Handmade Goyard Shoes: Hype, Reality, and Maybe Some Really Good Leather
So, Goyard shoes… they exist, apparently. And people, like, *really* care. Or at least, are willing to pay a crapload for ’em. From what I’m gleaning from this hodgepodge of website snippets, it’s a mixed bag of official-ish Goyard, Goyard *inspired*, and straight-up custom creations.
First off, Goyard itself doesn’t scream about shoes from the rooftops like, say, Nike does. You’re more likely to find ’em lurking on resale sites like 1stDibs (which, let’s be honest, is where the REALLY fancy stuff hangs out), or maybe whispered about in hushed tones by people who have walk-in closets bigger than my apartment. They seem to be made with canvas, fancy-pants animal skin, and fabric, so, you know, standard luxury shoe stuff.
Then there’s this “chaofabricstore.com” situation. Now, *I’m* not saying they’re selling fake Goyard fabric, but the super descriptive “Classic Goyard Leather Fabric , Handmade Shoes Leather, Hand-made Bags Fabric,Handicraft Leather Fabric By Yard (Pink)” gives me a vibe that’s… not exactly official. If you’re into DIY’ing your own stuff, though, then go for it! Just don’t try to pass it off as the real deal, okay?
AND THEN we have the custom scene! The Shoe Surgeon is name-dropped with a Dunk Low SB OW Goyard University Sneaker – which sounds like a Frankensteinian masterpiece (or maybe a monster, depends on your taste). It’s basically when a talented shoe customizer takes a regular shoe (in this case a Nike Dunk) and uses Goyard-esque materials to make it something totally unique. These are where things get *really* interesting, ’cause you’re getting a one-of-a-kind piece.
But the Summar Alraziqi “goyard” custom skater shoes sound like a whole *other* level. I guess it’s totally custom made in Italy, featuring italian leather. Classic skater, completely custom made in Italy, featuring pristine italian leather.. It sounds super cool, but also makes me wonder *how* Goyard-y it really is, you know?
And finally, a completely random link to “20 Shoes Made in the USA”? What does that have to do with anything? Ah well, maybe it’s a reminder that not everything has to be fancy-pants Italian leather and bespoke craftsmanship.
