A Definitive List of the Best Balenciaga Sneakers
Balenciaga sneakers have permeated street style and culture of the past few years, thanks in large part to Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, who took the helm in 2015 after leading design teams at Maison Martin Margiela and Louis Vuitton. Under his stewardship, the Spanish fashion house has released popular contemporary sneakers such as the Triple S, Track, Track 2, and Speed Trainer. But the storied brand has been around since 1919, when it was founded in the Basque Country in Spain, before relocating to Paris in 1937 as a result of the Spanish civil war.
Balenciaga is credited with revolutionizing women’s fashion in the mid-20th century and, in recent years, has contributed revolutionary designs to a quickly shifting landscape in the sneaker industry. Under Gvasalia’s tutelage, the brand took full advantage of trends such as the sock sneaker, chunky footwear, and the current retro-sportswear craze. In a few short years the high-end brand went from just another luxury brand making sneakers to a leader in the space.
Balenciaga sneakers come in so many shapes, sizes, and styles that coming up with a definitive list of the best Balenciaga sneakers is no easy task. Some of the fashion house’s most popular styles are the fashion-forward Balenciaga Triple S, Balenciaga Speed Trainer, and the Balenciaga Track sneakers. While the brand’s sneaker offerings extends past those three models, it is those three that are most popular among sneakerheads, often seen on-foot during Fashion Weeks worldwide.
To help you keep up with all of the releases over the last few seasons, we’ve put together a list of all important Balenciaga sneakers that should be on your radar. Every time a noteworthy Balenciaga sneaker is released or unveiled, it will be added to this list. So, without further ado, scroll through our ranking of the best Balanciaga sneakers (ranked from best to worst) below.
Balenciaga Triple S “Bred”
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Triple S
Key Features: The Balenciaga Triple S’ defining feature is its quadruple-stacked sole unit, which gives the sneaker a very bulky shape. The upper is constructed of a mesh base with leather overlays at the sides, heel, and toe box. Balenciaga branding is found on the side of the shoe, while oversized rope laces add to the exaggerated theme of the sneaker. This specific pair is available in black and red with white detailing.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $975
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Balenciaga’s perhaps most famous and popular sneaker design, the four-sole behemoth that is the Triple S, is available in a black and red colorway. Nicknamed “Bred,” fans of Michael Jordan’s signature line will immediately know why and may be drawn to this colorway over others due to its cultural significance in the sneaker community. The design is a far cry from Jordan Brand sneakers but may present a healthy compromise between fashion forward and still “in-tune” with streetwear culture and retro Air Jordans.
Balenciaga Triple S “Faux Smudge”
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Triple S
Key Features: The first pair features varying degrees of black, with faux distressing on the lower part of the mesh and nubuck upper, as well as the rubber midsole. The second colorway features a similar smudged black upper, but with a predominantly white midsole with black, red, and beige accents.
Release Date: April, 2019.
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: The ever-controversial super-chunky Balenciaga Triple S was released in two new smudged colorways in mid April. With new colorways of the style coming at customers hard and fast since its debut a few years ago, this faux-smudged design represented a new direction. Instead of just switching up colors, Balenciaga played with distressing and the above smudging to set its new colorways apart from older ones.
Balenciaga Track 2
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track 2
Key Features: The Balenciaga Track 2 is even more complex than its predecessor, featuring an upper composed of 176 separate pieces. A mesh base is covered in countless layers made of a mix of synthetic and leather overlays. Track 2 branding is present on the tongue, while Balenciaga branding is on the side and embossed on the toe of the outsole. A bulky, multi-layered mid- and outsole combination rounds out a techy look.
Release Date: June 18, 2019 (initial release) and June 25, 2019 (full release)
Price: €675 / $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: The Balenciaga Track 2 is the brand’s latest high-fashion yet super-technical take on a retro sneaker. It’s an update of the first-generation Track, with pre-worn layers that create an open-air structure, exposing the mesh base. A dual-density lightweight EVA sole gives the shoe that distinct “high performance” look.
The brand originally unveiled three colorways: white, black, and a red, blue, and gray version. The sneaker was available initially at Balenciaga online and in-store at select European stores, with a worldwide release following on June 25. Since its intiial release, the Balenciaga Track 2 has been made available in a number of other colorways.
Balenciaga Track “Bred”
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track
Key Features: The sneaker has a multi-paneled upper with cord laces that channels the aesthetics of a retro running shoe. The layered sole features foam cushioning and a reinforced rubber outsole, providing an exaggerated take on cushioming technologies. This particular version comes in a black/red/white colorway that reminds strongly of Michael Jordan’s “Bred” colorways.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: This is a colorway Balenciaga has used across its range of footwear. Most sneakerheads will associate the black/red/white color scheme with Michael Jordan’s signature Nike line, which is why it is (unofficially) given the nickname “bred.”
Balenciaga Track LED
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track LED
Key Features: The sneaker has a multi-paneled upper with cord laces. The layered sole features foam cushioning and a reinforced rubber outsole. This version of the Track comes with an LED light in the heel. Embossed branding on the tongue, side, front, and heel completes the look.
Release Date: May 29, 2019
Price: $995
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Forget light-up sneakers. Say hello to Balenciaga light up sneakers. The brand’s over-the-top take on a trail runner, the Track, was outfitted with a light-up LED sole. The first Track came out in September 2018 and was seen as the heir to the Balenciaga Triple S’ ironic footwear throne. While the silhouette hasn’t been quite as popular as its ultra-bulky cousin, it has been spotted on the street at various fashion weeks around the globe. This latest update is certainly eye-catching even if a little gimmicky.
Balenciaga Laced Sole Leather Derby Shoes
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Laced Sole Leather Derby Shoes
Key Features: The derby shoe’s upper is made of leather with a classic Derby lace closure and round toe. It sits atop a bulky black midsole, which features multi-colored whipstitch detailing.
Release Date: March, 2019
Price: $900 to $1,090
Buy: TBC
Editor’s Notes: Led by Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga gave the classic leather Derby Shoe an interesting update. The hiking laces threaded through the midsole evoke a certain Givenchy design which featured a chain-wrapped midsole. The sneakers were available in either a more conservative black colorway or a statement green colorway.
Balenciaga Triple S Clear Sole
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Triple S
Key Features: The Balenciaga Triple S’ defining feature is its quadruple-stacked sole unit, which gives the sneaker an exaggerated shape. The upper is constructed of a mesh base with leather overlays at the sides, heel, and toe box. Balenciaga branding is found on the side of the shoe, while oversized rope laces add to the exaggerated theme of the sneaker.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $995
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: When Balenciaga gave its stacked-sole Triple S sneaker an update, it made sure that, unlike the sneaker’s overall look, the update was subtle and not something that would change the essence of the shoe. That update ended up being a TPU injection into the midsole, which created an air bubble for more comfort and a lighter shoe.
Balenciaga Track “Neon Green”
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track
Key Features: The sneaker has a multi-paneled upper with cord laces. The layered sole features foam cushioning and a reinforced rubber outsole. With the midsole and the outsole done up in green, the bottom of the sneaker truly pops in contrast to the black upper.
Release Date: May 8, 2019
Price: Approximately $845
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: In early May, Balenciaga presented a new colorway of its Track Trainers. That time around the low-top silhouette was offered in black, with neon green accents. The predominantly black shoe was a more subtle option than the multi-colored version that was dropped when the style debuted. If you’re into green Balenciaga sneakers but don’t want something that totally dominates an outfit, this is a solid option.
Balenciaga Track
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track Trainer
Key Features: The sneaker has a multi-paneled upper with cord laces. The layered sole features foam cushioning and a reinforced rubber outsole.
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: In contrast to the neon green Track sneaker above, this version features a lot more color on the upper, making it an eye-catching and especially bold choice. If you’re someone who thinks they can rock bright green Balenciaga sneakers and not look like the clothes are wearing them, feel free to take a closer look at the above colorway.
Balenciaga Track 2 Multi
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track 2
Key Features: The Balenciaga Track 2 is even more complex than its predecessor, featuring an upper composed of 176 separate pieces. A mesh base is covered in countless layers made of a mix of synthetic and leather overlays. Track 2 branding is present on the tongue, while Balenciaga branding is on the side and embossed on the toe of the outsole. A bulky, multi-layered mid- and outsole combination rounds out a techy look.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: The Balenciaga Track 2 is the brand’s latest high-fashion yet super-technical take on a retro sneaker. It’s an update of the first-generation Track, with pre-worn layers that create an open-air structure, exposing the mesh base. A dual-density lightweight EVA sole gives the shoe that distinct “high performance” look. For those that are a bit more daring, Balenciaga has put together a multi-colored look. Check it out above.
Balenciaga Track 2 Monochrome
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track 2
Key Features: The Balenciaga Track 2 is even more complex than its predecessor, featuring an upper composed of 176 separate pieces. A mesh base is covered in countless layers made of a mix of synthetic and leather overlays. Track 2 branding is present on the tongue, while Balenciaga branding is on the side and embossed on the toe of the outsole. A bulky, multi-layered mid- and outsole combination rounds out a techy look.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: The Balenciaga Track 2 is the brand’s latest high-fashion yet super-technical take on a retro sneaker. It’s an update of the first-generation Track, with pre-worn layers that create an open-air structure, exposing the mesh base. A dual-density lightweight EVA sole gives the shoe that distinct “high performance” look. This specific colorway comes in either all black or all white and, ignoring the obvious exaggerated design, is the most subtle version of this sneaker available. If you’re into old retro sneakers, as well as either all black Balenciaga sneakers or all white Balenciaga sneakers, this may be the right choice for you.
Balenciaga Track Monochrome
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Track
Key Features: The sneaker has a multi-paneled upper with cord laces that channels the aesthetics of a retro running shoe. The layered sole features foam cushioning and a reinforced rubber outsole, providing an exaggerated take on cushioming technologies. These two versions come in monochrome color schemes.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $895
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Balenciaga’s popular Track sneaker is offered in two monochrome colorways: black and white. The colorways remain relatively muted, allowing the incredibly busy upper and exaggerated midsole tooling to speak for itself. This is for the sneakerhead that appreciates design and the silhouette, but doesn’t want to go all-in on color. If you’re into old retro sneakers, as well as either all black Balenciaga sneakers or all white Balenciaga sneakers, this may be the right choice for you.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer
Key Features: The Balenciaga Speed Trainer features a sock-like, knit upper in all black with white branded detailing on the outside of the toe. That upper sits on a thick, white midsole. A black rubber outsole completes the greyscale look.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $780
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: This colorway of the Balenciaga Speed Trainer is the classic, being the first one to arrive when the shoe first debuted in stores. It keeps things very simple with a no-frills, knit upper in all black, and black and white sole unit.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer “Bred”
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer
Key Features: The Balenciaga Speed Trainer has red added to the classic black and white colorway. While not an uncommon color combination, most sneakerheads will associate black, red, and white with the “Bred” colorways of Michael Jordan’s signature line.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $780
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Balenciaga and other fashion houses are no stranger to adopting silhouettes and colorways from the street, which is why it’s no surprise that the popular Speed Trainer model has been given a “Bred-”inspired makeover. The black and red colorway reminds strongly of Michael Jordan’s banned signature sneaker from 1988, the Nike Air Jordan 1, which arrived with similar color blocking before being banned in the NBA for breaking uniform code.
The Speed Trainer rose to prominence during the height of the sock-runner popularity. While not as popular anymore, it’s still a big part of the brand’s footwear offering, providing a sleeker alternative to the Triple S and the Track sneaker series.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer Triple Black
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer
Key Features: The popular Balenciaga Speed Trainer is given a triple black makeover. The stealthy colorway allows the white Balenciaga logo on the knit upper to stand out.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $780
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: There are not many things sleeker than a pair of triple black sneakers, which is why Balenciaga’s most sporty design had to also come in a triple black variant. The sneaker rose to prominence during the height of the sock-runner popularity. While not as popular anymore, it’s still a big part of the brand’s footwear offering, providing a sleeker alternative to the Triple S and the Track sneaker series.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer Triple Red
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer
Key Features: This Speed Trainer sees both the sock-like, knitted upper and the performance-inspired midsole reimagined in all-red, perhaps taking (loose) inspiration from Kanye West’s Air Yeezy 2 “Red October.”
Release Date: Available now
Price: $780
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Triple red, as long ago as the surprise-drop of the “Red October” may have been, is still in style. At least that’s according to Balenciaga, who are offering an all-red version of its popular Speed Trainer silhouette. The sneaker rose to prominence during the height of the sock-runner popularity. While not as popular anymore, it’s still a big part of the brand’s footwear offering, providing a sleeker alternative to the Triple S and the Track sneaker series.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer High
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer High
Key Features: This version of the Speed Trainer features a high-top, sock-like, knit upper with the Balenciaga logo written across the front of the ankle cuff. It comes in the classic black and white colorway with a chunky, foam sole.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $795
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Balenciaga’s Speed Trainer also comes in a high-top variant for those that want to swap out the original mid-top version. The sneaker was highly popular in 2017 and early 2018 but the sock-like style quickly fizzled out as chunkier, retro sportswear-inspired designs were favored by brands and consumers alike. Still, Balenciaga continues to produce the Speed Trainer series and it is available in many different colorways and variants for those that still dig it.
Balenciaga Speed Trainer Laces
Brand: Balenciaga
Model: Speed Trainer Lace-Up
Key Features: Featuring a fully-knit, sock-like upper, Balenciaga has added a lacing option to its popular Speed Trainer. This sees the upper reduced in height. The thick, performance-inspired sole unit stays the same.
Release Date: Available now
Price: $770
Buy: Balenciaga
Editor’s Notes: Shortly after debuting the Balenciaga Speed Trainer, the fashion house dropped a version with laces. The upper seems almost identical to the laceless version, which begs the question, why add laces if the original was sturdy enough? We’ll probably never know the answer but at the very least we’re left with an alternative option should the laceless design become to muted for our tastes.
The best Balenciaga sneakers for men are:
Track 2
Track LED
Track “Neon Green”
Triple S “Faux Smudge”
Laced Sole Leather Derby Shoes
Triple S “Bred”
Triple S Clear Sole
Track 2 Multi
Track 2 Monochrome
Track “Bred”
Track Monochrome
Speed Trainer OG
Speed Trainer “Bred”
Speed Trainer Triple Black
Speed Trainer Triple Red
Speed Trainer High
Speed Trainer Laces
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Balenciaga sneakers?
The retail price for Balenciaga sneakers depends on several different factors. The model usually determines the price, as do the materials used (some models come in more premium iterations and therefore have a higher price than the standard). Occasionally, where you’re shopping can also have an effect on the price. As all apparel and sneakers come with a Minimum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), some retailers can choose to charge more than others for certain items. Geographic location is also a factor, as different countries have different taxes and import duties, that can be passed on to the shopper.
The latest Balenciaga Triple S sneakers range from $895 to $975. Balenciaga’s Track 2 sneaker costs $895, while the Speed Trainer retails for $780. Balenciaga sneakers are generally more expensive than sneakers from sportswear brands like Nike and adidas, due to the luxury name associated with Balenciaga products.
Where are Balenciaga shoes made?
Balenciaga sneakers are made in one of two places: Italy and China. Early Balenciaga Triple S sneakers were manufactured in Italy but production was shifted to China for undisclosed reasons. This was discovered on by Reddit users in mid 2018 and caused a bit of a stir online. Most agreed that it was the lack of communication by Balenciaga that was a problem, not the fact that manufacturing was moved to China. “Made in Italy” comes with certain connotations, as does made in China – deserved or not – and it’s these perceived connotations and notions of craftsmanship and quality that influence millions of buying decisions every day. The Balenciaga Track 2 is also made in China. The sock-like Balenciaga Speed is still manufactured in Italy and comes with “Made in Italy” certification.
Are Balenciaga sneakers true to size?
While it differs from model to model, most Balenciaga sneakers tend to run big. This means that it’s usually best to try them on in a store before buying them online, or trying to find a reliable website that compares the fit of certain Balenciaga sneakers to those from brands you already own, such as Nike or adidas. Another thing to note is that Balenciaga sneakers are only offered in full sizes. This means that should you be between sizes with other brands, you will need to take this into account when choosing the right size in Balenciaga footwear.
How much you should size down fully depends on your foot, but a good rule of thumb is to take a full size down from what you usually wear or the closest full size. This means that, should you be a US 9 (42.5 EU), it is recommended you go with a 41 EU size Balenciaga sneaker.
