Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, but copying it is just fine.
The Italian high fashion brand Golden Goose has been generating flocks of followers recently with their Super-Star sneakers. Now, the kicks are a certified trending item and a shoe closet must-have. The off-white shoes feature a star on the side — but that’s not all that’s covering the canvas. They are also designed to look pre-worn, with dirt scuff marks all over the sole and shoe itself.
So why find a dupe for these dirty duds when you could shop the real deal at Nordstrom, Shopbop or Neiman Marcus quite easily? The answer is in the golden price tag, as these pre-dirtied shoes are sold for upward of $500, some going as high as $1,700.
For those who want this star-spangled shoe and are willing to dirty them up themselves, we have a few suggestions for you. First, pick out a pair of shoes from the list below that are all much lower than $500 a pop. Then, head to your local garden shop for some dirt, or hit the playground to achieve the stained look the old fashioned way.
Shein Star Patch Lace Up Splice Sneakers, $33
Skip the trip to the playground, as these shoes are as close as it gets to the Golden Goose dirty white sneakers.
Sold at Shein, the black and white sneakers feature a silver star on the side as well as the telling black scuff marks on the sole that mimic the much pricier pair. These are on sale now for just $33, down from $37 and even more so down from $500.
Steven New York Rubie Star Sneakers, $99 to $119
These may be the closest to the Golden Goose pair in terms of the dirt-factor, as well as different styles, but not in terms of the price tag.
From Macy’s, the Steven New York shoe comes in the above white and silver glitter style, with a pre-scuffed sole and star. They also are available in gold glitter with a pink back, white and gold, white with studs on the back, and even more fun combinations including zebra and leopard print and a bandana-printed pair in blue, black and red.
Caught In The Sun White And Silver Sneakers, $46
For an all white look (sorry, no dirt on these) check out this stylish and affordable pair of kicks from Red Dress.
The white sneakers feature the iconic star in silver glitter, but the dirt and stains are up to you. For $46, you may as well get a pair to preserve in its clean white state and another to dirty up. They also come in a dusty rose color, for some more variety in your sneaker collection.
Steve MaddenStarling Sneaker, $60
For a lightly worn look on a pair of trendy rose and white sneakers, Steve Madden has got your back.
Sold on Zappos for $59.95, these Steve Madden shoes are great for those who want the classic look of a white shoe, the star from the Golden Goose collection and a lot fewer scuff marks — but still the appearance of some pre-wear and tear. They ship for free on the Zappos site and at this price, may be gone soon if you don’t act fast.
Vintage Havana Grande Sneaker, $90
For those who want a bunch of stylish options but a price under $100, Vintage Havana is your best bet.
Sold at Macy’s, the $90 shoes come in six different style combinations, using leopard print, crocodile, cheetah and snakeskin to create fun Golden Goose dupes that look just as hip. While they do not come pre-stained, the off-white sole is perfect for a DIY dirtying, and no one will be the wiser.
Journee Collection Adair Sneaker, $60
These kicks have style, and just a bit of discoloration on the sole for a slight nod to Golden Goose.
From DSW, the sneakers come in four different styles, all of which still have the same star and darker off-white sole. The red and black pair as seen above feature a trendy leopard star, while the other options include a blue and white sneaker with a leopard print back, a black and white pair with a burgundy star and a white and light pink pair with a black star and gray back.
Lulu’s Patricia Gold Multi Color Sneakers, $87.50
This pair packs a lot more fun and color, and a lot fewer stains.
From Lulu’s, these sneakers are super colorful and on trend, with baby blue laces on a white and gold shoe, with the iconic black star on the side of course. For $87.50, these shoes ship for free ands are sold in sizes ranging from a six all the way up to an 11.
Nature Breeze Star Women’s Platform Sneakers in Gold, $21
These sneakers are not Golden Goose but they sure are gold.
From Walmart, these all shimmering shoes have a white platform sole that you can dirty up yourself if you please, and a gold shoe including golden laces to boot. At just $21, they may be the cheapest dupes for the trending kicks, and if you love the look there is more good news: The shoes also come in a rose gold color, white with a silver star and a black pair with a white sole and silver star.
Steve Madden Claris Star Court Sneaker, $20
Combine two trends, with a snakeskin printed shoe with the Golden Goose-like star and slightly off-white sole.
Steve Madden does it again, giving us a great dupe for an even better price. Sold at DSW, these sneakers are only $19.99, meaning you can buy a few pairs to play around with and a pair to keep clean and pristine.
