Sneakers made in Italy: the Golden Goose production process

12.06.2024

Craftsman-working-on-a-pair-of.sneakers-in-the-workshop
Craftsman-working-on-a-pair-of.sneakers-in-the-workshop

Craftsmanship as the key component of our sneakers 

Golden Goose shoes are the result of meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, as guaranteed by the Made-in-Italy quality label, in keeping with the brand’s origins. Unaltered for over twenty years since the brand’s inception, a steadfast Italian-based supply chain of artisans is dedicated to making our footwear collection entirely by hand. 


Making a pair of sneakers is a lengthy process taking over four hours of artisanal work, which has earned them the endearing title of ‘the century shoes’, referencing all the steps and final touches involved in the manufacturing process - a hundred of them, as the original Italian expression goes - to achieve such a unique design.

No two shoes are the same

Our artisanal process ensures that no two shoes are alike - each shoe is basically an original, imbued with the distinctive character imparted by our signature lived-in treatment. Our artisans abide by specific distressing techniques to provide each sneaker with the Golden Goose time-worn aesthetic. 


According to the brand’s Perfect Imperfection ethos, signs of wear are regarded as attributes to cherish: marks, scuffs, and sun-yellowed features tell a story, reflecting the uniqueness and authenticity of their wearer. Over the years, we have refined unique artisanal techniques to perfect our beautifully imperfect creations.

Handcrafting extraordinary sneakers for over 20 years 

The manufacturing process begins with the upper, which can be crafted from various materials, depending on the model's design: from nappa to suede, velvet and canvas. The tread, the foxing (the strip wrapping around the shoe), and the insole are then assembled to form the base structure of the shoe. The upper is then carded, the tread applied, followed by the foxing, encasing the Golden Goose sneaker.


In our view, each shoe is a work of art, and therefore, a unique item brought to life by our skilled artisans. Our sneakers don’t fall into the category of performance wear, as they are uniquely crafted to express Golden Lovers’ lifestyle and personality.