Honestly, the first time you see a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, you probably think someone's been through a gravel pit. They’re scuffed. They’re dirty. Sometimes there is literal duct tape involved. Yet, celebrities wearing Golden Goose sneakers is basically the unofficial uniform of Calabasas and Tribeca. It’s one of those fashion paradoxes that shouldn't make sense, but in 2026, it still totally does. Why would Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez pay $600 for shoes that look like they’ve survived a skate park accident?
The answer is "perfect imperfection." It’s a vibe.
We’ve seen the heavy hitters like Hilary Duff and Reese Witherspoon rocking these for years. It’s not a flash-in-the-pan trend. It’s a lifestyle choice for people who want to look like they aren't trying, even when we know they definitely are.
The A-List obsession with the scuff
Let’s talk about Taylor Swift. She’s been spotted in the Golden Goose Hi-Star platform version more times than we can count. Usually, she pairs them with something deceptively simple, like a denim-on-denim look or a casual floral dress. It balances her "girl next door" energy with a hint of high-fashion edge.
Then there’s Selena Gomez. She’s the queen of the high-low mix. I remember seeing her in a navy overcoat and black leggings, finishing the whole thing off with distressed high-tops. It looked like she just rolled out of bed and looked a million bucks. That’s the magic of the brand. It grounds an expensive outfit.
The list of fans is basically a Hollywood roll call:
- Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher (the ultimate "cool parents" in matching Superstars).
- Ben Affleck (who famously took a break from his Nike obsession to flex in luxury Italian leather).
- Megan Fox (pairing them with leather trousers for that "off-duty rockstar" aesthetic).
- Hailey Bieber (though she cycles through sneakers fast, the Golden Goose Ball Stars are a recurring guest).
Why do they actually cost so much?
It’s easy to joke about paying for "dirt," but there is actual craftsmanship here. These aren't just mass-produced in a giant factory and kicked around a parking lot. Each pair is hand-distressed in Italy.
It takes about four hours to make one pair.
Think about that. An artisan in Marghera, near Venice, is manually scuffing the foxing and carding the leather to make sure the "wear" looks authentic. The brand was started in 2000 by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, who were obsessed with the L.A. skate scene. They wanted to capture that lived-in feeling of a skater's shoe—the kind of soul that only comes from years of use—but without the actual years of work.
Breaking down the most popular models
If you’re looking at celebrities wearing Golden Goose sneakers, you’re mostly seeing three specific silhouettes.
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- The Super-Star: This is the OG. Low-top, signature star on the side, usually with a contrast heel tab. This is the one Hilary Duff is constantly photographed in while running errands with her kids. It’s the "entry-level" GGDB shoe.
- The Ball Star: These have a more retro, 80s basketball vibe. They’re a bit "cleaner" (comparatively speaking) and have been a huge hit with the street-style crowd lately.
- The Mid Star: A weird, wonderful hybrid. It’s not quite a high-top, not quite a low-top. It’s got brogue-style detailing on the toe, which sounds insane for a sneaker, but somehow it works.
The "Quiet Luxury" of being loud
There is a psychological element to why celebs love these. If you wear a pair of pristine, white-box-fresh Alexander McQueens, everyone knows you're wearing expensive shoes. But if you wear Golden Goose, you’re signaling something else. You’re signaling that you’re "above" the need for perfection.
It’s the ultimate "I’m rich enough to look like I don’t care" move.
There’s also the comfort factor. Because they’re already "broken in," the leather is incredibly soft right out of the box. Most people don't realize they have a hidden wedge in the insole too. It gives you about an extra inch of height without the pain of a heel. For celebrities who are constantly being chased by paparazzi, that extra height and immediate comfort is a massive win.
How to style them without looking like a mess
If you want to pull off the look, you have to follow the celebrity playbook. The goal is contrast.
If you're wearing baggy, distressed jeans and a thrifted tee, the shoes might actually make you look a bit too unkempt. But, if you pair a distressed Superstar with a crisp, tailored blazer or a silk slip dress? That's where the spark happens.
Street Style Strategy
- The Oversized Blazer: Take a page from the Hailey Bieber handbook. Big shoulders, cycling shorts (if you're brave), and scuffed sneakers.
- The Maxi Dress: A long, flowing floral dress with a pair of Mid Stars is the "Copenhagen Girl" aesthetic that’s dominated the last few seasons.
- The "Dad" Look: Ben Affleck does this best. Simple chinos, a well-fitting hoodie, and the Ball Stars. It’s approachable but clearly elevated.
The sustainability (or lack thereof) debate
We have to be real: the fashion industry is under a lot of fire for waste. Golden Goose has tried to lean into this with their "Forward Stores," where they offer repairs and "remaking" services for your old shoes. Since the shoes are already designed to look old, they actually age better than most luxury items. A scratch on a pair of Gucci Aces is a tragedy; a scratch on a Golden Goose is just more "character."
Common misconceptions about the brand
"They’re just dirty shoes."
Well, sort of. But they're dirty shoes made of premium calfskin with a vegetable-tanned leather lining.
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"They’re a trend that’s dying."
People have been saying this since 2017. Yet, here we are in 2026, and they're still a staple on every major fashion site. They've moved past "trend" and into "classic" territory, much like the Chuck Taylor or the Stan Smith—just with a much higher price tag.
Is the hype real?
Whether you love them or think they're a scam, celebrities wearing Golden Goose sneakers isn't stopping anytime soon. The brand has successfully commodified "the story" of a shoe. When you buy a pair, you aren't just buying leather and rubber; you're buying a piece of that effortless, L.A.-cool narrative that celebrities have mastered.
If you're ready to dive in, don't be afraid of the scuffs. In fact, the more beat-up they look, the more authentic they are.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Style
- Identify your silhouette: Decide if you want the classic Super-Star for everyday wear or the Ball Star for a sportier look.
- Focus on the leather: When buying, look for the "GGDB/SSTAR" gold foil lettering—it's the hallmark of the original.
- Master the "High-Low" balance: Wear your sneakers with one "elevated" piece (like a trench coat or tailored trousers) to ensure the distressed look feels intentional rather than accidental.
- Check the insole: Remember, the hidden wedge is what makes these so comfortable for long walks—ensure yours has that signature lift.