As I’m sure you’re aware, Balenciaga is a high-end designer brand, and high-end designer shoes command high-end designer prices. But with luxury comes complexity, especially when it comes to sizing their iconic footwear.
So, how do Balenciaga shoes fit? Do they run big? Do they run small? Are they true to size?
When you’re done reading this, go back and check the official Balenciaga shoe size chart.
Let’s dive right into it…
How Do Balenciaga Shoes Fit
Balenciaga Tripple S
Generally speaking, the Balenciaga Triple S tends to run on the larger side. If you have narrow feet, you might even need to drop down a full size for that just-right fit
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve found that going down a full size ensures a snug yet comfortable feel, without being overly tight.
But hey, if you prefer a more relaxed fit, sticking to your true size could work too. Just know, they might feel a tad roomier. So, if you’re a US size 12, opting for an 11.5 in the Triple S could provide a better fit.
Related: If Adidas sizing confuses you, here’s everything we know about how they should fit.
Balenciaga 3XL
In luxury fashion shoes, I typically go down a size. I’m a traditional 9 or 9.5 depending on the make of the shoe, which will be essentially almost a 42. Typically, like most Balenciaga shoes, the 3XLs do run big.
Now, I prefer my shoes to be fairly on the snug side; not tight, but pretty snug like a nice warm little pug around my feet, if that makes sense.
With that being said, I did try the Balenciaga 3XLs in store. I went straight for a 41 because in my head that’s probably what I ended up wearing because that’s pretty much all I ever get from Balenciaga, 41.
Understanding that there would still going to be some extra toe room on the inside, I still felt my foot kind of sliding a little bit more back and forth than what I would like. Because of that, I actually went down to a 40.
I think the 40 was perfect for me because this mesh material is very soft and plush on the inside, so I’m not constricting my foot and I still have a nice secure snug fit that I really like.
I did try a size 39 just to get the feel for it and I feel like that was a little bit too tight although aesthetically, it worked out a little bit better for me, but as far as comfort, these are still fairly big shoe.
So, here’s my recommendation for sizing…
If you have a pretty wide or big foot, I suggest you go with your traditional sizing for Balenciaga shoes. Probably, I’ll say whatever you go for like your Triple S and maybe your Tracks, I’ll stick with that.
If you have a smaller foot and you want something just a little bit more secure, go down one size. If you want something that’s really secure and snug, go down two like I did. That’ll be my best recommendation for you.
Related: If you want to get some new loafers, make sure you read how loafers are supposed to fit.
Balenciaga Speed Runner
The Balenciaga Speed Runners tend to run a bit big. So, here’s what happened with me—I usually wear a US men’s size 9, which translates to a European 42. But when I tried that size, they felt like my feet were swimming inside the shoe!
And you know why?
It’s because there are no laces to tighten them up.
So, if you’re like me and you want your shoes to stay put, it’s probably a good idea to size down in your Speed Runners. I’d say go for a size smaller than what you’re used to, maybe even half a size down if you can swing it.
To make things worse, the Speed Runners don’t come in half sizes, so you gotta round down. For example, if you’re normally a 7.5, aim for a size 7 or a European 41. That way, you’ll avoid that annoying feeling of your foot slipping out with every step.
Balenciaga Track Sneakers
Now, here’s the thing that might surprise you: despite its larger-than-life appearance, the Track Sneaker can actually fit true to size, especially if you’ve got narrow feet.
Seriously, when I first laid eyes on them, I thought they were at least two sizes too big compared to other sneakers! They’re wider in the toe box area, which is going to leave a lot of extra room, especially if you’ve got narrow feet, but you won’t need to size down two sizes.
My true size would be US 9 or 9.5, which would correlate to a 42 but these do run a bit big. I have tried on both 42 and 41. In the 42, my feet were sliding back and forth, but I feel like 41 ended up being a perfect fit.
Again, when I tried them on, they felt too wide and just looked a bit too chunky on my feet. So, it’s definitely worth considering sizing down for a sleeker, more comfortable feel.
So, even though the official word is that the Track Sneakers run true to size, I would say size a whole size down to ensure a snug fit.
Related: Thinkig of getting some Alexander MuQueens, here’s their official sizing chart.
Balenciaga Runner Sneakers
Balenciaga’s always run big so you do want to size down in these as well. I’m a 9.5 and I wore the 42 in these. 42 equates to a US 9. I tried the 41, but they were a little too tight, especially in the toe box area.
So, whether you’re a half size or a full size, you may want to size down.
Balenciaga Crocs Boots
Initially, even with my thick socks, the Balenciaga Crocs Boots felt like I was swimming in them. It turns out these boots have a tendency to run about half a size larger than you’d expect.
So, here’s my advice straight to you: if these beauties have caught your eye, consider going down by half a size for that perfect fit. Trust me, I did just that, and the difference it made was remarkable. Now, with each step, there’s no more awkward flopping around—they feel snug and just right.
So, don’t let the sizing puzzle deter you. Take the plunge, size down, and step into comfort and style like never before.
Related: If you have any other boots and wonder how they should fit, here’s everything we know about how boots should fit.
Balenciaga Cargo Sneakers
I did size down to a size 40 in these, but I usually wear 42 in Balenciaga.
The site does suggest sizing down because the Balenciaga Cargo’s do run big. After checking a few different sizes, I decided to size down by two because I didn’t want them to be too oversized. So, you could probably size down by one to two sizes from your typical Balenciaga size.
Compared to the Crocs Boots, the Cargo’s are longer than the Crocs, but they are less wide. Crocs have a little bit more room inside than the Cargo’s.
Compared to the 3XLs, the Cargo sneakers are a little bit longer and more wide than the 3XL, but the inside of the 3XL has a little bit more room than the Cargo sneaker.
So, Balenciaga sizing is a little confusing, but, again, if you want your Cargo’s to fit more snug, I suggest sizing down two from a typical Balenciaga size, but if you want a little more room inside, just size down by one.
Balenciaga Trooper Boots
Balenciagas do run big in general and these boots come in full sizes only, so I would suggest sizing down at least one size. I’m 9 to 9.5 and I went with 8 in these and they fit perfectly.
So, if you’re going to pick these Balenciaga Troopers up, do size down at least one size.
Balenciaga Defender
I picked the Balenciaga Defender up in a 42, which is US 9. I usually size down in Balenciaga shoes because they do run big. So if you pick these up, you may want to size down by one.
Balenciaga Xpander
From what I’ve found, the Balenciaga Xpander’s generally stick to the script when it comes to sizing—true to size, if not a touch snugger compared to the Speed Runners.
So, if you’re scratching your head about which size to go for, I’d say stick to your guns and go with your usual size. Trust me, you’ll be golden because these babies run true to size, unlike some other Balenciaga styles like the Triple S which tend to run on the larger side.
Balenciaga Shoe Sizing FAQs
Do Balenciagas run small or big?
Generally speaking, Balenciaga shoes tend to run on the larger side. The Balenciaga Tripple S runs big, the 3XL runs big, the Speed Runner runs big, the Track Sneakers run big, the Runner runs big, the Crocs Boots run big, the Cargo runs big, the Trooper Boots run big, the Defender runs big, but the Xpander runs true to size.
What size is 8.5 in Balenciaga?
Since most Balenciaga shoes run big, if you’re a size US 8.5, you need to get US 8 which translates to EU 41, UK 7, 26CM, 10.24 inches.
Do Balenciaga sneakers run large?
Yes, Balenciaga sneakers run big like most Balenciaga shoes, so you’ll have to size down.
Are Balenciagas good for wide feet?
Balenciaga shoes tend to run larger compared to other brands, which can be beneficial for individuals with wider feet. I’ve found that the spacious design of Balenciaga shoes accommodates wider feet quite well. Balenciaga offers various styles and models, some of which have wider toe boxes and broader overall construction.
How did Balenciaga get so big?
Many designer brands, including Balenciaga, Gucci, and Chanel, often produce shoes that run larger in size. This trend towards larger sizing might be due to the luxury market’s emphasis on providing a comfortable and spacious fit for their customers. This sizing tendency has appealed to a wide range of consumers, including those with wider feet who often struggle to find comfortable options in mainstream shoe brands.
So there you have it. I hope we’ve been successful in shedding light on how Balenciaga shoes typically fit. As discussed, Balenciaga shoes tend to run larger in size, following a trend common among luxury designer brands like Gucci and Chanel. This sizing strategy prioritizes comfort and spaciousness, making Balenciaga footwear particularly appealing to a diverse range of consumers, including those with wider feet.
If you have any more questions about Balenciaga shoes or need further assistance in finding the perfect fit, feel free to reach out.
I’ll see you in the next one.