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Balenciaga
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Brand: Balenciaga

Model: X-Pander

Release Date: Available now to pre-order

Price: $1,250

Buy: Balenciaga

What We’re Saying: Balenciaga’s SS21 show was Demna Gvasalia at his sinister best. The show gave us thumping techno beats, dark streets, and 59 looks that channeled everyone’s post-pandemic mood towards fashion: comfort over everything.

The Balenciaga show also gave us our first look at the X-Pander, the fashion house’s latest sneaker design. Like the Track and Track 2 before it, the X-Pander has a distinct ’90s or early ’00s aesthetic about it.

A mesh base gives way to mixed-material overlays. In terms of its design, there’s nothing about the sneaker’s upper that screams Balenciaga — or luxury, for that matter. It’s the sole unit, however, that stands out. The sneaker’s heel is mounted on a spring, which expands Inspector Gadget-style with each step.

Balenciaga's become known for its wild sneaker designs, starting with the ultra-chunky Triple S and more recently its FW20 water shoe, Zen sneaker or Tyrex shoe. In terms of functionality, though, the X-Pander looks to be the craziest.

To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, and sign up to our newsletter for the latest sneaker news sent straight to your inbox.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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