**Fashion’s ‘Dad Shoe’ Trend Dominates at Pitti Uomo 98**
Fashion’s obsession with chunky, retro ‘dad shoes’ continues to grow, with brands like Balenciaga, Gucci and Louis Vuitton all launching their own versions of the trend. At the recent Pitti Uomo 98 trade show in Florence, Italy, the dad shoe was one of the most dominant trends on the runway.
One of the brands that has been at the forefront of the dad shoe trend is Golden Goose. The Italian brand’s signature sneakers, which feature a distressed, vintage look, have been a hit with fashion-forward consumers. However, Golden Goose is now facing a legal challenge from New Balance, which alleges that Golden Goose’s sneakers infringe on its own patents for dad shoes.
New Balance filed a lawsuit against Golden Goose in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in May 2023. In the lawsuit, New Balance alleges that Golden Goose’s sneakers infringe on its patents for the 574 and 990 models. New Balance is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Golden Goose from continuing to sell its sneakers.
Golden Goose has denied the allegations and has filed a counterclaim against New Balance, alleging that New Balance’s patents are invalid. The case is currently ongoing.
**The Dad Shoe Trend**
The dad shoe trend is a reaction to the sleek, minimalist sneakers that have been popular in recent years. Dad shoes are chunky, often brightly colored, and feature retro details like mesh and nylon uppers. They are often worn with casual clothing, such as jeans and t-shirts.
The dad shoe trend was first popularized by fashion designers like Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga and Alessandro Michele of Gucci. In recent seasons, the trend has been adopted by a wider range of brands, including Nike, Adidas and Puma.
The dad shoe trend is a reflection of the growing popularity of streetwear and athleisure wear. Dad shoes are comfortable and easy to wear, making them a perfect choice for everyday wear.
**Conclusion**
The legal dispute between Golden Goose and New Balance is a sign of the growing importance of the dad shoe trend. Dad shoes are no longer just a niche product; they are now a mainstream fashion item. As the trend continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more legal challenges from brands that allege that their patents are being infringed..
