Margiela GATs on feet: why "don't size down" comes up, and what to wear them with

Sneakers On-Feet
1

The German army trainer, the low-top that goes with nearly everything. In GAT threads, one line comes up again and again: “don’t size down”. There is more detail in Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 on feet. Why? And how do they look on feet with different trousers? If that is your question too, see the thread on Jordan 4 on feet. Mini table to start:

Trouser Works?
Straight raw denim ?
Wool trousers ?
Shorts ?

Verdict pending.

Related threads: Samba reps: which size, what suede, and how to.

2

The sizing first: the GAT is narrow at the front. Reports describe a slim toe box, and some versions run small. Retail itself varies between production runs. So the advice: start at your usual EU size, go half up if you have wide feet, and never down.

The sneaker sizing & fit guide covers the EU measuring method.

3

Verdict first: the slim toe is also why they look good on feet. It keeps the shoe low and narrow under a trouser hem. Myth to debunk: “GATs are for skinny jeans only”. They work best under straight cuts. Recap: slim shoe, straight trouser.

4

On feet, straight raw denim with a single cuff or a short break is the reference look. Wool trousers with a clean hem work just as well. Shorts work with plain low socks. What doesn’t work: very wide trousers that bury the toe. More side angles from people would help.

5
  1. Leather matters on feet: matte and supple reads right; shiny reads plastic.
  2. The suede T-panel should have clean edges; that’s visible on feet.
  3. The gum sole colour in daylight changes the look more than people expect.
  4. Myth: “creases ruin GATs”. Soft creases suit the shoe.

Recap: matte leather, clean suede, honest gum.

6

And care for the suede panel?

7

The suede cleaning thread works for the T-panel. A protector before the first wear helps too.

8

Recap of the thread:

Sizing

  • Narrow at the front; some versions run small; retail varies too.
  • Usual EU size; half up for wide feet; never down.

On feet

Trouser Works?
Straight raw denim, single cuff or short break yes, the reference look
Wool trousers, clean hem yes
Shorts with plain low socks yes
Very wide trousers no, they bury the toe

Details that show on feet: matte leather, clean suede T-panel edges, gum colour in daylight. Soft creases are fine.

On-feet shots from the side, with straight raw denim cuffed once and natural light, would help show how they wear.

9

Verdict: never size down, straight trousers. Agreed.