Rick Owens Vintage Sneaks – Mahogany

Almost everything this house makes for the foot is an argument. The Geobasket is a monument, the Ballast is a sculpture, and the platforms are all doing something to the wearer’s height and stance. The Vintage Sneak is the exception: a low shoe, laced at the front, with a conventional sneaker’s proportions and no extended tongue, no zip, and no stacked sole. It is the one you can put on without having decided anything.

The colour is the only place it declares itself, mahogany against a pale sole, which is a warmer palette than this house usually allows itself.

Why we selected it

Every wardrobe built around a designer needs the piece that does not perform, and in footwear this house does not offer many. This one gets worn on the days the others do not.

Materials and construction

Made in Italy, in mahogany and milk. Low profile with a front-lace fastening.

Fit notes

A low sneaker on a flat sole, so it sits close to the ground and pitches the foot not at all. Laced at the front and adjustable through the instep. Shoes of this construction relax across the width with wear rather than lengthening, so size for length. We do not hold measurements for it and would rather you tried it or called us.

Styling and care

Under a wide or floor-length trouser, where the low profile keeps the hem sitting where it should. With black, where mahogany is the only warmth in the outfit. For care, keep them out of water and away from direct heat, let them dry at room temperature if they do get wet, and brush rather than polish. Our care guidance covers footwear and leather in more detail.

Related pieces

For a low sneaker on a plainer last, the F/W 25 Minimal Sneak and the SS26 Minimal Sneaks. For the house’s oldest model, the Geobasket Sneakers. The Rick Owens designer page has the house’s own account of itself. Everything we currently hold from Rick Owens is listed together.