Balenciaga Reveals the Dad Shoes of All Dad Shoes: the 10XL Sneaker
have done it again. Ever since the launch of the in 2017, the Spanish luxury fashion brand hasn’t stopped delivering inventive and . The house specialises in designing bulky and bizarre silhouettes that border on optical illusion, and whether you love or hate their high-end decadent kicks, they do demand an opinion. They have now revealed their next insane creation: an inflated, toe-curling ‘gym shoe’ that is aptly titled ‘10XL’. It takes the dad shoe phenomenon to a whole other level!
Debuting at the Balenciaga Fall 24 show in Los Angeles (their first Hollywood show), the 10XL silhouette is inspired by gym footwear. It augments an activewear style sculpture with what Balenciaga refer to as their signature ‘exaggeration in proportion.’ While active footwear is traditionally sleek and understated for function and performance, the 10XL is the opposite. It does adapt a sports style construction, except the silhouette is distorted and enlarged. However, although the shape is extended, the shoe is still lightweight, another element carried over from gym apparel. With aesthetic elements reminiscent of the , the 10XL features a B logo angled towards the heel. Constructed with a mesh upper and a mixture of TPU and rubber for the midsole and outsole, the shoe comes in two colourways, ‘Black/Grey/Blue/Green’ and ‘White/Black/Grey.’
The pair is a limited release and is available in two colourways in both men’s and women’s sizes. They are currently available for pre-order from Balenciaga’s flagship women’s store on Rodeo Drive in LA and on balenciaga.com. Retail for these optical illusions is set at $2,100, so you’ll need an exaggerated wallet as well as taste to cop these ones.