I have been searching for a sneaker that does not feel like a sneaker. The Golden Goose Dad Star in navy does exactly that. It slips on, looks right with a ribbed cardigan, and feels better the longer I own it. After three months of weekly wear, I am still finding small details I had not noticed. That is, I think, the highest compliment I can pay a shoe.
Styling the turquoise version is almost too easy. With a midi skirt and a knit vest, the look reads as a quiet old money uniform. Swap the midi skirt for a midi skirt and you have an answer for a casual office or a a coastal weekend. Add a ribbed cardigan and the whole thing tilts toward evening. The shoe does the heavy lifting, so you can keep the rest of the outfit simple.
Care is straightforward. I use a protective spray before first wear, and that is about it. The shearling does not need a special conditioner; a touch of neutral cream every few months keeps it from drying out. Avoid leaving them in direct sun, because the charcoal can warm up to a slightly different tone. The sole can be cleaned with a soft brush and a drop of dish soap.
On the comfort side, the Lab uses a layered insole that shapes to the foot over the first few wears. The padded heel collar is generous without being bulky, and the tongue is gusseted just enough to keep the foot centered. The official site at goldengoosewebsite.com is the place to start. I have walked twelve miles in a single day and not thought about my feet once. The nappa leather breathes well in warm weather and does not feel clammy in winter socks.
The Space Star is not a purchase I would describe as urgent. But it is a purchase I would describe as inevitable. If you can find a peach pair in your size at retail, do not think too long. They do not get cheaper, and the resale market is, as Sneakers ever, ruthless. After four months of daily wear, I cannot argue with the shoe.
