In today’s fashion era, you need an IT factor to stand out from the crowd. Since last year, Italian-origin Golden Goose sneakers have enjoyed a surge in popularity, thanks to their signature distressed look which has been dubbed by some as the “coolest dirty sneakers” out there.
Why is Golden Goose so popular? Much of the brand’s meteoric rise can be credited to Hollywood A-listers who fully embraced the sneakers. Stars like Selena Gomez, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift have all been spotted rocking these so-called “dirty-looking” sneakers for years, cementing their status as a luxury staple.
While the trend is amusing to some, the skyrocketing price tag has sparked debates and online conversations about whether they’re really worth the hype for designer sneakers in 2025. So, what’s behind it all? Let’s break it down.
A Golden History
Golden Goose was founded in 2000 in Marghera, Venice, by two young designers Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo. They started out in a garage-turned-studio, creating one-of-a-kind pieces influenced by their travels around the world.
In 2007, after a trip to Los Angeles, the founders were captivated by the city’s skateboarding scene and introduced the now-iconic Super-Star sneaker. Designed with a deliberately worn-in look that mimicked skater shoes, it became the blueprint for what the brand would be known for.
Golden Goose then opened its first retail store in Milan in 2013 and according to their official website, the label has grown to more than 180 stores across 23 countries, strengthening its reputation as one of the most recognisable names in the sneakers industry.
Designs, ethos & Italian artisans
With more than 12 factories across Italy, Golden Goose reveals it takes skilled local artisans around four hours to handcraft a single pair of sneakers. Crafted using premium Italian leather, the process is intentionally meticulous, which explains the time it demands. What sets the brand apart, however, is its commitment to individuality: no two pairs are ever exactly alike. That sense of uniqueness is part of what justifies the hefty price tag, giving wearers a one-of-a-kind sneaker that no one else owns.
Golden Goose’s signature distressed style: scuffs, scratches, and sun-faded details, embodies the brand’s “perfect imperfection” ethos. Each pair starts with an upper in materials like nappa, suede, velvet, or canvas, before the insole, tread, and foxing are assembled. The upper is then carded and sealed with the foxing, completing the distinct Golden Goose silhouette.
The popular sneakers come in two main styles: the Superstar and the Slide. The Superstar was Golden Goose’s very first prototype and it’s instantly recognisable by the star logo embossed on the side. Available in a range of leathers—including matelassé—and also colour combinations that span from classic white, black, and beige to bolder mixes.
The Slide, on the other hand, pays homage to American skateboard culture. Featuring everything from leopard prints to suede accents, the Slide stands out with its high-top, slip-on design and distinctive ankle cut, setting it apart from the Superstar.
Celebrity Fans
The sneakers trend has definitely evolved over the past decades, in particular with Hollywood megastars and fashion influencers reinforcing the chic footwear that can easily be paired with just about any outfit. The same is true for Golden Goose sneakers.
For instance, Taylor Swift has been pictured sporting Golden Goose in various styles, but her simple denim-on-denim crop top and shorts ensemble stands out the most. The “Blank Space” singer kept it effortlessly chic, pairing the look with Golden Goose low-cut sneakers that added a laid-back yet polished edge.
With Golden Goose sneakers getting all the love from your favourite celebrities, it might just be time to grab a pair for yourself. Explore our curated Golden Goose collection at MAYFEYR and find the perfect pair made just for you.
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