WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Sneaker trends, they come and they go – like fairweather friends – but Gucci kicks never go out of style. Consequently, they’re perennially sought after.
When it comes to Gucci sneakers, there are three key silhouettes to consider: the Gucci Rhyton, the Gucci Ace and the Gucci Tennis 1977 (the latter is also available in a slip-on iteration). Each crep is crafted with luxurious fabrics, comes with its own quirks and is available in an array of whimsical yet versatile colourways.
To learn a little more about each Gucci sneaker, we spoke to a few of our FARFETCH friends who’ve already walked a mile in them. Below, sneaker enthusiasts including Sangiev Sriskumar, Maria Bernard, Yuki Umemoto and more, disclose how each of the top three (kinda four) sneakers fit, look and feel.
Gucci Sneakers: Sizing, Fit and Styling Guide
The Gucci Tennis 1977 Slip-On Sneaker
Jacob Starr (@thestarrlife)
The Gucci Tennis 1977 Slip-On Sneaker is a modern interpretation of the quintessential ’70s tennis shoe, finished with the fashion House’s timeless monogram. The silhouette is clean, simplistic and subtle, which makes it ideal for dressing up and down – how you choose to style will depend on the occasion.
My favourite details about the slip-on sneakers are those that aren't visible. For example, the insole is crafted with a tennis-inspired cloth and the inside of the shoe features unique padding that gives it a super plush feel.
Styling: The Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker integrates perfectly into my style. Although I have a jam-packed wardrobe of stylish pieces, I tend to wear similar, simple outfits on a day-to-day basis. I believe these sneakers will look great paired with an earth-toned sweatsuit as the neutral shades will harmonise well with the sneakers. In spite of that, today I've decided to go for something a little more colourful. Here, I’m wearing Gucci head to toe: clashing materials patterns and colours to create an unforgettable ensemble that Alessandro Michele himself would be proud of.
Sizing and fit: I opted for my true size when purchasing the Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker, and I’m so glad I did. I recommend anyone considering purchasing the silhouette to do the same. The shoe fits perfectly and the combination of the sturdy leather and the padding around the ankle helps to lock my foot into place. Additionally, the materials prevent the sneaker from slipping around when I’m wearing it.
Comfort and care: The Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker is one of the most (if not the most) comfortable designer sneakers I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. And the best part is that they grow more comfortable with each wear.
Initially, I preferred wearing them with long socks to ensure the leather didn’t rub against my skin; however, once you’ve broken the sneakers in, you will face no problems if you wear them barefoot. In terms of care, I plan to meticulously scrub away any dirt with a fine brush (or a toothbrush); nevertheless, I am excited to see how they look when they’re a little more worn – I like my sneakers to tell a story.
The Gucci Tennis 1977 Sneaker
Stella von Senger (@stella_vonsenger)
What do I appreciate most about the Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker? I think it’s got to be its retro vibe. Or, this colourway’s use of eco-washed denim. I remain hopeful that this sustainable practice will be the standard for every denim product in the near future.
Anyway, back to the sneaker. The Gucci Tennis 1977 is funky and sporty, and this denim colourway – adorned with Gucci’s instantly recognisable motif – looks as though it’s been transported from the ’00s. The Gucci Tennis 1977’s are one of those pairs that one can wear with almost anything; hence, I believe they’re destined to become my new go-tos. As a working mum of two, I’m extremely grateful for practical, unfussy designs.
Styling: Sometimes, I like to get brave and combine statement pieces. I enjoy mixing prints and challenging myself to pull off the boldest fits. In my opinion, getting dressed is more fun if you unexpectedly combine pieces. Today, I’ve decided to pair the Gucci Tennis 1977 sneakers with a fun Disney x Gucci sweatshirt for an outfit that feels like me.
Sizing and fit: I would recommend opting for your true size when it comes to selecting a pair of Gucci Tennis 1977 sneakers. (In my case, that’s an EU 38.) However, if you have broader feet, I would recommend sizing up half a size as they are a little narrow.
Comfort and care: On a comfort scale of 1 to 10, I would give the Gucci Tennis 1977 sneaker a 9; however, I have a sneaky feeling this will become a 10 once I’ve broken them in a little.
On the topic of caring for my sneakers, I believe the best kind of love you can give shoes is to regularly wear them. Having said that, I do plan to put tissue paper inside to keep them fresh when they are sat in my closet for long periods of time.
The Gucci Rhyton Sneaker
Sangiev Sriskumar (@sangiev)
The insanely stylish Gucci Rhyton sneaker is classic and contemporary. It’s an elegant take on the dadcore trend that’s sure to be popular for decades to come, and this specific colourway unites a variety of prints to enhance the familiar silhouette.
Like most footwear enthusiasts, I rarely wear the same pair of sneakers every day; I have seasonal sneaker rotations to provide versatility and extend each shoe’s lifetime. If you don’t already rotate your shoes and sneakers, I’d recommend starting today!
Styling: Despite the kick’s busy aesthetic, I find these sneakers work with a lot of pieces in my wardrobe. Here, I’m wearing a full-blown Gucci outfit, driven by a modish brown colour palette. The ensemble is composed of an embroidered polo top, a transitional cardigan and a pair of red socks, all toned down with a pair of crisp white shorts. I also plan to wear these sneakers with wide and flowy trousers as I think they’ll look awesome together.
Sizing and fit: Generally speaking, I tend to size down by a whole size when it comes to designer footwear – granted, the majority of my footwear collection consists of leather boots. However, I only sized down by 0.5 when it came to the Gucci Rhyton sneaker and they fit perfectly. After wearing them a handful of times, the canvas quickly softened and moulded to my feet – now they’re an absolute dream to wear.
Comfort and care: I find the Gucci Rhyton sneakers to be very comfortable, chiefly because of the thick cushioned sole. They’re easy to put on, which is one of my favourite things about wearing Gucci sneakers – they pass the slip-on-and-go test. In terms of caring for the sneaker, I plan to treat them just as well as all of the other shoes in my rotation, regularly using canvas cleaning products.
Photographer: Hoyan Ben Taleb
The Gucci Rhyton Sneaker
Maria Bernad (@maria_bernad)
First presented on the Gucci Cruise 2018 runway, the Gucci Rhyton sneakers are chunky, cool and comfortable – they make me want to dance whenever I wear them. I love that the sneakers fit current fashion trends as well as working marvellously with my experimental, vintage-inspired style. Additionally, I love the combination of the white leather-effect fabric, red mesh and reflective details that make up this specific colourway – it gives the shoes an updated look for the still fresh decade.
Styling: The Gucci Rhyton sneaker is now considered a classic, which is why it works with a variety of ensembles. I wear my pair regularly as the bulky sole offers me a little more height than my other sneakers. I plan to wear the Rhyton sneakers with both formal and casual fits. Here, I’m wearing them with a tan-coloured Gucci outfit, adorned with the iconic green and red Web stripe that matches the shoes. The sneakers stand out when paired with neutral tones; plus, the matching aspect of the stripe helps to tie the look together.
Sizing and fit: I would recommend everyone opts for their true size when purchasing a pair of Gucci Rhyton sneakers: they fit like a sock and offer ample space for your toes.
Comfort and care: The Gucci Rhyton sneaker is super comfortable – walking in them can only be likened to walking on top of a pillow. Of course, I plan to properly care for them, however, I don’t plan on cleaning them in any specific way.
The Gucci Ace Sneaker
Yuki Umemoto (@y00i______)
The Gucci Ace sneaker is simple yet eye-catching and the colourway I recently purchased – a sort of off-white, ivory colour – is remarkably versatile. As soon as I saw them, and saw the embossed details, I had to have them! I plan to wear these sneakers with manifold outfits in a variety of colours, especially blue and brown hues.
Styling: As of late, the sneaker scene has shifted back to its pre-chunky era minimalistic preferences, which is why I was keen to get my hands on a new pair of Gucci Ace sneakers. I forecast that this silhouette is going to grow in popularity over the next few years. As I mentioned, I’m really excited about pairing these sneakers with a range of ensembles – especially date looks and formal looks. As you can see, I’ve decided to style the sneakers with a green monogram-print Gucci suit for a cool, conspicuous, springtime look.
Sizing and fit: If you’re planning on purchasing a pair of Gucci Ace sneakers, I’d recommend sizing up by half a size as they’re made a little narrow. I went a half size up and they fit perfectly!
Comfort and care: The Gucci Ace sneaker is lightweight, easy to walk in and extremely comfortable. The cushioning inside the shoe feels premium, which may help you justify the high-fashion price tag. I plan to regularly use Jason Markk products to clean my Gucci Ace sneakers as I want to retain their fresh-out-the-box look. Here’s hoping I can avoid getting them dirty for a while.
The Gucci Ace Sneaker
Emma Bonneaud (@emma.bonneaud)
I'm a massive fan of the Gucci Ace sneakers. I love the simple, chic design and the use of colour on the sidewall stripe and the heel tab. I also love that there are so many different editions available, enough to suit every kind of personality and style. For example, some Gucci Ace sneakers are adorned with pop culture characters (such as Mickey Mouse and Doraemon), some with new and old-school Gucci logos. There’s even a pair of Gucci Ace sneakers that are ironically emblazoned with the word ‘FAKE’, for those who like to make a statement.
Styling: Today, I’ve decided to style my Gucci Ace sneakers with a vintage-inspired look, consisting of Gucci flared trousers, a Gucci Ken Scott T-shirt and some of my favourite accessories – including a silk headscarf. I’m looking forward to wearing these sneakers with a vintage shirt and a pair of long shorts during the summer.
Sizing and fit: I would recommend opting for your true size when purchasing the Gucci Ace sneakers. I opted for my true size and I’m happy to report they fit perfectly! However, if you have wide feet, you may want to consider sizing up as they’re not the most spacious sneakers on the market.
Comfort and care: The Gucci Ace sneakers are very comfortable once you’ve worn them in; so, don’t worry if the leather feels a little tight when you first slip your feet into them. Speaking of leather, I plan to use leather cleaning products on the sneakers to keep them looking brand new. I will also store them in the box they were originally packaged in.