The Balenciaga Triple S is arguably the sneaker that launched the entire 'ugly shoe' trend in high fashion. When it debuted in 2017, it was genuinely disruptive — a deliberate rejection of sleek minimalism in favor of exaggerated, almost cartoonish proportions. The triple-stacked sole is visually striking and does provide decent cushioning, though the shoe is notably heavy. Build quality is acceptable but not exceptional for the $1,000+ price point, especially after production moved from Italy to China (a controversial shift Balenciaga was not initially transparent about). As a cultural statement piece, it delivered. As a practical sneaker, it's outclassed by athletic brands at a fraction of the cost. The colorways can be genuinely creative, and the shoe photographs well, which matters in the Instagram era. But the trend has cooled considerably, and what once felt avant-garde now reads as somewhat dated. You're paying overwhelmingly for the brand name and design language rather than materials or craftsmanship.
Iconic, trend-defining chunky silhouette that remains instantly recognizable Surprisingly comfortable cushioning from the layered sole design Wide range of bold and creative colorway options Strong cultural cachet in streetwear and fashion circles Price-to-quality ratio is poor — materials don't justify the $1,000+ cost Very heavy compared to other sneakers, limiting all-day wearability The 'dad shoe' trend has peaked, making the design feel less fresh