Balenciaga sneakers for men have gained attention over the last few years. Trends have been leading towards streetwear and comfort for quite some time now. With Balenciaga being one of the most influential and significant brand names of today, you might just be in the market for a pair of Balenciaga men’s sneakers.
Balenciaga’s move into streetwear and the introduction of their coveted sneakers is largely thanks to Demna Gvasalia. When the Georgian designer took the helm of Balenciaga in 2015, he moved the brand away from the minimalist sportswear leanings of his predecessor Alexander Wang.
Gvasalia’s approach to style is both radical and intrinsically true to one of the founding aesthetics of the brand: a play on proportion. The creative director stated that: ‘It is important to know the past in order to feel the future’. The brand’s popularity among celebrities highlights its standing in popular culture and the fashion landscape. The brand has become increasingly political and doesn’t shy away from making a bold impact.
Whether it’s the brand’s subversive designs or the windy snowstorm setting of the FW22 show, Balenciaga is one of the most influential luxury brands of the moment.
About Balenciaga
The History of Balenciaga
In 1895, Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre was born in the Spanish part of the Basque Country. As the most famous fashion designer to come from the region, there is a museum devoted to Balenciaga in the founder’s birth town of Getaria.
The brand’s story begins in 1917, when Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga founded the House and haute couture atelier in San Sebastián. Twenty years later, in 1937, the location was moved to Avenue Georges V in Paris where it is still based today.
The Maison closed in 1968 and Cristóbal Balenciaga’s death followed four years later. It wasn’t until 1986 that the brand relaunched under the helm of celebrated creative directors, such as Nicolas Ghesquière and the current creative lead, Demna Gvasalia.
Balenciaga’s Signature Aesthetic
Cristóbal Balenciaga was renowned for his precision and attention to detail. At the start of his career, the focus was on simple silhouettes and bold colorways. As his career progressed into the 1950s, he became more inspired by creating unexpected shapes with structural volume. This was considered the designer’s most creative and impactful era, which became the brand’s blueprint.
In the late ‘50s, Balenciaga introduced the ‘sack dress’, which went against the grain and caused controversy. The dress had a straight silhouette, without cinching in at the waist. While not initially popular, it is now considered the predecessor to the ever-popular mini dress that hit the scene in the 1960s.
Today, the brand’s play on volume and shape still plays a vital role in the House’s aesthetic. From chunky sneakers, such as the Triple S, and voluminous details in the ready-to-wear line-up, the true essence of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s remains in place.
The 5 Best Balenciaga Sneakers For Men
Triple S sneakers
Released in 2017, Balenciaga’s Triple S sneakers quickly became a fan favorite. The pair sits atop a layered triple sole, which inspired the shoe’s moniker. With a super chunky silhouette, the pair led the ‘ugly sneaker’ trend and have become a staple part of the brand’s seasonal collections.
Speed sneakers
The Balenciaga Speed sneakers came out in 2016. The sock-style sneaker is instantly recognizable thanks to its sleek shape and knitted upper. The pair gained immediate popularity and hype, with a long list of celebrity customers.
Track.2 sneakers
An updated take on the original Track sneakers, the Track.2 sneakers have an even more complex construction. The pair boasts a paneled construction with a multi-layered look.
Defender sneakers
Taking note of the wheels of a well-known car, the Defender sneakers from Balenciaga have a thick, tire-inspired rubber sole. The pair were unveiled on the SS22 catwalk.
Runner sneakers
Introduced in 2021, the Runner sneakers from Balenciaga were proof that the brand is far from done with its penchant for chunky dad sneakers. Designed to resemble running shoes from the ‘90s, the pair are imbued with a sense of nostalgia.
Where To Buy Balenciaga Sneakers For Men
If you’re in the market for a pair of Balenciaga men’s sneakers, you may want to consider shopping pre-owned. Not only does it allow you to save money but it is also the most sustainable way to shop.
myGemma has a range of pre-owned sneakers at prices to love. Each pair has been authenticated so you can shop with the utmost confidence. Browse our selection of Balenciaga sneakers for men.
