Luxury brand Balenciaga has turned heads with its latest shoe design, called ‘reptile sneakers’.
Founded in Spain, the high-end brand, which counts Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber as fans, has gained a large following with its cutting-edge designs.
However, the brand’s latest sneaker model, which features a “worn effect” and an “elongated toe”, has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users have taken to X to call the new reptile-inspired shoes “awful,” with another question: “This is a joke, right?”
Despite the disbelief of skeptical observers, the shoes are very real – not to mention the £1,460 price tag.
Balenciaga has caused a stir on social networks after the launch of the new ‘reptile sneakers’
The shoes, which are made in China and come in black or silver, do not contain leather and are made of polyurethane and polyester.
They include several unique features, including a “worn effect” and an “elongated toe,” as well as having the shoe size engraved on the back of the heel.
And despite costing a staggering £1,460, some sizes are sold out on Balenciaga’s website.
However, social media users were quick to criticize the shoes. One said: ‘This looks so scary!’ A second added: “Anyone who uses them should be bullied for two years straight.”
‘Okay, no… “Now they are going too far,” added a third. Another joked: “Whoever designs for Balenciaga should go to jail right now.”
Elsewhere, Balenciaga is selling a simple black tie for £250, but it appears to be nothing more than a normal tie.
The Spanish luxury fashion house has become known for its extravagant and unconventional designs, but seemed to disappoint with the mediocrity of a recent item.
Meanwhile, Asda is selling a much cheaper alternative for £5, with the added benefit that it can go in the washing machine, while the Balenciaga tie needs to be dry cleaned.
Despite costing a staggering £1,460, the shoes have sold out in some sizes on Balenciaga’s website.
The sneakers have a ‘worn effect’ and an ‘elongated toe’, as well as having the shoe size engraved on the back of the heel.
Strange images on Balenciaga’s website show a model putting on the tie while blindfolded, and the tie itself is difficult to make out on a navy shirt. Another strange image shows a wrinkled version of the tie.
The tie sold on the website of the fashion clothing brand Balenciaga is made in Italy and with lyocell, a plant fabric made from wood pulp.
The cheapest supermarket version is machine washable and 100 per cent polyester for £245 less.
Balenciaga described the item as: ‘Black fluid cellulosic poplin tie. 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 locations, whether in offices and stores or along the supply chain, we respect high standards of social and ecological responsibility.
“Balenciaga also does not use exotic skins or leathers.”
Meanwhile, Asda’s description simply said: “Regular fit, matte finish, machine washable.”
Despite all odds, the tie appears to be popular and the website shows there is only one left in stock.
People took to X to share their thoughts on the shoes, with one saying the brand had gone “too far.”
Tesco and Sainsbury’s also sell a black tie for £5, and the neckwear is sold on Amazon for just £2.50.
Balenciaga is known for its extravagant designs. Last November, she started selling a skirt that looked like a towel wrapped around the wearer for £695.
The design was later mocked on Loose Women by Dame Kelly Holmes, who modeled a £20 towel on the show.
The fashion line is popular with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and England and Man City ace Jack Grealish.
He faced backlash in 2022 for an ad campaign that showed children holding bags of teddy bears dressed in bondage.
Unsurprisingly, the campaign images caused a stir among parents on social media, who called them “creepy” and “awkward.”
