but 46 years of age is too young to go classical. You looked wonderful with the GG on.
This is such a great blog. Thank you! You are a fashionista w sensibility! Love it
Btw did you size up or down for half sizes w the P448s?
It varies, I have a few pairs now, and sometimes I take the 38 and sometimes the 39.