Sneaker Anatomy - Balenciaga "triple S"

Balenciaga sneakers have been talked about for long time. In the sneakers world the brand is known for his best selling models: Arena, Haute Frequence and Pleated, proposed though the years by the fashion house in a thousand of iterations. Those have already become a true classic for every high-end sneakers lover. Yet Balenciaga's FW17 runway show brought some fresh air to the brand's sneaker catalog. Balenciaga new creative director and Vetements designer Demna Gvasalia managed to come out with a whole new sneaker range called "Triple-S". The shoes has been described by the house itself as "heavy-duty, highfashion-spec footwear". The shoes present a clunky silhouette with an elaborated sole composed by three different sole layers. These sneakers seem to proof further that the iconic Raf Simons statement: "ugly is cool" is true. In fact the Belgian designer is a precursor when we think about clunky sneaker with exaggerated sole. He definitely changed world's taste in terms of high-end designed sneakers. Yet is well known that research and archive are fundamental to creative process. So here we have a list of sneakers that may have inspired new Balenciaga sneakers.

#1 FILA Confidence Mid Basketball sneakers

This model was one of the highlights of Fila line up back in the late 90's. The sneakers featured an internal ghilley lacing system. The sole was built up layering a molded CMR sole with 2A and a high performative rubber outsole. 

 

#2 Hoka Ultra Hi WP Hiking Boots

Speaking of heavy duty shoes one can not mention Hoka Hiking boots. The Ultra Hi WP model is a hybrid between a sneaker and a workboot. The concept immediately brings in mind the word that Balenciaga spoke about their new sneakers. The most resembling parts between Hoka Ultra Hi WP and Balenciaga Triple-S are the trekking shoes-like laces, the lacing system and the sole. Ultra Hi WP in fact present a stacked sole between classic Hoka cushioning sole, a blend of EVA and RMAT mid-sole and a Megagrip Vibram out sole.

#3 New balance 990v4

These 30 years legacy shows are maybe the most resembling to the Triple-S in terms of shoe upper. The 990v4 in fact present a mixed upper between mesh and pig leather with a tasseled construction, the same that can be found on the new Balenciaga runway model.

#4 Lanvin Cross-Training sneakers

Back in 2014 the Parisian fashion house made a first attempt to mix running shoe silhouette with heavy duty details. We can compare Lanvin Cross training sneakers with Balenciaga runway shoes in terms of shapes and color pattern. Even if one of Triple-S colorways presented during the show totally brings up in mind the super-famous and heavily-diffused Valentino Runners in their first iteration with smooth leather upper in greysh and greenish tones with fluo tassels detail. Also the pre-distressed leather could remind of some Golden  Goose Superstar leather distressing.

#5 Raf Simons Response Trail

Raf Simons is best known for being the master of clunky sneakers. His ultra-famous Response Trail are maybe the best resembling shoes to new Balenciaga model. Demna seem to have taken heavy inspiration from the Belgian designer's concept and he seems to be willing to bring a whole new generation of iconic hybrid sneakers to light. 

#6 [menzione speciale] Yeezy unreleased runners.

We stille know a little about these new sneakers Kanye have been snapped with while leaving his office in Calabasas, California. By the way, they really look like they are following the clunky sneaker trend. The lack of simmetry between the shoe upper and the sole. The elaborated sole construction that monopolizes the attention and the silhouette made them impossible not to be mentioned. Obviously, it's impossible that actually Demna could have taken inspiration from the Yeezy unreleased runners. This is the reason they are a "special mention", just to state that maybe the exaggerated sneaker trend could hit hard again with the new season.