The Superstar
This is the quintessential Golden Goose sneaker, the one you probably picture in your head. It's generally considered the standard for "true to size" and fits narrow to medium-width feet like a dream.
The ultimate guide to Golden Goose sizing. Find your perfect fit with our model-by-model analysis, sizing charts, and tips for half sizes and wide feet.
By Golden Goose Expert
Enthusiast and researcher of Golden Goose sneakers.
So, you're finally thinking about getting a pair of Golden Goose sneakers. It's a big step, isn't it? You've seen them on your favorite celebrities and influencers, perfectly scuffed and effortlessly cool. They have that certain je ne sais quoi—a blend of Italian luxury and a laid-back, lived-in vibe. But as you hover over the "add to cart" button, one big, nagging question stops you in your tracks: What size do I even get?
If you've spent any time at all tumbling down the rabbit hole of Golden Goose sizing forums and reviews, you've probably noticed something a little…chaotic. For every person who swears they fit "true to size," another one insists you need to size up, while a third will tell you to size down. What's the deal? Honestly, it's confusing. You're about to invest in a piece of luxury footwear, and the last thing you want is to get it wrong.
Well, take a deep breath. We're going to walk through this together. This guide is your new best friend for navigating the tricky world of Golden Goose sizing. We'll break down the nuances between models, tackle the dreaded half-size dilemma, and give you a foolproof way to find your perfect match.
Most Golden Goose models fit true to their European size, but you'll need to size up if you typically wear half sizes or have wide feet.
Jump to Size Charts arrow_downwardLet's get this out of the way first. The general consensus is that Golden Goose sneakers fit true to their stated European (EU) size. But here's the catch: it's not that simple. As an Italian brand, Golden Goose uses EU sizing, which doesn't always convert perfectly to US sizes. And to make things just a little more interesting, they don't offer half sizes.
So, what happens if you're a solid US 8.5? This is where the chaos begins.
The most common advice is to size up to the next full size. For a US 8.5, that would mean opting for an EU 39 (the equivalent of a US 9). For many, this works perfectly.
Why the discrepancy? A couple of things are at play. First, every single pair of Golden Goose sneakers is handcrafted in Venice, Italy. This artisanal process means there can be tiny, almost imperceptible variations from one pair to the next. Second, the fit is heavily influenced by the specific model you choose and your own foot shape.
You wouldn't expect a stiletto and a running shoe to fit the same, right? The same logic applies here. Different Golden Goose models have their own unique quirks.
Here's a visual to keep in mind: Imagine a lineup of the most popular Golden Goose models. The iconic Superstar is in the middle, our baseline. To its right, the Hi Star stands a little taller and looks a bit wider. To the left, the Purestar appears sleeker and a touch narrower.
This is the quintessential Golden Goose sneaker, the one you probably picture in your head. It's generally considered the standard for "true to size" and fits narrow to medium-width feet like a dream.
Think of the Ball Star as the Superstar's slightly more relaxed cousin. The leather is often softer, which means the break-in period is shorter. They tend to fit a little larger than the Superstar.
These are for those who want a little extra lift. Boasts a platform sole and is noticeably wider and longer than a Superstar in the same size. You might feel like you have an extra half-size of room.
Comfort-focused with narrower shape. Size up for wide feet.
Narrow FitChunky design with narrow shape. Consider sizing up.
Narrow FitIf you have wide feet, size up one full size. This is especially critical for narrower models like the Purestar, Dad-Star, and Stardan.
Tip: The high-quality leather will stretch and mold to your foot over time.
You have more flexibility. You might find that sizing down gives you that perfect, snug fit you're looking for.
Tip: Sticking to your true EU size usually works just fine.
Let's bring this into the real world. Talking about European sizes and centimeter charts is great, but what does it mean compared to the sneakers already sitting in your closet?
Many people size down a full size from their athletic shoe size. US 9 in Nike might equal EU 38 in Golden Goose.
More variation here. Some wear the same EU size, others find differences up to a full size.
Generally similar sizing to Golden Goose, but athletic models may run larger.
Note: These are general trends, not absolute rules.
Tired of the guessing games? Let's get precise. The single most reliable way to figure out your size is to measure your own feet.
Your feet naturally swell throughout the day. Measure them in the late afternoon or evening.
Paper, pen/pencil, ruler or measuring tape, and the socks you'll wear with your sneakers.
Place paper on hard floor against a wall. Stand with heel against wall and trace your foot outline.
Mark longest and widest points. Measure heel to longest toe and width across ball of foot in centimeters.
Most people have one foot slightly larger. Use measurements from your larger foot.
| EU Size | US Women's | UK Women's | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 4 | 1 | 22.3 |
| 35 | 5 | 2 | 23.0 |
| 36 | 6 | 3 | 23.7 |
| 37 | 7 | 4 | 24.3 |
| 38 | 8 | 5 | 25.0 |
| 39 | 9 | 6 | 25.7 |
| 40 | 10 | 7 | 26.3 |
| 41 | 11 | 8 | 27.0 |
| 42 | 12 | 9 | 27.7 |
| EU Size | US Men's | UK Men's | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 6 | 5 | 25.7 |
| 40 | 7 | 6 | 26.4 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 | 27.0 |
| 42 | 9 | 8 | 27.7 |
| 43 | 10 | 9 | 28.4 |
| 44 | 11 | 10 | 29.0 |
| 45 | 12 | 11 | 29.7 |
| 46 | 13 | 12 | 30.4 |
| 47 | 14 | 13 | 31.0 |
Golden Goose sneakers are famous for their signature distressing. This is actually a huge plus for comfort. Because they're already "broken-in" by artisans, they tend to feel comfortable right out of the box.
However, the leather used in models like the Superstar and Hi Star is quite thick and high-quality. This means you might experience some initial stiffness, especially around the heel. Give them a few wears around your house with socks to let the leather soften and mold to your feet. Trust us, once they're broken in, they're like clouds.
Finding your perfect Golden Goose size doesn't have to be a headache. It's all about understanding the nuances of the brand and taking the time to measure your feet properly. Retailers like Golden Goose official and Nordstrom generally offer 14-30 day return windows. Always check the specific policy for "final sale" items before buying.
Official Return Policy →The most common recommendation for those who wear a half size is to size up to the next full European size. However, if you have particularly narrow feet, some people find success sizing down for a snugger fit. Your best bet is to measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it to the brand's official size chart.
The Superstar is the brand's most iconic model and is generally considered the baseline for 'true to size' fit. Models like the Hi Star tend to run larger and wider, while the Purestar and Dad-Star models have a slightly narrower fit.
Golden Goose sneakers can have a slightly narrow fit. If you have wide feet, it is almost always recommended to size up one full size to ensure a comfortable fit. The good news is that the high-quality leather will stretch and adapt to your foot shape over time.
Finding your perfect Golden Goose size doesn't have to be a headache. Now that you've got the charts and the tips, you're ready to step into your perfect pair with confidence.