Balenciaga’s ubiquitous “Dad Shoes” can be notoriously difficult to style. Quirkily reminiscent of your typical 80s or 90s dad, these sneakers that seem to purposefully ignore everything we have come to associate with refined footwear have made an unexpected comeback… as a fashion statement! But just because they have made it to the height of good tastes doesn’t mean that they are easy to include into your everyday outfits. Let’s take a look at how you can wear Balenciaga shoes to make the most out of these now one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
Before You Decide to Wear Balenciaga Shoes, Learn About Where They Come From
While it is certainly not mandatory to know the entire history behind every item of clothing or footwear you decide to sport. Choosing to wear Balenciaga shoes has to be wholly deliberate. And what better to inspire the trendiest styles than a rich, colorful bit of nostalgia.
It all began when family dads figured out that there was nothing comfier than a good pair of sneakers to run errands on the weekend. Cool, they were definitely not, but they did the job, and aesthetics honestly weren’t these men’s primary concern. What they wanted was shoes you could slap on in an instant – hello Velcro – and never worry about them getting damaged. A parent’s true dream. And let’s not forget about the many elegant ladies that films have consistently shown us ditching their pumps, only to grab a pair of sneakers and catch them – insert mode of transportation – in the nick of time.
Yet, despite all this – or perhaps because of it – they soon became stigmatized, probably more so than they ever genuinely deserved. The reason is quite evident: Who would want to dress like their mum and dad? Gradually, sneakers became sleeker and less conspicuous… That is until the Normcore phenomenon of 2017, which induced an 80–90s revival.
It was a hit. Suddenly, everyone started to wear Balenciaga shoes, particularly the Triple S, to the point that comfy and cool were finally united.
How to Wear Balenciaga Shoes in 2021
If this story tells us why we now wear Balenciaga shoes that look like we just returned from driving the little one to football practice, it doesn’t explain how to do it in style! The trick no longer consists in swapping out your regular shoes in favor of these gigantic – and sometimes intimidating – pieces straight out of a 90s sitcom. Instead, you’ll want to truly celebrate the vast shapes of these delightfully great sneakers and wear Balenciaga shoes with a purpose.
To this end, you may want to start by bringing some balance back to your look. Go for some of the most feminine items of clothing you own. A dainty floral dress, a mini skirt, or a flowy top will undoubtedly highlight the bold statement you are wearing on your feet. An androgynous dream, these shoes also pair wonderfully well with a suitor, for a more relaxed vibe, with a white T-shirt over straight-cut jeans.
Don’t hesitate to have fun with the shapes and materials, inviting in denim or leather. The one thing you might perhaps decide to stay away from is activewear unless you go for the sandal version of dad shoes.
The Many Perks of Oversized Sneakers
Although we now completely understand those who choose to wear Balenciaga shoes entirely for aesthetic reasons, the fact remains that they must count among the most comfortable footwear on the planet. After all, no dad would want to spend their days off in anything less.
This is why they are virtually unbreakable to boot and suitable for just about any situation. Whether you need a reliable pair of shoes to go on a shopping spree without coming back with blisters all over, for a long Sunday walk, or if you want fashionable shoes to make you the star of the next soirée, they’ll do the job. This makes them ideal for those who are trying to minimize our lives and pare down our wardrobes to a few versatile essentials.
Finally, if you’d like one for every occasion, know that not all Balenciaga shoes are the same. The subtle color and shape variations lend themselves to countless creative styles so that you can pick just the right outfit for every time of year, every dress code, every mood. Whether you decide to pair yours with a trench coat or with a bit of black dress, they will channel your impeccable fashion sense wherever you go.
And you, how will you wear your Balenciaga shoes?