Guide Apr 14

20 Best Rick Owens Shoes

Written by

Sophie Diego

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The traditionalist approach to fashion often entails a luxurious display of decals, embellishments, and jewel-toned colors. It’s a kaleidoscope of elitist excess and front leaders such as Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna are perfect examples of this aesthetic.

That being said, it would be an insult to say that the ‘Marie Antoinette’ aesthetic has a chokehold on the haute couture scene. For instance, what about the dark, brooding side of fashion?

Rick Owens, a contemporary fashion designer that’s best known for his apocalyptic take on haute couture, is one of many clothing brands that deviate from traditional maximalism.

If you’re familiar with Yohji Yamamoto and Acronym, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard of this brand before.

Iconized for his love of sharp silhouettes, black textiles, and avant-garde take on wardrobe basics, Rick Owens is definitely not for the faint of heart.

If you’re looking for a style challenge, we suggest giving the brand’s shoe collection a try. It’s not considered too ‘otherwordly’ in terms of design, but these shoes will definitely add some spring to your step—especially if you’re bored of today’s current trends.

Next, we’re counting down 20 of the best Rick Owens shoes that have graced this season’s catwalk. Let’s get started!

Finding The Best Rick Owens Shoes

The word ‘apocalyptic’ comes with a few negative connotations. For one, it means a disregard for high-quality items in order to ensure survival.

When you’re caught in a ‘Walking Dead’ situation, you won’t necessarily complain about the kind of jeans you’re wearing.

That said, we could consider Rick Owens the direct opposite of the apocalypse—even though his designs are considered ‘apocalyptic fashion.’

Priced at a heady $1,000, I think it’s safe to say that this brand is known as the ‘Effie Trinket’ of fashion, just without the bright colors and embellishments.

Rick Owens isn’t particularly fancy when it comes to sourcing premium textiles. The brand typically uses a blend of calfskin and rubber for its shoes.

However, some designs are built with unusual materials such as plexiglass and tulle trim. Of course, they’re not the most wearable kicks off the brand’s website, but they’re definitely something worth considering for avant-garde trendsetters.

I think it’s fair to say that Rick Owens’ collection is catered to those who prefer black attire and brooding silhouettes over bright colors. With that in mind, we suggest sticking to the ‘one-time-only’ justification for newbie customers.

Also, considering the hefty expense of these shoes, shoppers need to consider their overall style preferences before settling on a design.

The 20 Best Rick Owens Shoes

Your Cinderella moment doesn’t have to involve a glittering blue heel. If you prefer the ‘doom and gloom’ side of fashion, how about a pair of black leather lace-ups as an edgier alternative?

For those shopping for their fantasy selves, we’re counting down 20 of the best Rick Owens Shoes that are currently trending this year. Consider this your personal virtual runway.

#1: Rick Owens Black Grilled Platform Chelsea Boots

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1855 USD

Ankle-high grained leather Chelsea boots in black.

· Plaque at square toe

· Elasticized gusset at sides

· Pull-loop at heel collar

· Transparent plexiglass block heel

· Stacked leather platform sole with rubber injection

· Heel: H4.5 in

Supplier color: Black/Clear

Upper: leather. Sole: leather, rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#2: Rick Owens Black Bauhaus Basket High-Top Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1715 USD

High-top buffed calfskin sneakers in black.

· Lace-up closure

· Quilted tongue and collar

· Zip closure at inner side

· Zip pocket at outer side

· Treaded rubber sole

Supplier color: Black/Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#3: Rick Owens Off-White Beatle Bozo Tractor Chelsea Boots

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1295 USD

Ankle-high buffed calfskin Chelsea boots in off-white.

· Rubber cap toe

· Elasticized gusset at sides

· Pull loop at collar

· Sculptural transparent rubber platform sole

· Platform: H2 in

Supplier color: Vanilla/Clear

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#4: Rick Owens Grey Jumbo Laces High Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1270 USD

High-top grained calfskin sneakers in grey.

· Calfskin cap toe in off-white

· Lace-up closure

· Zip closure and eyelet vents at inner side

· Grained calfskin lining

· Treaded rubber sole in off-white

· Silver-tone hardware

Supplier color: Dust/Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#5: Rick Owens Black Jumbo Lace Geobasket High-Top Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price:

High-top paneled buffed calfskin sneakers colorblocked in black and off-white.

· Lace-up closure

· Quilted tongue and collar

· Zip closure at inner side

· Treaded rubber sole

Supplier color: Black/Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#6: Rick Owens Off-White Calfskin High-Top Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1170 USD

High-top grained calfskin sneakers in off-white.

· Round calfskin cap toe

· Lace-up closure

· Zip closure and metal eyelet vents at inner side

· Treaded rubber sole

Supplier color: Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#7: Rick Owens Black & Off-White Geobasket Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1170 USD

High-top buffed calfskin sneakers colorblocked in black and off-white.

· Perforated detailing at round toe

· Lace-up closure

· Padded tongue and collar

· Zip closure at inner side

· Grained calfskin lining

· Tonal treaded rubber sole

Supplier color: Black/Milk/Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#8: Rick Owens Off-White Geth Runner Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1145 USD

Low-top paneled grained calfskin sneakers in off-white.

· Perforated detailing at square toe

· Lace-up closure

· Grosgrain trim at padded tongue

· Padded collar

· Sculpted rubber platform midsole

· Treaded rubber outsole

· Platform: H2 in

Supplier color: Milk

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#9: Rick Owens Black Full Grain High Sneakers

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1145 USD

High-top grained calfskin sneakers in black.

· Round calfskin toe in off-white

· Lace-up closure in off-white

· Zip fastening and eyelet vents at inner side

· Tonal grained calfskin lining

· Treaded rubber sole in off-white

Supplier color: Black/Milk/Milk

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#10: Rick Owens Black & Transparent Beatle Bozo Tractor Boots

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: SSENSE

Price: $1070 USD

Ankle-high buffed calfskin Chelsea boots in black.

· Elasticized gusset at sides

· Pull-loop at heel collar

· Grained calfskin lining

· Transparent lugged rubber platform sole

· Platform: H2.25 in

Supplier color: Black/Clear

Upper: calfskin. Sole: rubber.

Made in Italy.

Product Information via SSENSE

Check Availability

#11: Rick Owens Spartan Lace-Up Boots

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: Farfetch

Price: $1,716

black
leather
draped design
low sculpted heel
slip-on style

Made in Italy

Composition

Sole: Leather 100%, Rubber 100%

Lining: Leather 100%

Outer: Leather 100%

Brand style ID: RP01B4806LLP

Product Information via Farfetch

Check Availability

#19: Rick Owens 80mm Clear-Heel Strappy Sandals

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: Farfetch

Price: $1,325

Rick Owens’ sleek minimalist design is embodied in these strappy leather sandals. The understated pair sits atop a signature transparent heel, which appears in a slanted silhouette to add an architectural element.

Highlights

black
leather
double-strap design
rear zip fastening
square toe
mid sculpted heel
transparent block heel

Made in Italy

Composition

Lining: Leather 100%

Sole: Leather 100%, Fabric 100%

Outer: Leather 100%

Brand style ID: RP01B4822LLP

Product Information via Farfetch

Check Availability

#20: Rick Owens Cantilever 45mm Sandals

Brand: Rick Owens

Retailer: Farfetch

Price: $1,235

Highlights

silver
leather
rear zip fastening
metallic finish
low sculpted heel
ankle strap

Made in Italy

Composition

Outer: Leather 100%

Lining: Leather 100%

Sole: Leather 100%, Rubber 100%

Brand style ID: RP01B4807LLPM

Product Information via Farfetch

Check Availability

Which Rick Owens Shoes Are Most Popular?

Based on popular opinion, it seems that the Ramones High-Top Sneaker is the most popular Rick Owens shoe.

The design of the shoe itself closely mirrors the classic Converse All-Stars, since it features the same lacing details with a white platform outsole.

As a point of difference, however, the ones designed by Rick Owens have a chunkier silhouette, which helps provide that element of streetwear edge.

If you’re looking to cop yourself a pair, be prepared to fork over $990 to $1,170 for some DRKSHDW Ramone shoes.

What Types Of Rick Owens Shoes Can You Get?

Without any doubt whatsoever, Rick Owens is the king of apocalyptic-looking footwear. His designs have garnered widespread attention online—so much so that brands like Converse and Birkenstock have reached out for a collaboration.

But, if you consider yourself a ‘designer traditionalist,’ you’re probably on the hunt for Rick Owens footwear only. When you’re wondering which pair to buy, here are some iconic shoes that are worth considering.

Sneakers: This includes the brand’s selection of dunks, geobaskets, Converses, Ramones, and its multiple collaborations with other sneakerhead brands.
Slippers and sandals: If you’re the type to get foot sweats, we suggest sliding on a pair of Rick Owens sandals as a more breathable alternative. Usually offered in black, they still provide that ‘apocalyptic’ vibe thanks to their silhouette.
Boots: Of course, what would apocalyptic fashion be without a pair of chunky boots? Rick Owens is home to dozens of iconic designs, ranging from ankle booties to gladiator-style thigh highs.

How To Style Rick Owens Shoes

If you managed to cop a pair of Rick Owens shoes, hats off to you. It takes a certain level of confidence to hit the checkout button, given the brand’s expensive markups.

For those looking for some outfit inspiration, we’ll provide a few tips to help you style your new R.O kicks.

Given the brand’s love of apocalyptic fashion, it’s only natural to create a cohesive ensemble that matches this aesthetic.

This brooding outfit features a cinched in leather jacket, a black turtleneck, wide-legged pants, and a pair of Ramone kicks from Rick Owens.

With a casual yet mysterious vibe, this look exudes that ‘I couldn’t be bothered’ attitude. The silver jewelry is a nice touch too since it works to brighten up the OOTD.

Composed of a striped long sleeve shirt, a black midi skirt, a beret, and a pair of Ramone sneakers, this look definitely screams ‘school delinquent’ due to its brooding color palette.

It’s a simple mix of whites and blacks, which is perfect for trendsetters who aren’t fond of bright hues. If you’re looking to accessorize, we suggest wearing a basic pair of silver studs for a touch of bling.

Sure, black is the standard color when it comes to apocalyptic fashion.

That being said, don’t take this as an excuse to avoid white. Wearing white is a great way to exude that ‘utopian, dystopian’ vibe that most sci-fi books convey.

Take, for instance, this outfit, which features a matching set composed of a quilted cream sweater, drop-crotch pants, and a pair of Rick Owens sneakers.

In our opinion, this look doesn’t need the help of accessories—but there’s no harm in adding a stylish crossbody bag.

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