Now, the right sneakers can change your entire mood within minutes. Maybe that’s because of the ease of mobility they convey. Perhaps that’s because of the comfort they offer. Or, that’s because of the easy-going vibe and the sense of “everything’s going to be OK” they promise. But, why are Golden Goose shoes so expensive?
Golden Goose sneakers have been around for ages, surprising us with contemporary designs, never-seen-before fabrics, fine craftsmanship, and (of course) Italian heritage.
Whether we’re talking about the best sneakers money can buy or the most mind-boggling sneakers celebrities can endorse, chances are we’re talking about Golden Goose sneakers.
While we could argue that the only reason why Golden Goose sneakers became so popular, expensive, and sought-after had to be the obsession celebrities have had with them for quite some time, but…
There’s always a but when we’re talking about high-quality, high-fashion brands that don’t only offer a well-made and well-thought-out sneaker – they offer a whole story.
Worry not, though. We’ve decided to put an end to the never-ending “Why are Golden Goose shoes so expensive?” question.
We suggest you keep on reading to discover everything you need to know about the Golden Goose brand, the Golden Goose production process, and the reading behind the Golden Goose prices.
What’s the history behind the Golden Goose brand?
Golden Goose was the creation of two young Venetian designers: Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo.
Now, these two Venetian Valentines wanted to create a brand that evoked memories of everything they’ve been through together, from different destinations and experiences to works of art and vintage pieces they encountered on the road.
Golden Goose was started around 2000, and the brand managed to combine a refined, modern style with a vintage sense supported by the strong Italian tradition from the beginning.
Golden Goose sneakers aren’t your average Nikes – each sneaker’s handmade, manually painted, processed, constructed, and distressed by Golden Goose artisans, and each sneaker tells a story.
Golden Goose sneakers took the fashion world by storm because they offered something nobody’s seen before. Alessandro and Francesca described them as an attempt to create sneakers that looked as though they’d already lived a good life, packed with adventures.
And, they described them as break-free from fashion’s typical rules and principles.
But, we describe them as “expensive.” And, we wonder whether they’re worth the steep, staggering price they come with or whether we’ve been scammed by celebrities to believe that a sneaker deserves to be that expensive. Actually, how expensive are we talking about?
What are the most expensive Golden Goose shoes, at the moment?
We can’t answer the “Why are Golden Goose shoes so expensive?” without discussing the average prices we come across when window shopping.
We happily took a break from writing extensive (rather than expensive) articles regarding topics everyone wants to know more about and hopped on the Golden Goose website.
According to their website, the most expensive Golden Goose sneakers at the moment are women’s Super-Star sneakers with shearling lining and decorative crystals which are going for a staggering $2,050! (Wow!)
As for men’s sneakers, the most expensive ones are Super-Star LAB sneakers with white leather star and Swarovski crystal toe which are going for $1,100. (Still wow!)
Now, for the sake of comparison, the cheapest women’s sneakers are Yatay Model 1B sustainable sneakers with a white bio-based upper which are going for $350. And, the cheapest men’s sneakers (plot twist) are the same ones. Sure, $350 for sneakers might be much for most people.
But, for a high-quality, high-fashion brand, that’s a pretty decent deal. But, what makes the other sneakers worth the staggering $2,000?
Why are Golden Goose shoes so expensive?
We know and adore everything about sneakers. Whether we’re talking about simple, sleek white sneakers, chunky, bottom-heavy sneakers, or designer, fashion-forward sneakers, they’re the only footwear that’s guaranteed to keep you comfortable, polished, and put-together at all times.
With all that out of the way, sneakers shouldn’t cost $2,000. But, celebrities are paying thousands of dollars for sneakers that are designed to appear worn-out, scuffed, and damaged.
Before you utter something along the lines of “that’s a trend, trends come and go,” know that celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift have been wearing Golden Goose sneakers for ages. Golden Goose sneakers are here to stay, and we can’t help but wonder how.
1. Because they’re handmade
We have to backtrack a little because we don’t think we’ve underlined the fact that Golden Goose sneakers are handmade enough. Golden Goose sneakers are created by artisans known as Sneaker Makers.
We’re not kidding, Golden Goose artisans hand-finish, hand-paint, and hand-distress the sneakers before they’re approved.
We’re pretty sure that most Golden Goose sneakers are made that way, and the price actually depends on those finishing touches (when you look at the most expensive Golden Goose sneakers, you might notice they feature decorative crystals that have been hand-placed by Sneaker Makers).
The Golden Goose website offers you the possibility to choose between different messages, drawings, and embellishments to co-create the perfect sneakers for yourself. Oh and, the website also offers you the possibility to get to know (and work with) Sneaker Makers.
2. Because they’re made with high-quality, not-easy-to-source fabrics
Golden Goose sneakers might be expensive because they’re made with high-quality, not-easy-to-source fabrics, too. While we can’t speak for all the sneaker styles they offer, a lot of them are made with calfskin leather.
Calfskin leather’s lightweight and supple, much more than the leather that comes from older cows. Calfskin leather’s also smoother, more durable, and more valuable.
Also, calfskin’s more difficult to source because of the smaller surface area (which explains the cost). Other than the high-quality leather and suede, Golden Goose sneakers are made with premium cotton laces and loopback cotton lining.
When you’re creating unique, never-before-seen sneakers with fabrics that can’t be sourced everywhere, you’re guaranteed to rack up the price. We would argue that the $2,000 might be appropriate after all.
3. Because they’re unique
We’re kidding. But, we’re not kidding about the fact that Golden Goose sneakers are some of the most unique sneakers money can buy. Before you start babbling about Yeezys and Crocs, don’t forget that Golden Goose sneakers feature a few characteristics that might be worth breaking the bank for.
First off, Golden Goose sneakers feature hidden wedges (that’s right!) that make you appear taller, leaner, and better looking. Now, the wedge can be removed which means you can easily swap them for your orthotics or flatter Dr. Sholl’s.
Second, Golden Goose sneakers are distressed on purpose. We mentioned the fact that the thought behind creating distressed sneakers was to create something reminiscent of different destinations and memories. But, Golden Goose sneakers are also distressed to ensure you don’t need to wear them out to make them comfortable.
4. Because they’re innovative
We’ve already talked your ears off with the fact that Golden Goose sneakers are different from other sneakers because they’re handmade, they carry a message, and they’re a fashion statement we haven’t seen before.
We know we’ve already mentioned most things that are eye-catching and mind-boggling about the Golden Goose brand, but we’ve got more. When you catch someone questioning your purchases with a “Why are Golden Goose sneakers so expensive?” question, remind them that the brand’s one of the most innovative brands out there.
We’re pretty sure that they come out with new styles and strategies each season. Recently, they’ve made a shift towards an even more sustainable strategy by introducing, new eco-conscious sneakers and a New York store where customers can repair, remake, resell, and recycle products. What more could we ask for?!
5. Because they’re endorsed by celebrities
Dirty sneakers have never been more on-trend, and we have Golden Goose to thank for that. Don’t look at anyone other than celebrities because they’re the ones rockin’ these sneakers on a regular and making us, the common folk, think that we need rugged, worn-out sneakers to appear more fashion-forward.
Whatever the case might be, Golden Goose sneakers are expensive because they’re endorsed and promoted by celebrities.
Meghan Fox was recently seen wearing the white and gold ones, while Mila Kunis opted for smudged yellow ones. We can’t forget about the one and only, Jennifer Lopez, rockin’ the pink, sparkly ones. Argh, but are they worth the downpayment on a brand-new car?!
Now, are Golden Goose shoes worth the money?
Whether or not Golden Goose shoes are worth the money depends on you, and only you.
While some people (a.k.a. celebrities, TikTokers, and fashion folk) might want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars for worn-out sneakers that are extremely fashion-forward, others might not be as enticed to spend the hard-earned money on something as unnecessary as sneakers.
Converse sneakers happen to be brand-name sneakers worn by pretty much everyone and you don’t have to break the bank to get them. What are we trying to suggest?
Spend your money whichever way you want, whether that means buying Golden Goose sneakers because you adore them or buying Converse sneakers because you don’t want to spend $2000 on worn-out footwear. You do you, boo!
Read more: Similar Styles With A Different Price: P448 Vs. Golden Goose
