words // Zac Dubasik
When it comes to footwear from high-end and high-fashion brands, none have been more widely adopted by popular athletes, musicians, and even the sneaker community, in recent memory, than Balenciaga. These days, you’re just as likely to see a member of the aforementioned peer groups in a pair of Arenas as you are in a pair of Air Force 1s.
The Arena, while the current most popular sneaker model from Balenciaga, isn’t the only one. Their multi-paneled high top’s popularity (and to a lesser extent, low top as well) predates it, although it never reached the heights of the later. It has, however, come in a vast array of material and color combinations, reminiscent of Nike Dunk SBs at their height (but much higher quality).
Following 15 years with Nicolas Ghesquiére, the century-old French fashion house handed over creative direction to Alexander Wang, in 2013. While there haven’t been any major changes in the footwear department since his arrival, only time will tell if his younger and more casual aesthetic (compared to Balenciaga’s traditionally more elegant designs) will impact their sneakers.
Let us know your thoughts on Balenciaga sneakers. Do you see them as overpriced? Or do they look like a deal in comparrison to resale prices of some retros? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Balenciaga Multi-Panel Sneaker In Mixed Materials
Balenciaga Multi-Panel Low-Top Sneaker In Pleated Leather
Balenciaga Arena
Balenciaga Arena Low
