Want the look of Maison Margiela GATS but not the price? We’ve rounded up a few of the best Maison Margiela GATS alternative options to add to your wardrobe.
German Army Trainers (AKA GATs) are undeniably cool. A little sporty. A little streamlined. They are probably one of the best shoes you can have in your casual shoe arsenal. They’re natural but distinct and pair well with shorts, chinos, jeans, and relaxed shirt knits. And, in the case of the luxe house Maison Margiela, quite expensive. Luckily, if you want to add a pair to your footwear rotation, you don’t have to cough up the cost. Plenty of Maison Margiela GAT replica alternatives are available for your budget and needs.
Even if you’re saving up for the Margielas, it might be worth your time to take a look at alternatives. We’ve compiled a list of great options. We’ll also cover what they are, what they’re not, and whether or not Puma or Adidas have bragging rights.
Let’s kick things off with a little bit of history of this classic sneaker.
German Army Trainers: A Brief History
The German Army Trainer, or GAT, is about 50 years old. There’s some confusion about who actually produced the original model. Germany was split in two by more than just Checkpoint Charlie and the epic battle between capitalism and communism. Rival shoe brands Adidas (named for “Adi” Dassler) and Puma (a spinoff created by his estranged brother Rudolf) fought for control of the sportswear market.
Records show Puma created the prototype, but Adidas eventually won the contract to outfit West German Army soldiers with training shoes. Like Zuck and the Winklevoss twins, both claim credit for something they rightly invented. Either way, hundreds of thousands of these things were manufactured through the 1980s. After the end of the Cold War, a reunited Germany and the rest of the world found itself flooded with surplus shoes.
The original GAT is called BW stands for “bundeswehr sportschuhe”, or just “BW.” In an English translation, it means “federal defense sports shoe.” The concept was a clean, white leather design with an extra piece sewn onto the side panel. A suede overlay on the toe box created a unique styling detail, and a gum sole added durability and comfort.
Many purists prefer to hunt for a pair of these original GATs in the right size and condition, which run anywhere from $40 to $100 plus shipping. But there are plenty of others.
Maison Margiela Replica GATs: The High Fashion Copycat
While many have remixed the classic GAT silhouette, those produced by Belgian designer Martin Margiela are arguably the most recognizable. Launched in 1998, the colorway held true to the original: white leather, gray suede, and a gum sole. But, this being high fashion, the materials are far more luxe than their utilitarian predecessors.
Though they fly further under the radar (pardon the pun) than the minimalist white sneaker, menswear nerds can’t get enough of these things. Designs have evolved to include different suede stripes and even Maison Margiela Fur Replica GATs.
Why Are German Army Trainers So Popular?
People like GATS because they marry function and form with a little bit of nostalgia. They’re functional as the gum sole makes it easy to walk all day. The low profile makes it easier to dress up than a chunky trainer, but they retain the sporty DNA. And you’ll stand out in a sea of white
Both sneaker heads and style minimalists love GATS for their aesthetic. Military garb has a lot of influence on how we dress beyond just camo pants. Do you remember the cargo and camo print pieces from 2000s men’s fashion trends? Jackets, khaki chinos, ties, and even the cardigan sweater all have military pedigrees. Why not pair GATS with your favorite field jacket or field watch?
All in all, they’re effortless to style. But, with the Maison Margiela GATs retailing for a steep $670 at the time of this writing, there have to be some alternatives out there to protect your bank account.
Eight Maison Margiela Replica GAT Alternatives
Without further ado, we present you with eight Maison Margiela alternatives. These substitutes have the same vibe as the Replica with the iconic combination of white leather, gum sole and suede detailing. Additionally, we ensured we hit on a range of important priorities, from budget to variation to lifestyle.
Here are the best alternatives to MM Replica GATS in no particular order.
1. Oliver Cabell GAT
Oliver Cabell’s GAT checks most boxes in the looks and quality department. They have the same supple calfskin upper, suede accent paneling, and the natural gum sole. The attention to detail even extends to where the toothed lining meets the upper. This ‘replica of the replica’ is made in Italy and comes in a range of sizes down to a US 6.
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2. Beckett Simonon Morgen Trainers
Direct-to-consumer darling Beckett Simonon offers another great alternative to the Maison Margiela GATs. Just like the designer ones, they make their Morgen Trainers with excellent materials. However, unlike the high-fashion ones, Beckett Simonon makes theirs in Bogota, Colombia. The Morgens will use less suede than the MMs, but that might be a good thing – less maintenance. But the blue and red colored accent pieces make for a unique patina. Or, if you prefer, you can choose a classic white, gray and gum sole combination.
3. Svensson Army Sport
Svenson also works for people looking for alternatives to Common Projects. They use the same factories in Italy. You’ll get premium materials and construction. The Svensson Army Sports feature a smooth body with suede overlays on the toe, side panel, and heel. You’ll also get a nicely padded collar and flat laces. Like most Italian shoes, size down.
One slight difference is that the outsole sports a sectioned-off look. There’s a panel in the front and back, and the section where the sole meets the upper is smooth and isolated. This is another example of a small variation that doesn’t mean anything styling wise. But we do like the grounded, dimensional aspect of this rendition.
4. Adidas Samba OG
If you follow sneaker trends, you’d know that the Adidas Samba OG is making quite the comeback. Some color variations sell out almost immediately, and if you pay attention, you’ll see them on everyone. While it is a variant of the original GAT, it’s become a three-striped legend in its own right.
The classic Samba model features a long tongue for additional protection when footballing. Sure, the black version is more soccer-adjacent than military, but some other models lean into the military heritage. At $100, they’re a stylish, budget-friendly option.
5. Puma Super Liga
From one side to the other here. Again, Puma probably had a hand in designing the original, even if they didn’t produce it. And their Super Ligas are like the Samba in that they’re a more ‘civilian’ version of a military shoe. Unlike the Samba, they have more suede accents.
The Super Ligas have a swishier look than GATs. Even the lace panels are cut in a wavy shape. They’re a sports shoe meant to be beat up. These guys are made in Asia and are way more affordable than our top luxury-leaning picks, like the Oliver Cabells and the Svenssons. You can find them for around $70.
6. Domba Footwear German Army Trainer
Novesta is a niche Slovakian company known for ethics and sustainability. They’re popular in ‘green’ brand roundups. They also have a vast size range, from 5 to 16. Their GAT is pretty classic in appearance and general silhouette. But the molded sole is more opaque and less ‘gummy’ than the original, especially the Maison Margiela GAT.
Novesta sources the rubber and cotton on this shoe from sustainable growers. Each pair is hand-finished using non-chemical, non-harmful materials. It’s priced well at $165.
8. Another Generation GATs From W Concept
Another alternative from the land of K-Pop, Seoul-based W Concepts offers the Another Generation GATs in their women’s section. There’s nothing stereotypically feminine about these shoes, though they are a “softer” variation of a traditional German Army trainer. The suede and smooth leather contrast isn’t as stark as the original. Meanwhile, the outsoles are bright white rubber. They aren’t gummy at all, and though accented with pebbled lining, the rubber is perfectly smooth.
Appearing a bit like a GAT combined with a twill lace-up, the Another Generation shoe is a good choice. Especially if you’re looking for a lighter, whiter-looking army trainer. Again, it’s technically a woman’s shoe, so keep that in mind when sizing. The good news here is that you can find them in smaller sizes.
FAQs
Do you have questions about Maison’s Margiela and their replica GAT sneaker? If so, The Modest Man has you covered. Here are a few of the most common queries regarding the brand.
Is Maison Margiela a Luxury Brand?
Yes, Maison Margiela is a luxury brand. Margiela is a French fashion house offering clothing, shoes, accessories, candles, and fragrances for men and women. Founded in 1988 by Belgian designers Martin Margiela and Jenny Meirens, it’s now owned by the Italian conglomerate OTB Group. John Galliano, formerly of Dior and Givenchy, is the creative director.
Why Do People Like Maison Margiela?
Brand enthusiasts like Margiela’s designs as they are often bold and avant-garde. The brand held their early shows in unusual locations, with Margiela himself a shadowy figure who rarely showed face in public. Supposedly, it was to keep the focus on nothing more than the clothes. Today, the brand evokes a mood or a sense of time and place. For example, their fragrance lines tie a scent to a particular experience, like a jazz club in New York.
What Are Margiela GATs Based Off Of?
Margiela bases its GATs on a trainer built for the West German Army in the 1970s. Originally designed by Puma but put into production by Adidas, the design is frequently copied. Margiela took the original model and ‘crucified’ it. The high-end materials, designer pedigree, and the ‘Made in Italy’ cache mean this version also carries a high-end price tag.
Tying Things Up With the Maison Margiela GAT Replica Sneaker
All of these Maison Margiela GAT replica sneaker alternatives have something unique to offer. These qualities may or may not be worth it for you to opt for a lower-priced version. Still, if you think it’s worth it to save up for a Margiela, by all means, go for it! It’s a beautiful and versatile casual shoe.
Another hard-to-find option is the Dior Homme GAT, which sometimes pops up on second-hand sites. Otherwise, you can try looking for actual vintage trainers on eBay. If you go this route, I recommend looking on German eBay, which will often let you know if there are similar results on other European eBay sites.
Do you keep a German Army Trainer-style sneaker in your footwear rotation? Let us know which one in the comments below.
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