Luxury label Balenciaga has raised eyebrows with its latest shoes design, called ‘reptile trainers’.
Founded in Spain, the high-end brand, which counts Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber as fans, has garnered a massive following with its avant-garde designs.
However, the brand’s latest trainer model, which features a ‘worn-out effect’ and ‘elongated toe’ has caused heads to turn for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users have taken to X to brand the new reptile-inspired shoes as ‘hideous’, with another questioning: ‘This is a joke, right?’
Despite disbelief from sceptical observers, the shoes are very much real, and not to mention the £1,460 price tag.
Balenciaga has caused a storm on social media following the release of the new ‘reptile trainers’
The shoes, which are made in China, and come in black or silver, are leather free and made from polyurethane and polyester.
They include several unique features, including a ‘worn-out effect’ and ‘elongated toe’, as well as having the shoe size embossed on the back of the heel.
And despite costing a staggering £1,460, they are sold out in some sizes on the Balenciaga website.
However, social media users have been quick to slam the shoes. One said: ‘This looks so hideous!’ A second added: ‘Anybody who wears these should be bullied for two years straight.’
‘Ok no…. now they’re going way too far’, a third added. Another joked: ‘Whoever designs for Balenciaga must go to jail right now.’
Elsewhere, Balenciaga is selling a simple black tie for an eye-watering £250 – but appears to be nothing more than a regular tie.
The Spanish luxury fashion house has become known for its wacky and unconventional designs – but seemed to disappoint with the mediocrity of one recent item.
Meanwhile, Asda sells a far cheaper alternative for £5, with the added benefit that it can go in the washing machine, while the Balenciaga tie must be dry cleaned.
Despite costing a staggering £1,460, the shoes have sold out in some sizes on the Balenciaga website
The trainers have a ‘worn-out effect’ and ‘elongated toe’, as well as having the shoe size embossed on the back of the heel
Bizarre pictures on Balenciaga’s website show a model donning the tie while wearing a blindfold, with the tie itself difficult to make out on a navy shirt. Another strange image shows a crumpled up version of the tie.
The tie on sale on trendy clothing brand Balenciaga’s website is made in Italy, and out of lyocell, a plant-based fabric made from wood pulp.
The cheaper supermarket version is machine-washable and 100 per cent polyester at £245 less.
Balenciaga described the item as: ‘Tie in black fluid cellulosic poplin. We are committed to the sustainable and ethical management of our operations.
‘The goal of reducing our environmental impact influences our decisions.
‘At all levels and in all locales-whether at offices and stores or along the supply chain-we respect high standards for social and ecological responsibility.
‘Balenciaga is also fur- and exotic leather-free.’
Meanwhile, Asda’s description simply stated: ‘Regular fit, matte finish, machine washable.’
Despite all odds, the tie seems to be popular, with the website showing only one remaining in stock.
People took to X to share their thoughts on the shoes, and one said the brand has gone ‘way too far’
Tesco and Sainsbury’s also sell a black tie for £5, with the neck garment selling on Amazon for as little as £2.50.
Balenciaga is known for its wacky designs. Last November, it started selling a skirt that looked like a towel wrapped around the wearer for £695.
The design was later mocked by Dame Kelly Holmes on Loose Women, who modelled a £20 towel on the show.
The fashion line is popular with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and England and Man City ace Jack Grealish.
It faced a backlash in 2022 for an advertising campaign showing children holding bondage-clad teddy bear handbags.
Unsurprisingly, the campaign images caused a stir among parents on social media – who branded them ‘creepy’ and ‘uncomfortable’.
