THE SSENSE GUIDE TO
RICK OWENS SNEAKERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.