Balenciaga's 3XL Trainer From Summer 2023's "The Mud Show" Is Selling Out Already

Balenciaga is on a path to find redemption as it has just announced that it will be partnering with the National Children’s Alliance (in conjunction with the Kering Foundation) to train teams and educate itself on child protection. And in case you’ve been sleeping under a rock, this is the result of Balenciaga’s controversial campaign that depicted children holding bondage-clad teddy bears, or other images with backdrops comprising questionably divisive contracts, papers, and imagery. But as the House looks towards the future — it will be holding a runway show at the upcoming women’s Paris Fashion Week, after all — it now aims to get back on track, releasing pieces such as the 3XL Trainer from its contentious Summer 2023 runway show — the one that was opened by Ye.

Designed by Demna, the new sneaker is yet another example of Balenciaga’s keen eye for subversion, references, and cultural twists. It takes a quintessential noughties running sneaker and blows things out of proportion, elevating elements like the sole unit while also adding the lace that runs over and around the toe of the shoe — something only Balenciaga could get away with.

During the show the 3XL Trainer was covered in mud, thanks to the runway being a literal wet dirt pit. For the retail pairs, the shoe is treated to a light amount of distressing, wearing out the polyurethane panels that dart over the mesh body. Likewise, the extended sole unit is rubbed and lacks the sheen of a new pair of kicks, instead looking as if they’ve been run in thoroughly.

In true Balenciaga fashion, we find the House branding hit the toe bumper and heel, while EU sizing also works the heel. “3XL” emblazons the tongue, rounding out the pair.

Much like other coveted items from the brand — like the Steroid Boot that Ye wore — the Balenciaga 3XL Trainer is already selling out in the “Light Beige” and multicolored colorways. Take a look at the new pair above, and pick them up from Balenciaga stores worldwide and online now for £830 GBP (approximately $1,000 USD).

In related news, here’s a closer look at the Balenciaga Defender Extreme Tire Tread clog.