'Dirty' Gucci Shoes Sell For $870, Come With Cleaning Instructions

For anyone who didn't live in Italy during the 1970s but wish they had, or at least want to walk around like they did, then Gucci has a big surprise in store. The Italian clothing giant has launched a pair of retro shoes they call "distressed."

Gucci calls itself "influential, innovative and progressive," but its newest approach to "modern fashion" seems more like pulling a catalog page from five decades ago with a little worn-out look — and a hefty price tag.

The going American price for "dirty" or distressed Italian sneakers goes for a cool $870 through four U.S. vendors, including Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

The shoe's description through the Neiman Marcus site indicates the sneakers are "low-top in leather" with an original "GG canvas." It claims to have "vintage" and distressed effects and a "label with Gucci vintage logo."

The website claims to mirror Gucci Italian sneakers exactly as they were in the 1970s, according to this Fox 26 Houston report.

Even more, the company shows in its "shoe care" section how to "clean" the shoes without "over staining" them or making them look less dirty.

Social media wasted no time poking fun of the retro-looking shoe. One Twitter user said "rich people" can't wait to pay to look poor.

"I guess rich people pay good money for dirty shoes. Wait, distressed shoes.

PS: The 'shoe care' section says to use only neutral or same colours to avoid 'over staining'. Yeah, because that's the real problem with this shoe."

I guess rich people pay good money for dirty shoes. Wait, distressed shoes.

PS: The 'shoe care' section says to use only neutral or same colours to avoid 'over staining'. Yeah, because that's the real problem with this shoe.#Gucci#FashionContinuesToBaffleMe pic.twitter.com/pv4KbRgGdi

— Sid (@iwrotethose) March 20, 2019

Jenifer Abreu said the "new" shoes just "look dirty."

"Are these dirty or are they stylish? Nw Gucci shoes cost $900. The company says they're vintage, but potential customers online saying. They just look dirty."

Are these dirty or are they stylish? Nw Gucci shoes cost $900. The company says they’re vintage, but potential customers online saying. They just look dirty. pic.twitter.com/8hUlmuIaUo

— Jenifer Abreu (@jeniferabreutv) March 20, 2019

The high-priced Gucci shoes aren't the only things that have seen gigantic markups. Here are some things people see marked up on a daily basis, according to moneytalksnews.com.

  • Movie theater popcorn, candy and sodas
  • Prescription drugs
  • Diamonds
  • Bottled water
  • Salad bars
  • Eyeglass frames
  • Furniture
  • Wine
  • Hotel minibars

Then there are other lists that show items that folks willingly fork over money for, not knowing the high markup — from airport food to college textbooks. These include headphones, brand name clothes, EpiPens, caskets, coffee and printer ink.

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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