I’ll admit something here – I don’t spend a lot of money on shoes. I love designer handbags, don’t blink at eye and dropping some major coin at Sephora and fine clothing makes me swoon.
Expensive shoes though? I just can’t. Maybe it’s the fact that they look worn out so quickly…or paying hundreds of dollars for expensive heels that crush your feet make me cringe. I know, I know. Quality shoes are worth it. They are better constructed and oftentimes that makes them more comfortable and long-lasting, but still…no.
That all changed when I spotted a pair of Golden Goose sneakers while visiting Rome. The store offering them up had so many cool pairs: ones featuring chunky glitter, gold lamé leather, colourful suede stars – you name it. The price was steep though with most pairs starting at $690 CDN. I was a good girl and left them behind, but never forgott about them.
Fast forward a few years and I am lucky enough to collaborate with DAVID’S Footwear – a luxury shoe store based out of Toronto. They gifted me with my very own pair of Golden Goose sneakers…for which I just about DIED. Like, DEAD. When they asked me to choose a pair of my liking, I keeled over.
I chose a signature pair – a beaten-up, low ankle version with red glitter heels. Every time I wear them, I love them just a little more. Aside from being cool AF, they are so comfortable, it’s crazy. So much so, that I’m comfortable shelling out the cash to nab another pair. Why are these designer kicks worth it? Read on.
Tips For Buying The Perfect Pair Of Designer Sneakers
Make Sure You Wear Them!
Before you spend the dollars, make sure you are actually going to wear them! Sneakers are “so hawt right now” with everyone wearing them with feminine dresses to suits to jeans. If you aren’t a sneaker-type though, spending almost $700 on a pair doesn’t make sense. Stan Smiths are a great affordable option to start with!
Consider the Material They Are Made Of
Many pairs of designer sneaks are made of leather or suede. If you are hard on your shoes, maybe suede isn’t the best option as it wears quickly – same with light-coloured and white leathers.
Styling
Choose the right style. If you are a more classic dresser, opt for more neutral styles. My own style is more classic and feminine, so I treated myself to a pair of blush pink Common Projects sneakers. I love them SO MUCH. The neutral colour allows me to pair them with everything and they are totally comfortable. They are also sleek and streamlined, making them look a tad dressier.
If your style is more relaxed or trendy, try out some flashier styles or high-tops. So many cool pairs out there from Balenciaga to Gucci!
Sizing
Many of these designer brands hail from Europe, specifically Italy and I find almost all of them to be on the smaller side. I was lucky enough to try my sneakers in person. I’m usually a size 9 (39), but had to size up to a 40 in the Golden Goose sneakers.
For the Common Projects, I was a size 39. I recently tried on a pair of Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers and again had to size up to a 40 (this style is notoriously short in length like Stan Smiths). The point is that these shoe sizes are rarely standard, so try them on and do your research, especially if you are ordering online to prevent making an expensive mistake.
Rake In The Compliments!
People are lovvviiinnng this trend! Wear your designer sneaks and enjoy the slew of compliments you’ll inevitably receive!
So, I hope this helps you with your designer shoe shopping. I’ll be writing follow-up posts on the Common Projects and Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers soon. Stay tuned.
Again – I snagged these sneakers from DAVID’s Footwear. They have a great contest running right now where you and a friend can win a trip to Rome and a $3000 shopping spree. You can enter here. Good luck!!!
*Instagram post sponsored by DAVID’S Footwear
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
I really need some sneakers and even thou these are probably out of my price range. You make me want to go get some new sneakers. But I will definitely look into these! They are super trendy!
Author
Hey Marshalee! No need to go out and break the back. There are tons of similar pairs at much lower price points. Aldo has tons of cute ones. As always, thanks so much for reading! xoxoxo
I love how you put this together for older women that are still sophisticated yet trendy
Author
Thank you, Sitta! Glad you enjoyed it!
This was truly enlightening. For a girl from Sub-Saharan Africa, closed shoes are not our “thing”.
We are more into Mules, flip-flops, sandals, and the like. Sneakers back in the day were mainly for sports. Finish. Air them out, throw them under the bed, till the next sports day.
Now, it is so trendy that I am loving it. I see everyone (including Michelle Obama )wearing them.
So, this was really needed information. Maybe one day I will join the trend, maybe not.
But definitely NOT those ones they call plimsoll. I absolutely hate it, or sneakerspinach that look like that.
It will have to be dark colored to the soles, and. ..yeah,,,😆😆😆
Author
*Googles “plimsoles”* LOL! You are too funny! I have to say, I’m loving this trend…mainly because it is sooo comfortable! LOL! Kate Spade has a pair of sneakers completely covered in gold glitter. I think I *need* them. Haha! And I hate to disappoint you, but I got a pair of plimsolls at Vans last summer. Check them out here – lol: http://www.styledomination.com/fashion/easy-like-sunday-morning/