Rick Owens
Geth Megalace® Sneaker Men
The Geth Megalace Sneaker is a men's sneaker with a sculpted oversized sole, featuring a leather upper, calfskin lining, and a padded leather-covered footbed. It uses crossover laces threaded through metal eyelets, an embossed non-skid EVA outsole, and is made in Italy (model RU01F2813-LCOW1). User reviews indicate the sizing runs small, so sizing up is recommended; comfort is generally acceptable but feels more like leather shoes than sneakers, with occasional reports of squeaking or shifting side rods.
- Material
- Leather upper, calfskin leather lining, embossed non-skid EVA outer sole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- streetwear, gothic, edgy, oversized
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Maximalist deconstructed running sneaker with oversized sole and crossover laces.
Crossover laces, oversized sole, leather upper, calfskin lining, padded footbed, embossed EVA outsole, made in Italy.
- Material
- Leather upper, calfskin leather lining, embossed non-skid EVA outer sole
- Style
- streetwear, gothic, edgy, oversized
- Occasion
- casual, everyday
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- crossover laces
- oversized sole
- leather upper
- calfskin leather lining
- padded footbed with leather top cover
- embossed non-skid EVA outer sole
- made in Italy
- maximalist deconstructed design
Product Insights
Rick Owens' Geth Megalace® sneaker extends the 2008 Geobasket deconstruction to exoticize the prosaic running shoe, offering a radical design iteration that is a distinct collectible with resale value outperforming comparable Balenciaga and Gucci sneakers. It runs a full size small and requires a break-in period for the calfskin lining to stretch and mold, becoming comfortable for daily wear but not long walks. The EVA construction keeps weight low but the outsole wears down faster than rubber and the cushioning hardens over months. Some pairs squeak, lacing rods shift, and traction drops sharply on wet surfaces. Style approval is high when paired with joggers, shorts, or black denim, and the calfskin ages gracefully with patina and breathability.
Verified claims
- Design philosophy
- Extends Owens' 2008 Geobasket deconstruction to exoticize the prosaic running shoe.
- Sizing
- Megalace runs a full size small; size up a full size.
- Break-in
- Full-leather upper stretches and molds to the foot with wear, easing initial snugness.
- Comfort
- Comfortable for daily wear after break-in, but not for long walks.
- Cushioning
- EVA cushioning hardens over months of use.
- Wear experience
- Some pairs squeak, lacing rods shift, and wet grip is reduced.
- Traction
- Traction drops sharply on wet or slick surfaces.
- Weight
- EVA construction keeps weight lower than rubber-soled competitors.
- Styling
- Pairs best with joggers, shorts, and black denim.
- Squeaking
- Squeaking issue is not universal and has no universal fix.
- Rod movement
- Plastic rods move while walking; ladder lacing reduces movement.
- Outsole
- 100% EVA outsole wears down 2-3x faster than rubber on pavement.
- Aging
- Calfskin lining ages gracefully, developing a patina and staying comfortable.
- Breathability
- Calfskin lining breathes better than synthetics, reducing moisture buildup.
- Sole
- EVA outsole is significantly lighter than the Triple S's rubber sole but compresses 15-30% over time.
- Value
- Resale value outperforms comparable Balenciaga and Gucci sneakers.
- Collectibility
- The Megalace is a radical design iteration, making it a distinct collectible.
- Design heritage
- Continues Owens' 30-year exoticized sportswear design language.
- Price positioning
- Owens' pioneer $1,300+ sneaker tier reflected in the $1900 CAD price.
- Brand following
- Dedicated following secures high resale value and style approval.
- Lacing
- Crossover laces can be adjusted with ladder lacing for a secure fit, but the plastic rod anchors shift during walking.
Product record
- Title
- Geth Megalace® Sneaker Men
- Brand
- Rick Owens
- Price
- 1900 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Geth Runner legacy and designer endorsement
- Rick Owens began making sneakers because he found them 'a little too prosaic' and wanted to 'exoticize them' — the Megalace’s deconstructed silhouette, oversized sole, and crossover lace system are a direct expression of that impulse, turning a running shoe into a sculptural statement that extends his 2008 Geobasket approach into the athletics category.
- Owens’ head of patternmaking, Ahmad Daher, explains that the designer treats each collection as an extinction and evolution of the previous, editing and reshaping patterns from his own archive — consistent with that method, the Megalace advances the Geth Runner template by amplifying its scale and introducing the exaggerated geometric lace configuration, making it a more radical iteration of the line.
- As Roma Cohen of The Alchemist notes, Owens was one of the first to design a leather sneaker in the $1,300 range, paving the way for millennial clients into the designer-sneaker world — the Megalace’s positioning near that tier places it within that trailblazing luxury lineage, not a mainstream sportswear offshoot.
EVA outsole performance and everyday wear
- The embossed texture is designed to enhance grip on dry surfaces, but EVA as a material lacks the high‑friction coefficient and water‑channeling tread of rubber — so the Megalace performs best on clean, dry pavement and smooth indoor floors, and is not built for wet or uneven terrain. For the urban context the shoe’s design suggests, this is a functional match rather than a shortcoming.
- All EVA foams are susceptible to compression set — over repeated wear, the air cells that give the sole its initial springiness gradually collapse, with typical EVA midsoles settling by 15–30% after long-term use. What begins as a notably plush step-in will transition over months into a firmer, more muted ride, especially under the heel, which is a trade-off inherent to the material’s lightweight comfort.
- EVA’s closed-cell foam structure compresses effectively on impact, which means the Megalace cushions hard surfaces more effectively than a denser rubber‑soled sneaker — for buyers who plan to wear them as a daily style piece, this translates into reduced joint strain on concrete and tile, making the oversized shoe more practical for all‑day use than its bulk suggests.
- On abrasive city pavements, a pure EVA outsole can wear down two to three times faster than a rubber outsole, so the embossed tread pattern and any sole branding will begin to fade and smooth out noticeably within the first season of regular street wear, with the heel and forefoot strike zones showing the earliest smoothing.
Full‑grain calfskin leather quality and aging
- Calves are slaughtered at around six months, before the skin stretches, so calfskin is denser and has greater tensile strength per square inch than adult steerhide; for a sneaker with a design this imposing, that tighter fiber structure means the upper resists tear and sags less over time, preserving the sharp lines of the oversized sole.
How it compares to other designer sneakers
- Limited production runs and a design ethos that ignores seasonal trends give Rick Owens sneakers an edge in resale value over competitors like Balenciaga or Gucci, so the Megalace is more likely to hold its worth as a collector's piece.
- While the Triple S combines technical mesh with nubuck and calfskin for a layered, athletic look, the Megalace opts for a full calfskin leather lining and leather upper, delivering a more uniform, premium hand that ages more gracefully and breathes better over time.
- Where the Balenciaga Triple S relies on a heavy, stacked rubber sole for cushioning, the Megalace's embossed EVA outsole yields a lighter, more architectural feel underfoot — ideal for someone who values a statement silhouette without the weight penalty of trend-driven chunky sneakers.
- At 1900 CAD (~$1400 USD), the Megalace sits above the Balenciaga Triple S ($950–1200 USD) and Gucci Rhyton ($870–950 USD), a premium that reflects Rick Owens' smaller production scale and cult following — you pay for an inherently scarcer object rather than mass-market luxury.
- Since 1994, Rick Owens has maintained an unbroken design language, creating a cohesive narrative that elevates each model — the Megalace is part of a 30-year conversation, not a seasonal pivot, which distinguishes it from Balenciaga's post-Demna uncertainty or Gucci's revolving creative directors.
- Unlike Common Projects' minimalist refinement or Gucci's logo-driven maximalism, the Geth Megalace is a sculptural deconstruction of a running shoe — a standalone design statement where fashion leads and footwear follows, appealing to a buyer who wants a collectible art piece rather than an elevated basic.
Megalace lacing and its functional role
- The ladder lacing method, a vertical-weave pattern recommended for Rick Owens sneakers, can be applied to the Geth Megalace to transform its loose crossover look into a snug, secure fit; the technique forces the laces to pull evenly across the foot, reducing internal movement and giving the shoe a more streamlined profile.
- The Geth Megalace routes its heavy-duty laces through a series of movable plastic rods instead of fixed eyelets, which enables the dramatic crossover silhouette but allows tension to shift over time; periodically re-tightening the laces after wear restores the intended foot lockdown and silhouette.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Right-side view of a low-top sneaker with a sculpted thick sole, black smooth upper, and extensive crisscrossing wide beige laces wrapping around the shoe.
- View and orientationLateral right-side profile of a single sneaker facing right, shoe centered horizontally and resting on a flat surface.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.40 · w 0.90 · h 0.46 (high) - Upper material and finishSmooth black leather or leather-like upper with visible seam lines and paneling around the heel and toe box.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.36 · w 0.62 · h 0.28 (high) - Collar and heel tabPadded high heel collar that extends upward into a slightly elongated heel tab in the rear, finished in the same black material.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.32 · w 0.18 · h 0.22 (high) - Lacing systemMultiple wide flat beige laces wrapped in a decorative crisscross pattern across the vamp and around the heel, anchored through metal eyelet studs and small fabric loops.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.42 · w 0.62 · h 0.24 (high) - Metal hardwareRound silver-toned metal eyelet studs visible near the collar and side where laces are anchored.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.48 · w 0.10 · h 0.08 (medium); x 0.30 · y 0.50 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (medium) - Toe detailingSlightly raised stitched toe panel with a small rectangular stitched accent on the lateral forefoot.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.48 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Midsole shapeThick sculpted off-white midsole with a rounded, wavy profile and a chamfered cut near the heel that creates a layered look.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.65 · w 0.90 · h 0.25 (high) - Outsole tread visibleThin visible outsole edge with shallow ridged tread along the bottom, matching the off-white sole color.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.83 · w 0.90 · h 0.07 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot on a neutral light gray backdrop with soft even lighting and a faint drop shadow beneath the shoe.
- Background and stagingUniform light gray background with the shoe isolated and no additional props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, diffused studio lighting from above producing minimal specular highlights on the leather and a soft shadow directly below the sole.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.85 · w 0.72 · h 0.08 (medium) - Image croppingFull shoe is visible with small margins on left and right; ample empty space above shoe.
Colors
matte black· upper#12130Epale beige· laces#CAC6BAcream off-white· midsole and outsole#F3EEE9silver metal· metal eyelets- View and orientationLateral right-side profile of a single sneaker facing right, shoe centered horizontally and resting on a flat surface.
- 02
Product
Rear and right-side view of a pair of low-top leather sneakers with thick sculpted pale-cream platform soles, black smooth leather uppers, and multiple beige fabric straps laced across the heel and side with metal hardware and a rear fabric pull tab.
- Upper materialSmooth black leather upper visible on heels and outer side panels with subtle surface creasing.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.36 · w 0.35 · h 0.34 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.28 · w 0.38 · h 0.38 (high) - Sole geometryThick sculpted platform sole in a pale cream/off-white color with a faceted heel and slightly angled midsole profile.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.68 · w 0.46 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.66 · w 0.50 · h 0.26 (high) - Strap lacingMultiple flat beige fabric straps wrapped and crisscrossed around the heel and side, threaded through metal studs and eyelets and forming an external lacing system.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.42 · w 0.64 · h 0.28 (high) - Metal hardwareRound silver-toned metal studs or eyelets anchoring the straps, visible on the outer side and heel areas.
2 regions
x 0.58 · y 0.46 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (medium); x 0.12 · y 0.52 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Heel pull tabShort fabric pull tab in a light beige tone centered at the top of the rear heel collar on the left shoe and partially visible on the right shoe.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.33 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (medium); x 0.64 · y 0.24 · w 0.05 · h 0.09 (medium) - Visible stitchingContrasting stitched seam lines where upper panels meet near the heel collar and along side panels.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.36 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot showing two shoes on a flat light-gray background with soft, even lighting and faint soft shadows; image cropped to show rear and outer-side portions of the pair.
- Background and lightingUniform light-gray studio background with soft even lighting and minimal harsh shadows beneath the soles.
- Shot compositionLeft shoe shown from rear center-left, right shoe shown from outer-side angle center-right; both shoes occupy the lower half of the frame with ample empty space above.
- Shadows and reflectionsSoft diffuse shadow under each sole, no strong reflections on leather due to matte lighting.
Colors
black· upper#0D0E0Alight beige· straps#CBC4B4pale cream· sole#F4EFE9- Upper materialSmooth black leather upper visible on heels and outer side panels with subtle surface creasing.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of high-top sneakers with black padded leather uppers, extensive beige flat lacing wrapped across the vamp, and thick off-white rounded platform soles.
- Overall viewPair of sneakers shown from directly above, both shoes oriented toe-up toward the top of the frame and positioned side-by-side with a small gap between them.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.06 · w 0.42 · h 0.88 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.06 · w 0.42 · h 0.88 (high) - Upper materialBlack padded leather upper visible on both shoes, including a smooth toe cap and cushioned collar around the ankle opening.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.40 (high) - Lacing systemMultiple beige wide flat laces crisscross over the vamp and tongue, wrapped across the toe box and tied visually into an overlapped lattice that covers most of the upper.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.56 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.56 (high) - Lace hardwareSmall cylindrical metal lace toggles or beads visible near the top center of each toe box where several laces converge.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.07 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.07 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - Tongue and pull tabRaised padded tongue on each shoe with a vertical rectangular beige fabric pull tab sewn to the top center of the tongue.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.28 (high) - Sole profileThick rounded off-white platform sole with a smooth finish visible around each shoe, extending beyond the upper at the forefoot and heel.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.64 · w 0.40 · h 0.34 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.64 · w 0.40 · h 0.34 (high) - Inner collarDeep black interior lining and hollow ankle opening visible inside each shoe from above, showing padded inner collar lips.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.58 · w 0.16 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.58 · w 0.16 · h 0.22 (high)
Other
Studio-style top-down product shot on a light neutral background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadows beneath the soles.
- Background and stagingUniform light gray background with no props; shoes centered in frame and photographed from above.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, even lighting from above produces faint diffuse shadows around the outer edges of the soles and minimal specular highlights on the leather.
- Shot compositionBoth shoes fully visible and symmetrically arranged; slight cropping of outer sole edges near bottom frame but no major parts cut off.
- Image qualitySharp focus on shoe surfaces and laces with no motion blur; colors and fine textures clearly visible.
Colors
black· upper leather#1B1B14beige· laces and tongue pull tabs#CDC4BAoff-white· sole#CDC4BA- Overall viewPair of sneakers shown from directly above, both shoes oriented toe-up toward the top of the frame and positioned side-by-side with a small gap between them.
Documents & Data
Q&A
5 answered- Since sizing runs small, do you recommend going up half a size or a full size from your usual size?
- We recommend going up a full size from your usual size. Community feedback indicates the Megalace model fits smaller than regular Geth runners, and sizing up a full size is commonly suggested to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Is the squeaking issue reported by some customers a known problem across all pairs or limited to certain production batches?
- The squeaking issue is not universal; it only affects some pairs, and there is no confirmed link to specific production batches. Community reports indicate the problem is inconsistent, with some owners experiencing it and others not.
- Are these sneakers comfortable for walking long distances?
- They are comfortable for typical wear but not ideal for extended walking; they feel more like leather shoes and have a statement design.
- How do they fit? Should I size up?
- Yes, it's recommended to size up, especially for the Megalace model, as they fit smaller than regular Geth runners.
- How to style them?
- They pair well with joggers, shorts, and black denim; the back protrusion enhances pants stacking.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/RickowensReddit users widely admire the unique design of the Rick Owens Geth Megalace sneakers, though comfort is mixed: they are generally comfortable but more akin to leather shoes, with some reports of squeaking and annoying rod movement.
Most users praise the design and style, with comfort considered acceptable but not outstanding, and minor issues like squeaking and rod movement mentioned.
Themes
Use Cases
- Fashion styling / completing Rick Owens outfits
- Casual wear with specific pants (joggers, shorts)
- Everyday wear (though limited by loud design for some)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Other Rick Owens shoes
Generally praised as one of the most stylish Rick Owens sneakers, but comfort may be lower compared to other models for some users.
Source Threads
Love for the flat-front megalace runner
Where’d you grab these from? I LOVE the megalace runners w the more flat front
u/consumer_hellr/RickowensView thread →
Style favorite but annoying rod movement
I have to pairs and will replace the Black/Milk ones when the time comes. I don't think they work well with regular pants but with joggers and shorts they look great. Out of all my Rick shoes these are probably my favorite style-wise. They are comfortable but those rods on the sides move around which is annoying.
u/IcyZookeepergame6538r/RickowensView thread →
Comfort: like leather shoes, break in nicely
They def feel more like leather shoes than sneakers yanno? But they’re still not bad! They’ll break in easily and just form to my foot, you can even tell from wearing them new
u/consumer_hellr/RickowensView thread →