Who should buy the Balenciaga Race Runners

Coveted by many for its luxurious looks, the low-top Balenciaga Race Runners equals its high asking price with its fit-for-royalty build. Add this to your shopping cart if:

  • You wish to be taller, if only for a few centimeters.
  • A real looker that provides high breathability is what you need.
  • You're a collector or premium kicks that look stunning, especially on sunny days.

Who should NOT buy it

If half sizes have always been a plus for you and overspending a big no-no, skip the Race Runners and opt for the New Balance 327 instead. Also, if you need that extra space, look in the direction of the Nike Daybreak.

Super-comfy rides in the Balenciaga Race Runners

Nearly all reviewers applaud the low-top Balenciaga Race Runners for its supremely comfortable confines.

Exceptional finish

Almost all praise this sneaker for its high-quality materials and well-crafted build.

Versatile poshness

Its unique, sleek silhouette with a minimally branded design is quite praiseworthy, a majority of owners say. This head-turning appeal also makes the shoe pretty versatile, as it can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Whole sizes only

Numerous reviewers are dismayed that the Balenciaga Race Runners are only available in whole sizes.

Balenciaga Race Runners equals squished feet

A considerable number of sneakerheads dislike the Race Runners' narrow confines.

Lifts you up (literally)

Its elevated sole unit gives a height boost and makes legs look longer, reviewers say.

Convenient on and off

The Balenciaga Race Runner's easy-to-wear construction is one of the shoe's many aces.

A towering asking price

Like most kicks from Balenciaga, the Race Runners can thin your wallet in an instant.

Balenciaga Race Runners: A product history

Back in the day, sneakers made by haute couture brands were rarely seen on the streets. These days, though, luxe kicks, including the Balenciagas, are spotted more frequently.

The Balenciaga is a Parisian luxury fashion house that was initially founded in Spain. It was established by Cristobal Balenciaga, who was dubbed the “master of all of us” by another respected designer Christian Dior. Born as a seamstress’ son in the year 1895, he received formal training in tailoring and, later on, opened his first boutique. Since then, he was lauded for his knowledge of construction and technique, as well as his unwavering perfectionism.

Perceived as a revolutionary force in the fashion world, Balenciaga’s timeless, elegant creations were, at first, adored by Spain’s royal family and aristocrats. His customer base eventually increased in size as his influence expanded globally. To date, this high-end brand is now sought-after by the most meticulous shoppers, including known personalities like Kevin Hart, Michelle Keegan, and Kanye West.

The low-top Balenciaga Race Runners are among the brand’s signature models. Its minimally-branded silhouette may remind some of Adidas’ contemporary models. This Balenciaga staple, though, remains unique as it maintains the brand’s signature style. Urban glamour blended with refined materials and innovation, optimal comfort, and upscale aesthetics can be expected from this piece.

This lifestyle sneaker already gained a following after its release in 2016. Its popularity, however, gave others a compelling reason to replicate it. The top-tier quality of the materials of the authentic pairs, as well as its uncompromised craftsmanship, thankfully, can never be reproduced.

Facts / Specs

Style: Sporty, Minimalist
Top: Low
Inspired from: Running
Closure: Slip-on, Laces
Material: Leather, Mesh, Rubber Sole, EVA, Neoprene / Fabric
Season: Spring, Summer
Features: Designer

Compare popularity Interactive

Compare the popularity of another shoe to Balenciaga Race Runners:
Author
Danny McLoughlin
Danny McLoughlin

Danny is a sports nut with a particular interest in football and running. He loves to watch sports as much as he loves to play. Danny was lead researcher on RunRepeat and The PFA’s report into Racial Bias in Football Commentary. His football and running research has been featured in The Guardian, BBC, New York Times and Washington Post.