_edited.png)
_edited.png)
Brand Scorecard:
★★★★☆
Leather: 4.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 4
Engineering: 4
Craftmanship: 4.5
TOTAL: 4.21
Brand Website: goldengoose.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Golden Goose started as a dream in Venice, inspired by global experiences and aimed at telling unique stories through fashion. The brand emphasizes craftsmanship and manual touches, deeply rooted in Italian heritage. By merging traditional artisan skills with contemporary designs, Golden Goose creates authentic, handcrafted products that are built to last.
Golden Goose is a family driven by energy, positivity, and shared values. They celebrate creativity and life's imperfections, believing that these elements bring vitality to their work. The brand unites a patchwork of stories, memories, and experiences, inviting everyone to share in their ideals and make them their own.
FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT
CRITERIA | 5 (Very Strong) | 4 (Strong) | 3 (Mixed) | 2 (Limited) | 1 (Not Present) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leather | A perfect balance of art and fashion of leather tanning. Rare and artisanal hides from exceptional tanneries | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries | Average corrected leathers that do NOT require high-quality raw hides. Less info on the source of the leather | Low-quality leather choice with significantly less information about the sourcing practice. | Inferior sketchy leather derivates or non-leather materials. |
Hardware | Top of the line Stainless Steel or Brass Hardware with Highest Caliber Coatings | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. | Alloy hardware with acceptable coating. Lifetime may be impacted due to the coating of the hardware. | Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. | Non-metal, plastic, and non-durable hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. |
Design | A professional design language that is unique and consistent with the brand | A creative take on a classical design concept | Minimal changes to common styles | Almost copy of common/famous designs. Dysfunctional elements. | Problematic design elements affect the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the product. |
Engineering | Highly organized, sophisticated shape and form engineering with high-quality materials inside the craft. | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure | Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials | Messy inside with low-grade support elements | Complete lack of inner structure and craftsmanship. |
Craftsmanship | Expert craftsmanship with flawless, hand or machine stitching, demonstrating advanced skills. No visible errors; edge paint is avoided using superior techniques. | Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality. | Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior. | Noticeable misalignment and sloppy workmanship. Multiple errors affect visual appeal, with untidy interior work. | Poor craftsmanship with missed stitches, visible errors, and uncleaned residues. Major issues that may affect durability. |
Overall Score | An incredible value for money that I have no problem recommending to anyone | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try | A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion | Consider it well within your own criterion as the quality/price is not a decision point I can recommend here | Stay away! |
READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES
SCORE | NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
5 | Strong Yes | ⭐ This grade is given to brands that present great value for the price they charge you for their product. I have no problem confidently recommending you check their products. These are the brands I reach out to ask if they can give me an affiliate link so your purchases using my link can support my content efforts. |
4 | Yes | 👍 This indicates that the brand meets all my expectations from the perspective of price and information they have about their products. I would happily buy their products at this level of quality/value score. This is the only other category of brands I request an affiliate link to support this channel to improve my Leathertainment content. |
3 | Mixed | ➖ There are areas that I found less than desirable for the quality/price performance I appreciate personally. Some high-end luxury brands may fall under this category given I am looking for tangible value in the products, ignoring the intangible brand prestige they may offer as a value to their customers. I am not a customer of these brands and I wouldn’t recommend them to my audience if they do NOT value brand logos. |
2 | No | 👎 This indicates that the product and the brand failed my expectations in significant ways and I won’t recommend them to anyone. |
1 | Strong No | ❌ This is the lowest assessment and indicates fundamental issues in the product and/or the brand. I would say look somewhere else. |
LEATHERVERSE MATRIX
The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.
Legend
Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.
Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.
Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
Based on these criteria, how would you rate Golden Goose as a brand?
How would you rate Golden Goose as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
The Controversy of High-Priced "Dirty" Sneakers: The Golden Goose Phenomenon
Golden Goose's Dirty Sneaker
Watch the videos here:
When it comes to fashion and luxury, some trends can leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment. One such trend that has caused a stir in the fashion world is the unabashed embrace of dirt and distress in the form of high-priced sneakers. Specifically, the brand Golden Goose has made waves by offering pre-distressed, seemingly "dirty" sneakers at premium prices, prompting many to wonder: why would someone pay $600 for a pair of intentionally worn-out shoes?
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
The Golden Goose Origin
Since its establishment in 2000, Golden Goose has disrupted the sneaker scene as an Italian import headquartered in Venice, Italy. Co-founded by designers Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, the brand's inception was driven by a rebellion against conventional haute couture while upholding Italian shoemaking excellence.
Rinaldo and Gallo's vision for sneakers transcended mainstream trends, aiming to capture a narrative of experiences through every scuff and tear. The outcome? Pre-distressed sneakers with a worldly patina, reflecting a street-smart aesthetic that embodies character and history. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted by master cobblers, infusing a unique artisanal touch from construction to the addition of distinctive details like glitter accents or artfully placed rips.
The Curiosity Behind Golden Goose
Going back to the shoe, my first encounter with Golden Goose sparked a mixture of confusion and intrigue. After some deliberation, I decided to delve deeper into this phenomenon. I acquired a pair and asked my wife to try them on, fully expecting her to question the rationale behind wearing what appeared to be used shoes. Her initial reaction mirrored my own skepticism, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. It was clear that the concept of investing in intentionally distressed footwear was a foreign one to us.
However, as my wife wore the shoes for a few hours, she surprised me by proclaiming their remarkable comfort, a sentiment not easily expressed by her. This revelation piqued my curiosity further, leading me to closely examine and evaluate the essence of Golden Goose and its allure.
The Essence of Golden Goose
Upon first inspection, the packaging exuded an excessive amount of marketing flair, hinting at a substantial investment in branding. While this level of attention to detail is not uncommon in the fashion industry, it often raises questions about the true value being offered. Yet, beneath the marketing veneer, the quality of materials used in the sneakers did not disappoint. The leather, though minimally finished, showcased a commendable choice of cowhide full grain, complemented by thoughtful engineering elements within the shoe, such as moisture-absorbing components and precise stitching.
On closer examination, it became evident that the leather quality, including the suede accents and inner sole, was indeed commendable. However, the inclusion of a faux leather material in certain areas raised concerns, albeit with a plausible explanation rooted in durability. Despite this, the overall craftsmanship of the shoe, combined with its engineered comfort and support, painted a picture of a meticulously constructed product, further bolstered by its Italian origins.
The Enigma of Exorbitant Pricing
While the quality and construction of the Golden Goose sneakers left a positive impression, the daunting question of their exorbitant price tag lingered. Priced at a staggering $545, the sneakers exemplify the delicate dance of offering something unique yet overpriced to captivate trendsetters. This pricing strategy, although controversial, has undeniably captured the attention of affluent consumers who dictate the trends of the market.
The brand's rebellious philosophy resonates with the ethos of the Gen Z era, embodying a spirit of nonconformity and individuality. However, the extensive marketing tactics employed by Golden Goose, while effective in garnering attention, may border on excessiveness, potentially missing the mark when it comes to authentic brand representation.
The Perception of Luxury and Value
One prevalent misconception regarding the perceived value of Golden Goose sneakers revolves around the notion of Italian leather being significantly more expensive to produce. While Italian leather does command a premium in the market, the difference in production costs is not as substantial as purported. This misperception is a direct result of the brand's deliberate overpricing strategy, fostering an illusion of exclusivity and luxury to justify the steep price points.
In conclusion, Golden Goose sneakers, despite embodying a trendy and fashionable appeal, pose a thought-provoking dilemma. For individuals indifferent to fleeting trends, the justification for their premium cost may remain elusive. However, for those ensnared by the allure of fashion statements and exclusive branding, the appeal of Golden Goose transcends mere footwear, encapsulating a lifestyle and identity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a pair of Golden Goose sneakers boils down to individual preferences and values. While the price may seem unjustifiable to some, others may find solace in embracing the enigmatic charm of luxury fashion. At its core, Golden Goose represents a distinctive fusion of style, luxury, and controversy, challenging traditional notions of value and provoking discourse within the realm of fashion.
In the end, as with any luxury purchase, the worth of a pair of Golden Goose sneakers is subjective, with personal inclinations and perceptions playing an important role in the final verdict. So, if you find yourself captivated by the allure of Golden Goose, perhaps the question should not be "Why pay $600 for a dirty pair of sneakers?" but rather "Why not?"
References
Golden Goose brand story. (n.d.). https://www.goldengoose.com/us/en/brand/goldenworld.html
Tate, L. (2022, December 6). Golden Goose sneakers: the rise in popularity - Santa Fe Dry Goods . Workshop . Wild Life. Santa Fe Dry Goods . Workshop . Wild Life. https://santafedrygoods.com/editorials/golden-goose-rise-in-popularity/#:~:text=While%20their%20sneakers%20may%20look,of%20breaking%20in%20new%20shoes
What makes Golden Goose sneakers so popular? (n.d.). Oliver Cabell. https://olivercabell.com/blogs/helpful-hints/what-makes-golden-goose-sneakers-so-popular
Scorecard
TANNER APPROVED!
★★★★☆ - 4.21
Criteria | Score | Results |
|---|---|---|
Leather | 4.5 | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries |
Hardware | 4 | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. |
Design | 4 | A creative take on a classical design concept |
Engineering | 4 | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure |
Craftsmanship | 4.5 | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium: 5 to 6 x multiplier pricing. |
OVERALL SCORE | 4.21 | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try |
PRICE / COST MULTIPLIER | 5x | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium. |
留言