ELLE Loves: Golden Goose Mid Star Sneaker

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In BC times (before children and—yes, shrug—before Covid), shoe shopping was an act of indulgent self-care. Sky-high pumps, over-the-knee boots, oversize platforms were equal recipients of “hello, lover,” equitable math equations (who said my tour of duty at an investment bank wasn’t a learning experience?), and my hard-earned cash money.

Decades later, a peep in my closet reveals, below a dowel holding black on black on black clothing in a variety of fabrics, a series of shelves lined with the aforementioned styles. And there they sit. I’m pretty sure I saw a dust bunny there the other day.

Because after years of living a stay-at-home-mom and freelance life, plus twoish years of being home, my collection has diminished in value. And if I’m totally honest, those shoes, once my 401(k), have lost their appeal. I’ve since traded my patent noir pumps, blue suede shoes, and party-all-night golden boots with the perfect slouch for a seasonal collection of clog boots, clogs, and German sandals that, according to some style reporters, are a core part of the uniform of the Brooklyn mom. They all afford me supportive and efficient transport to school drop-off, grocery-store runs, coffee-shop dashes, and all those Sundays in the park.

I might be able to believe this had become be a blissful shoewear existence if I weren’t expected to go be a functioning and fashionable member of a team in an office. Now my office isn’t your classic Scranton scenario, it’s a glittering tower overlooking Central Park that houses the world’s chicest magazine brands. In such a setting, shoes are a power statement.

Golden Goose Mid Star Sneakers

In before times, with a selected pair of shoes sheathed within a dust bag, I toted my investment portfolio to and from the office in my oversize it bags (a.k.a. my beach-house fund) on the subway. But let’s face it—clogs are heavy. They’re also clunky and don’t vibe with my ankle-length pants for the office uniform.

So I’m now forever on the hunt for chic and functional footwear that can go from park time and ballet-class pickup to up and down the subway stairs and into my glass-tower office in Manhattan. Enter: the Golden Goose Mid Star relaunch.

The Chic Femme

For the uninitiated: Think of the most carefree, stylish woman you know. She’s likely equal parts cool, confident, and ahead of trends. Now look at her feet. Dollars to donuts she’s sporting a pair of the chic sneakers, which are recognizable thanks to their perfectly lived-in look and single star emblazoned on the side.

The Mid Stars rise just above the ankle and pair well with all manner of pant hems and dress lengths. The reissued line comes in an array of basic colors, and they all have little design touches like studs, broguing, and even some Swarovski crystals. Plus, each pair has a modern ’90s skater vibe, which is not only on trend, but also aligned with my personal aesthetic.

After about an hour of placing various pairs in my cart (the Mid Star in canvas with heart print and silver star tugs at the grown-up Riot Grrrl in me; the Mid Star sneakers with pink-gold glitter are perfect not just for Wednesday, but Thursday through Tuesday too), I opted for the Mid Star sneakers in leopard-print pony skin with black leather star and silver laminated leather flash, because I truly believe they are a neutral and embody all the hallmarks of the Italian brand. And the brogue detail on this particular colorway is just so cute.

All ‘Round

“Whether it is a coffee with some friends or the opening of an art exhibition, our Mid Star is always the right choice,” the website announces. And I’m here to tell you, it’s a wholly accurate statement.

Golden Goose Mid Star Sneakers

My first outing with my Mid Stars, I took my twins to explore a new park. We raced up and down hills, wandered around an East River-hugging walking path, and checked out some public art. The next day, I did the endless errand routine, a coffee date with a writer, a dash to Pilates, and drop-off and pickup. And after two active days, I felt like I’d been wearing these sneakers for a lifetime, in the best way. The insoles are super supportive, as is the ankle-hugging. Hopping over curbs and cobblestones and dodging dogs and strollers were a breeze thanks to both.

The true test, however, came on day three when I paired my Mid Stars with my office uniform—cropped black slacks, a coordinating black top with design detail, and a shacket in—you guessed it—black. Something about having these on my feet got me all office-girl twirly and my commute felt easier and lighter, especially that race to reach the subway car before the doors closed. As I moved up the grand escalator of my building’s atrium, I flipped my hair with extra confidence—and I fielded a casual “love the shoes” in the elevator. At a presentation with the big bosses, I got some nods on my look, but perhaps the most exciting one came when I saw I’d twinned with one of the most fashionable luxury editors.