I used to hate sneakers. Once I graduated colleges it seemed like all I wore were wedges and ballet flats, especially Tory Burch ballet flats, which basically had a chokehold on my wardrobe.

But adulthood hits, and suddenly heels are not sustainable. You need something stylish, comfortable, and a little rebellious. That’s when I discovered Golden Goose Deluxe Brand sneakers at Nordstrom. I was instantly hooked. The custom hand distressing, the mix of patterns, the playful colors.

Yes, the price tag is steep, but these are investment sneakers that elevate any outfit. Here’s my honest take on sizing, styling, and where to score the best deals.

Golden Goose Sizing Guide

Golden Goose sneakers are offered in European sizes and crafted from the highest-quality Italian leather. Overall, they run true to size, but here’s a pro tip:

If you are between sizes, size down. The leather molds beautifully to your foot over time. The Hi-Star styles run slightly larger, so sizing down is especially important. Most Golden Goose sneakers take a handful of wears to break in, though my Super-Stars molded almost instantly. One pair blistered my foot after a 5-mile walk right out of the box. Lesson learned. To speed up the process, wear thick socks and run a hairdryer gently over the leather to stretch them.

My Favorite Golden Goose Sneakers

My go-to pair for daily wear are the Super-Stars, which balance comfort and style perfectly. I also rotate in Hi-Stars for a slightly chunkier look and Purestars for minimal, low-key days. Each style has its own vibe, but all share that signature distressed detail and versatility that makes them worth the investment.

How to Style Golden Goose Sneakers

Golden Goose sneakers are made for the creative wardrobe. They can be casual, polished, or playful:

• Pair Super-Stars with a short dress for feminine edge.
• Wear Hi-Stars with jeans, a mock neck, and a blazer for a downtown-cool office look.
• On low-key days, Purestars work perfectly with jeans and a T-shirt.

No matter your style, Golden Goose sneakers upgrade any outfit and make even simple looks feel intentional.

Where to Buy Golden Goose Sneakers

Golden Goose sneakers are available at top retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Intermix, Saks, and Neiman Marcus, and of course at their flagship stores.

If you want convenience and rewards, Nordstrom is hard to beat. Their selection is strong and fast free shipping makes it easy to grab a pair. Maximize points with their rewards program for even more value.

For a secondhand option, The RealReal is a reliable place to score gently used Golden Goose sneakers at lower prices.

For something extra special, check out the Sneaker Lab at a Golden Goose flagship. You work with an artist to customize your sneakers with hand-painted details or patterns. I did mine at the SFO flagship store, and it was honestly rad.

Why Golden Goose Sneakers Are So Worth It

I have had my original pair of Super-Stars since college, close to a decade now, and they still look perfect. The leather has held up, the soles are solid, and the distressed finish only adds character. That kind of longevity is rare in sneakers.

These are timeless designer sneakers that work with almost any wardrobe. They are playful, durable, and versatile. Cost per wear is low once you break them in. Golden Goose sneakers are fun, elevated, and anything but boring.