From cult-favorite Geobaskets to exclusive collaborations, Rick Owens sneakers are an increasingly popular pillar of the designer’s output.
Whether it’s a cutout crotch or inflatable boots, Rick Owens knows how to get people talking. Since it was founded in 1994, the eponymous label has shocked, inspired, and rightfully risen to the apex of luxury fashion, never surrendering its unique style and point of view. But while dramatic Paris shows garner headlines, it’s the less striking elements of the brand’s output that keep the machine running. Rick Owens sneakers are some of the most popular in luxury fashion, appealing across the spectrum despite their bold aesthetics, perhaps because there is such a wide range of silhouettes to choose from.
While Rick Owens trainers appear singular in their characteristics—bulbous toe boxes, chunky sole units, occasionally thigh-high uppers—almost all of them can be traced back to classic sneaker silhouettes. Whether it’s the Geobasket, which takes inspiration from retro basketball designs, or Rick Owens Vintage Sneakers, which reference the iconic Vans Old Skool, the label’s footwear has a distinctive way of feeling both familiar and wholly alien at the same time.
How Do
Rick Owens
Sneakers Fit?
In general, Rick Owens sneakers fit true to size. The vast majority of styles will feel comfortable when taking your normal size, though some suggest sizing down one size if you favor a tighter fit that hugs the foot. It’s worth keeping in mind that Rick Owens leather shoes will stretch gradually over time, so stick with them if they feel slightly tight on first wear.
Rick Owens Lido Low Sneakers
For SS24, one of the most versatile silhouettes in the lineup is the Lido Low Sneaker. Built on the classic treaded, chunky sole unit that defines the label’s footwear, the Lido Low has a low-top upper cut from high-quality calfskin. This season, the silhouette comes in a refreshing range of colors, bringing a flash of personality to the relatively understated design.
Rick Owens Orange Low Sneakers
This burnt-orange hue makes for a change to the usual black-and-white programming.
Rick Owens Black Low Sneakers
In black, the Lido Low is at its most versatile.
Rick Owens Geobasket Sneakers
One of the most popular pairs of Rick Owens sneakers for men and women is the Geobasket. Rooted in retro basketball sneaker design, the high-top leather silhouette features a layered upper with details like a perforated toe box and cushioning to the heel and tongue.
Rick Owens SSENSE Exclusive Black KEMBRA PFAHLER Edition Geobasket Sneakers
Made in collaboration with Kembra Pfahler, these Geobaskets might look like a regular pair but subtle style variations, like chunky laces, mark it out as an exclusive.
Rick Owens Red Geobasket Sneakers
Executed in striking red, the Geobasket becomes the most eye-catching sneaker in the label’s lineup.
Rick Owens Lido High Sneakers
With the same kind of understated, detail-free uppers as its low-top counterpart, the Lido High sneaker offers wearability with a bit more impact. With a zip fastening to the inner ankle, laces become a valuable way to accessorize your pair, adding personality to the clean design.
Rick Owens Off-White High Sneakers
Off-white sneakers are some of the hardest-working in the rotation. This pair of Lido sneakers proves how sumptuous and elegant the hue can be with a triple “Milk” colorway.
Rick Owens Gray Waxy Nubuck Sneakers
Dressed in a neutral gray palette, this pair of sneakers looks instead to a subtle nubuck texture to make its mark.
Rick Owens Vintage Sneakers
It’s no secret that Rick Owens actively references classic sneaker designs. But while many of the designer’s footwear silhouettes take an expert to decipher their roots, Rick Owens Vintage Sneakers are an open book. Clearly borrowing their visuals from the timeless Vans Old Skool, the low-top sneaker even features a leather detail on either side as a nod to their predecessor’s waving logo.
Rick Owens Off-White Vintage Sneakers
Light gray calfskin uppers make this pair effortlessly easy to style.
Rick Owens Pink Vintage Sneakers
In dusty pink, the suede uppers of these Vintage Sneakers change subtly in color throughout the upper.
Rick Owens Geth Sneakers
Most Rick Owens sneakers are typified by flowing, rounded shapes, but the Geth silhouette is an outlier in this department. A geometric sole unit with sharp, angular lines leads to an equally striking upper. Taking a much more sporty tack than the casual standards set by the rest of the collection, the Geth Sneaker is one of the more memorable designs available at Rick Owens.
Rick Owens Brown Geth Sneakers
Despite the sporty silhouette, grained calfskin uppers show that luxury never takes a backseat.
Rick Owens Black Geth Sneakers
Classic black uppers emphasize the contrasting white sole unit, which is the protagonist of this show.
- Date: February 13, 2024
Related Stories
Next Story
Clothes on Film: How Fashion Design Can Elevate Filmmaking Jonathan Anderson’s work on the upcoming movie Challengers is the latest example of a long, fascinating history of designers collaborating with directors.