How to Match Your Clothes with Your Golden Goose Alternatives Men’s Sneakers

Tuesday Bote - Dec 18, 2020

Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 Distressed Sneaker Collection offers numerous ways to spruce up an outfit

Over the past 40 years, dress codes have relaxed from the postwar era’s rigidly formal look to the do-your-own-thing aesthetic of the Swinging Sixties, the lounge-lizard fashion of the ‘70s, and the sportswear-everywhere styles of the 1980s. From 1990 onwards, men’s dressing has become an amalgam of casual chic and genteel formality, creating perfect looks for any place and any occasion.

That said, sneakers – footwear previously considered too casual for events like business meetings or dressy parties – have practically made their way everywhere from the boardwalk to the boardroom, from the basketball court to the ballroom. This is mostly because sneaker manufacturers have been stepping up their game, creating luxurious shoes that can go anywhere from a morning jog to an elegant evening out. Rather than the canvas traditionally used for sneakers and slip-ons, these creative companies use leather and other luxe materials for their shoes.

Here Comes the Golden Goose

Golden Goose sneakers, in particular, are very much in demand. These Italian-designed leather sneaks aren’t just made to be fashionable, but they are also quite comfortable. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that they have become the footwear of choice for many celebrities.

However, the major drawback is that the price tag is on the hefty side, and more environmentally-conscious consumers have expressed concern about the sustainability and provenance of the materials used in production.

Equally Fashionable, Exceptionally Comfortable, Expertly Made

Fortunately, other brands are stepping up their game when it comes to stylish, high-quality, comfortable, and sustainable sneakers.

Indeed, we at Oliver Cabell take pride in crafting footwear of exceptional quality and comfort. Each pair of sneakers, driving shoes and boots is made with sustainably-sourced Italian leather and undergoes rigorous quality control. Not only that, whatever your style, there’s bound to be a pair of Oliver Cabells that’s perfect for you.

More than just an alternative to Golden Goose sneakers, our expertly-crafted sneaks and slip-ons are just the thing to make any man’s outfit stand out in terms of looks and comfort.

Sartorial Splendor: Vital Tips for Matching Outfits with Sneakers

1. Check your wardrobe before anything else. 

Just because you’ve bought new kicks does not mean that you should clean out your closet and restructure your style around your sneakers – that just isn’t done! However, as a rule of thumb, you need at least one pair of black Golden Goose alternatives men’s leather sneakers like Low 1 Daybreak to match with your dressier outfits and a white pair (go for the Low 1 Atlanta or Low 1 Belmont) for smart casual clothing.

Pair basic black sneakers like Low 1 Daybreak with a beautifully tailored outfit

 2.      When wearing black leather sneaks, dress up, not down. 

Most guys don’t have a sense of the appropriate – which is why the boy who wears ratty sneaks to a formal do is such a cliché. Show your leather kicks some respect and use them properly. In which case, these pair beautifully with tailored trousers, slim-cut dark denims, khakis, and even casual suiting. Complete this sartorial ensemble with an elegantly cut dress shirt with a slim tie and an elegantly casual blazer.

Part of the new Distressed line, the Low 1 Crimson brings a pop of color to a street-smart outfit

3.      Don’t go overboard. 

Baggy pants, excessive bling, and T-shirts with outlandish logos or off-color text may pair well with vividly-colored and patterned trainers made with synthetic fabrics. However, these would be totally off-key if paired with Golden Goose dupes or any other luxury footwear. Instead, you should pair colorful luxury kicks like the Low 1 Red or the GAT Navy with slim- or tapered-cut denims and simple shirts or T-shirts in solid colors. These would also look good with khaki shorts or linen outfits for a beach party in warmer weather.

4.      Dress for the season. 

Some shoes are more appropriate for certain times of the year than others. While brighter colors are de rigueur for the spring and summer, colder weather seems to call for neutrals. In which case, pair leather or suede sneakers with long overcoats or trench coats with black or beige trousers. If you’re gunning for an eclectic college-man look, pair classic white sneakers with tailored woolen coats, dark denims, a patterned scarf, and either a knit cap or fedora.

5.      Retro is the way to go. 

Leather sneakers lend themselves quite well to throwback outfits such as a fresh spin on James Dean’s classic Rebel Without a Cause look: black leather kicks to finish off relaxed-fit jeans, a white T-shirt, and a black leather jacket; aviator sunglasses optional. Likewise, Oliver Cabell’s new Distressed edition – a new take on the highly popular Low 1 line – calls to mind the golden days of Seattle Sound when paired with rugged denim, loose-fitting shirts, and plaid lumberjack tops.

6.      Look sharp and smart at work. 

Clean and simple lines are key to pairing leather sneakers with business attire – essentially, less details = less problems. Neutrals are appropriate in this case, so a pair of Oliver Cabell Mertons isn’t just an option: it’s a necessity, and it pairs well with dark suits.

7.      Walking abroad? No problem. 

Sneakers are the obvious choice when it comes to shoes for travel: they’re comfortable to walk in (which is good if you’ve booked walking tours of the world’s greatest cities,) portable, and durable. If your travel outfits are shorts and T-shirts for a tropical getaway, colorful kicks are a great choice to get you into the island spirit. On the other hand, if you’re traveling in Europe or East Asia, where it gets cold in fall and winter, be sure to pack your suede or leather sneaks to go with tweeds and woolens on tour.

 8.      Dressing the Older Gentleman. 

The great thing about sneakers is that they aren’t just the most democratic item that fits anyone’s wardrobe, but they also appeal to all ages. But, unless you’re a professional athlete (and, even then, you’d probably be retired), neon-flecked kicks with Day-Glo laces aren’t exactly appropriate for men of a certain age. 

Instead, consider something more elegant like a pair of Mertons to add a je ne sais quoi to a working outfit, or consider the GAT series’s sporty look for casual walks or everyday driving. Of course, classic Low 1 Golden Goose alternatives, particularly those in white, are perfect for sprucing up smart casual outfits that you can wear to cocktail soirees or weekend brunches with friends.

Some Practical Pointers

Regardless of whatever outfit you’re matching your sneakers with, it won’t work if your shoes aren’t properly cared for. 

• Keep Your Sneakers Clean at All Times. Seriously: as comfortable as you might find them, ratty old sneaks are a complete turn-off on any occasion. Canvas sneakers need to be properly laundered on a regular basis, while leather and suede kicks need a bit more TLC. In which case, it’s only right to invest in the right items for shoe care, including brushes, polish, and suede cleaners. Likewise, storing your shoes in a properly ventilated area to mitigate odors also helps, as does regular disinfection and odor control. For this, have a shoe care cleaning kit handy.
• Have More than Two Pairs to Choose From. Your feet carry you everywhere, so it is important to keep them shod properly. While having one black, one white, and one pair in another color may be well and good for some people, having at least several more to choose from not only gives you a wider range of choices, but it also cuts down on wear and tear. This enables you to enjoy your sneaks for a longer time.
• Choose Sneakers that Fit Your Personal Style. It was the legendary Coco Chanel who famously quipped that fashion is fleeting, but style is forever. Rather than being a slave to fashion (and convention, for that matter), choose sneakers that reflect how you like to dress. That way, you’ll develop a timeless look regardless of what’s currently hip.
  
  

Oliver Cabell: The Art of Sustainability

Oliver Cabell makes a difference when it comes to modern shoemaking, combining sustainable practices with an emphasis on creating high-quality footwear that delivers on the promise of comfort and elegance.

Each pair of Oliver Cabell shoes or boots delivers optimal comfort and durability.

Crafted using traditional European shoemaking methods, each Oliver Cabell shoe is made to the highest quality and environmental compliance standards, making it an excellent choice for those going in for mindful modern living.

The company’s use of sustainably-sourced Italian leathers and its emphasis on treating its people as stakeholders in its continued success speaks well of its commitment to exceptional and responsible manufacturing.

Oliver Cabell is bound to have the right pair for you, from sneakers and boots for active living to loafers and mules that embody casual elegance.