In the crowded world of luxury footwear, few brands have polarized and captivated the fashion world quite like Golden Goose. Born in Marghera, Venice, in 2000, the brand pioneered the concept of the “lived-in” luxury sneaker, creating a global phenomenon that celebrates “perfect imperfection”. While the low-top Super-Star and the high-top Slide often dominate the conversation, there is an unsung hero in the lineup that insiders argue is actually the most versatile model of them all: the Golden Goose Mid Star.
Bridging the gap between a standard low-top and a restrictive high-top, the Mid Star offers a “streetwear-meets-dressed-up” aesthetic that has made it a favorite among those who need a shoe that transitions seamlessly from the school run to a glass-tower office. If you are considering investing upwards of $600 in a pair of distressed Italian sneakers, you need to know if they are worth the hype.
In this detailed review, we break down everything you need to know about the Golden Goose Mid Star—from its hidden height-boosting secrets and sizing nuances to why it might just be the most practical luxury sneaker on the market.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $660 - $1,000+ (depending on materials/crystals) |
| Origin | 100% Handmade in Italy |
| Fit Profile | True to Size (European Sizing), Narrow Toe Box |
| Heel Height | ~1 to 1.2-inch internal hidden wedge |
| Best For | Everyday wear, Office-to-Street, Petite frames |
| Key Detail | English-style wingtip broguing on toe |
What Makes the Golden Goose Mid Star Unique?
The Golden Goose Mid Star is often described by the brand as a “chameleon,” designed to be the perfect choice for every occasion. Unlike its siblings, the Mid Star possesses a unique architectural genesis that blends distinct cultural references with high-end Italian craftsmanship.
The “Chameleon” Silhouette
The primary draw of the Mid Star is its silhouette. It is not a true high-top, nor is it a low-top; it is an ankle-skimming mid-cut inspired by the skateboarding scene of the Eighties and Nineties. This specific height offers a crucial advantage: it provides more ankle support than a low-top Super-Star without the restrictive, heavy feeling of a full high-top like the Slide.
What truly sets the Mid Star apart visually, however, is the infusion of English-style sartorial details. The sneaker features wingtip broguing on the toe and a perforated pattern on the back. This “brogue” detailing elevates the shoe, allowing it to pass in “smartwear” environments where a standard athletic sneaker might feel too casual. It is a deliberate fusion of a skate shoe’s ruggedness with the elegance of a dress shoe.
The Hidden Wedge and Comfort
If there is one feature that converts skeptics into loyalists, it is the hidden wedge. Like many Golden Goose models, the Mid Star is constructed with an internal lift—approximately 1 to 1.5 inches—built directly into the sole.
This architectural choice serves two purposes:
- Posture and Aesthetics: It provides a visual leg-lengthening effect that flat sneakers (like Converse or Common Projects) simply cannot offer. For petite wearers, this added height is a “win/win,” elongating the silhouette without the discomfort of a heel.
- Ergonomics: The wedge offers significant arch support. Users frequently report that the Mid Star feels comfortable “straight out of the box,” requiring little to no break-in time compared to the stiffer Super-Star model. The “ankle-hugging” nature of the design also provides stability for active urban environments, such as navigating subway stairs.
Materials and “Perfect Imperfection”
Golden Goose sneakers are famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for their distressed look. This is the brand’s signature “perfect imperfection” ethos: the scuffs, scratches, and sun-faded details are intentional and applied by hand.
Every pair is handmade in Italy, a process that takes skilled artisans approximately four hours per shoe. This manufacturing method ensures that no two pairs are exactly alike. The Mid Star is available in a staggering variety of materials, including Nappa leather, suede, glitter, and even pony skin. For colder climates, the brand offers shearling-lined Mid Stars that users describe as feeling “like slippers,” making them a viable option for winter wear.
The brand has also vertically integrated its supply chain, acquiring 100% of its key supplier, the Italian Fashion Team (IFT), to ensure that the craftsmanship remains strictly Italian and of the highest quality.
Golden Goose Mid Star Sizing Guide
One of the biggest barriers to purchasing luxury footwear online is the fear of getting the wrong fit. When it comes to Golden Goose Mid Star sizing, the advice is generally consistent, but there are critical nuances for specific foot shapes.
True to Size or Size Up?
Golden Goose produces sneakers only in whole European sizes (e.g., 36, 37, 38).
- The General Rule: Most users and retailers agree that the Mid Star fits True to Size (TTS). If you typically wear a US 8, a European 38 is likely your best bet.
- The “Toe Box” Warning: While the length is standard, the shape of the Mid Star is distinct. Some users find the toe box to be tighter or narrower than other models like the Ball Star.
- Wide Feet Advice: If you have wide feet or are between sizes (e.g., a US 7.5), it is strongly recommended to size up to the next whole size. A slightly larger fit can be managed by tightening the laces, whereas a shoe that is too narrow in the toe box can be uncomfortable.
The Sock Factor
A common complaint with the low-cut Super-Star model is that it hits very low on the ankle, making it difficult to wear socks without them showing or slipping down inside the shoe.
The Mid Star solves this problem entirely. Because of its higher cut, it holds the ankle securely. This design allows you to wear standard no-show socks or even ankle socks without experiencing the dreaded “heel slip”. Popular recommendations for socks that stay put in Mid Stars include Converse-brand socks or Bombas.
Model Comparison: Which Golden Goose is Right for You?
To understand the value of the Mid Star, it helps to compare it against the other icons in the Golden Goose “Star” hierarchy.
Mid Star vs. Super-Star
The Super-Star is the brand’s nucleus—the first model launched in 2007 inspired by the LA skate scene.
- Super-Star: It is a classic low-top. While iconic, it can be stiff at first and sits very low on the ankle, which some users find problematic for sock retention.
- Mid Star: This model offers better ankle hold and is generally viewed as more supportive. The brogue detailing gives it a slightly more “polished” look compared to the purely casual vibe of the Super-Star.
Mid Star vs. Ball Star
The Ball Star draws inspiration from 1980s American college basketball culture rather than skateboarding.
- Ball Star: Known for a roomier toe box and generally softer leather, giving it a very comfortable, sporty feel. However, it has a longer visual profile.
- Mid Star: While also comfortable, it has a tighter fit in the toe box. It is less “sporty” and more “fashion-forward” due to the wingtip details.
Mid Star vs. Slide
The Slide is a true high-top that features a zipper on the inside ankle for easy entry.
- Slide: This model covers the ankle bone completely. While stylish, it can sometimes overwhelm petite frames or shorten the leg line.
- Mid Star: This silhouette is often preferred by petite wearers because it exposes the ankle bone slightly (especially with cropped pants), which creates a more flattering, leg-elongating effect.
How to Style Golden Goose Mid Stars
The versatility of the Mid Star lies in its ability to straddle the line between “rebellious” and “classic”. Here is how fashion insiders are styling them for 2025.
The “Brooklyn Mom” Uniform
The Mid Star has become a staple for the “Brooklyn mom” archetype—women who need to transition from “park time” to “ballet-class pickup” and potentially into an office.
- The Look: Pair them with 7/8 cut leggings or cropped denim. Because the Mid Star hugs the ankle, cropped pants that end just above the shoe highlight the leg line without bunching at the top of the sneaker.
Office and Evening Wear
Can you wear sneakers to work? With the Mid Star, the answer is increasingly yes.
- The Look: The brogue detailing allows these sneakers to pair surprisingly well with tailored pieces. Try styling them with cropped black slacks, velvet pants, or an oversized blazer. The juxtaposition of the distressed sneaker with sharp tailoring creates a “casual-chic” aesthetic suitable for creative or relaxed corporate environments.
- Night Out: For evening events, opting for a pair with glitter or metallic leather inserts can replace heels. They look effortless when paired with a slip dress or a mini dress, adding a “cool girl” edge to a formal outfit.
Seasonal Styling
The Mid Star is a true four-season shoe.
- Winter: Shearling-lined Mid Stars are a favorite for colder months. They provide the warmth of a boot with the comfort of a sneaker, and the shearling insert is often removable for versatility.
- Summer: They pair well with denim shorts or rompers. The mid-top cut adds a sporty vibe to summer dresses without looking as heavy as a combat boot.
Investment Value: Are They Worth It?
With prices hovering around $660 to over $1,000 for limited editions or crystal-embellished pairs, the question of value is paramount. Is the Golden Goose Mid Star a wise investment?
Durability and Construction
Golden Goose sneakers are 100% handmade in Italy. The brand has vertically integrated its supply chain, acquiring key suppliers like the Italian Fashion Team (IFT) to ensure quality control over the manufacturing process.
- The “Sole” Debate: It is important to address consumer feedback regarding durability. Some users on forums have reported issues with sole separation or heel drag after 6 to 18 months of heavy daily use. However, many others argue that the high-quality leather upper is “built to last” and holds up beautifully over years of wear.
- The Advantage of Distress: Because the shoes are pre-distressed, you do not have to “baby” them. Rain, mud, and scuffs only add to the shoe’s character, meaning they often age better than pristine white sneakers that look ruined after one trip to the park.
Sustainability and Repair (Forward Store)
Golden Goose is actively countering the “disposable fashion” narrative through its Forward Agenda. The brand has launched Forward Stores globally, which offer repair, remake, and recycling services.
- Lifetime Shoe: In 2024 alone, the brand repaired 45,000 items. The ability to resole and refurbish your Mid Stars officially through the brand justifies the initial investment, transforming them into a “lifetime” shoe rather than a seasonal purchase. The brand also sources 100% renewable electricity for its owned sites, reducing the carbon footprint of their operations.