Time really flies—it’s already been two weeks since I’ve been wearing this pair of Rick Owens DRK Edition sneakers. I remember the excitement I felt when I spotted them on the LitBuy spreadsheet that day; I placed my order immediately. LitBuy, that overseas retailer, is actually pretty efficient—the whole process, from ordering to delivery in Canada, went much faster than I expected.

To be honest, when I first received the shoe box, I was a little nervous. After all, they’re reissues, so I was always worried they might turn out to be a letdown. But when I opened it up, wow—the texture and craftsmanship were so much better than I’d expected. The dark, edgy design, with that understated yet rebellious vibe, really spoke to me right away.

What was my first impression when I put them on? Thick! Really thick! The sole must be about 3.5 cm—I instantly felt like my legs got a bit longer. I usually wear a size 42, but I specifically chose a size 41 this time, and I was right. Rick Owens shoes are notorious for running large, so when checking the size chart, be sure to measure the length carefully—don’t skip this step.

As for styling, I’ve tried them with several different types of pants over the past two weeks. Pair them with work pants, and that streetwear vibe comes through instantly; pair them with dress pants, and they surprisingly work—it has a bit of that high-street flair; and straight-leg jeans? Needless to say, they’re a perfect match. These shoes are truly versatile—way better than those so-called “go-to” shoes in my closet.

As for comfort, I had a minor issue at first. The first couple of times I wore them, they rubbed against my little toe—it hurt so much I almost gave up. But after two days, something magical happened—the shoes seemed to “break in” and became more comfortable the more I wore them. The soles are soft and springy, so walking feels cushioned; I don’t even get tired after a full day of shopping. Now these shoes have become my go-to choice for daily commuting.

As for the versions, there are a few common iterations of Rick Owens’ reissue sneakers. The ROG version focuses more on staying true to the original, the HKS version features some material innovations, and the DRK version I bought has been tweaked in terms of fit and details to make it more suitable for everyday wear. Each version has its own unique characteristics—it really comes down to personal preference.

After wearing them for the past two weeks, what’s been the biggest surprise? It’s the confidence that comes from that dark aesthetic. When I walk down the street, people always give them a second look—not the kind of exaggerated stares, but that “these shoes are pretty interesting” kind of glance. It’s a subtle feeling, hard to put into words, but it’s addictive.

Of course, there are some downsides. For instance, those first couple of days when they rubbed my feet were really uncomfortable. Also, since they have thick soles, it takes a bit of time to adjust to the balance when you first start wearing them. But once you get used to them, these minor issues become negligible.

Finally, if you see these shoes on the Litbuy spreadsheet, don’t hesitate too long. With retro sneakers, sometimes it’s all about fate. If you come across the right version and the right size, just go for it. After wearing them for a couple of weeks, you might find—just like I did—that they’ve become the pair you reach for most often in your shoe collection.

Oh, and a quick tip: while these shoes go with almost anything, it’s best not to pair them with overly flashy pants. The essence of the dark aesthetic lies in that understated coolness; going overboard can ruin the whole vibe.

Two weeks—not too long, not too short. But this pair of Rick Owens DRK edition sneakers has already won me over with its comfort and style. If I see other styles on Litbuy next time, I might just end up buying them again.