Balenciaga Arena High review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 16 users
Pros
- Offers value for money
- Quality leather used
- A must-have shoe
- Leather upper and interior
- Maintains its structure
- Luxurious appeal
- Exceptional construction
- Sturdier materials used
Cons
- Needs time to break-in
- High-top design may not for everyone
58% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 25% most popular sneakers
Comparison to similar sneakers
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Who should buy the Balenciaga Arena High
- Get the Balenciaga Arena High if you want a minimalist, durable and iconic designer shoe that makes you look like a member of a royal family.
- This Balenciaga classic is a fantastic choice for sneaker enthusiasts who like to wear and collect high end designer shoe with exceptional craftsmanship.
Offers comfortable and supportive feel
The Balenciaga Arena High is a men's sneaker. Based on the brand's recommendation, going a full size down will help attain the more optimum fit. Most of those who purchased, however, suggested that two sizes down worked well for them.
Even though the lambskin upper is plush and buttery, it conforms to the feet giving it a comfortable and supportive feel.
Arena High provides a customizable fit
It has the same extended lacing system, featuring D-ring lacing or matte palladium metal finishing loops, all the way to the ankles as it is hiking-boot inspired.
One of Balenciaga's most identifiable designs and most iconic sneakers released is the Arena High. Although clad in a futuristic profile, these sneakers stay consistent with the Balenciaga style of still being a wearable piece.
High-top silhouette may not be for everyone
However, the high-top silhouette may require some getting used to for some people.
The Balenciaga Arena High may not also be the most comfortable shoe fresh out of the box. Several reviewers said that it may take time to break-in the shoe and enjoy its comfort.
Unique minimalist design
The minimal design remains to stand out because of the use of premium materials. The crinkled lambskin upper not only provides texture but is also strategic in a way to disguise the signs for continuous and long-term wear.
Because of its high-top silhouette, it is best to pair these with cropped pants to showcase the shoe fully. Unlike other models of luxury sneakers, these come in plenty of colorways, from neutral, to bright, to a gradient.
Excellent craftsmanship and durability
Although most sneakers, both high-end and mass-produced, have something to boast, it takes only a few to master the mix of design and excellent craftsmanship. The Balenciaga Arena High exhibits the perfect blend of very opposing qualities of rugged and luxurious.
Its identifiable silhouette matched with wrinkled but opulent lambskin upper sitting atop a durable outsole and sealed with impeccable stitching makes these sneakers a head-turner. Every component makes the shoe distinguishable. Thus, there is no need to stamp these with loud branding.
Setting a high standard designer shoe
For another respectable designer like Christian Dior to call one the "master of all," it only goes to show that Cristobal Balenciaga set the standards high when it comes to his designer shoes.
With more than 20 years of experience as a couturier, Balenciaga stood out from other designers and created an instant impact on both the press and his clients for being extremely knowledgeable in his craft, from the design process to finishing a garment.
Attention-grabbing luxurious looks
Although starting with simplistic designs and bold hues, the designer eventually discovered his style and became well-known for Avante-Garde pieces that are translated to street style.
One of his recent creations is the Balenciaga Arena, a much simplistic and minimal-designed sneaker compared to the more attention-grabbing Triple S.
Balenciaga brand is a popular shoe for celebrities
The matte outsole features a wavy pattern to provide traction. The metal tab with guillochet seen at the front of the shoe complements the metal lacing system and adds flair to its overall design.
A long list of celebrities was seen sporting the Balenciaga Adidas High. Some of them include Kanye West, Usher, Tristan Thompson, and Rihanna.