Our verdict
ASICS Gel Kayano 14 ASICS do things and the chunkiness of Hoka hikers, the Balenciaga 3XL is a breathtaking sneaker with massive amounts of flair and presence. Dubbed "fun and unique" by a well-known vlogger, this running-inspired shoe has a huge athleisure appeal. That said, its stoutness is also reflected in its price, so get ready to part with your hard-earned dough if you wish to go the 3XL route.
Pros
- Attractive distressed design
- Exceptionally comfy
- Promotes transitions
- Cool secondary lace setup
- Surprisingly light
- Quite ventilated
- Jives well with over-sized bottoms
- Swell packaging
Cons
- Can make feet look too fat
- Ridiculously expensive
- Its heel can feel awkward
A second pair of laces with a twist
particularly light ones, are what youre after Balenciaga is a larger-than-life kick that oozes premium chicness. Add it to your shopping list if:
- Being instantly noticed from the ground up is how you roll.
- You're a fan of loose joggers and baggy pants.
- Chunky sneakers, particularly light ones, are what you're after.
- Same brand only.
- Extra walking forswear is number one on your sneaker must-have list.
Who should NOT buy it
If you're not into shoes with a colossal silhouette, the 3XL might not be for you. In its place, check out the sleeker Balenciaga Runner. There's also the ASICS Gel Kayano 14 if you're looking for a considerably cheaper pair. Finally, turn to the Balenciaga Phantom Extra walking support is number one on your sneaker must-have list.
10/10 grungy gorgeousness
Video bloggers are mesmerized by the distressed beauty of the Balenciaga 3XL. One of them says, "I’m absolutely obsessed with them." Another one says, "They scream fun to me… these shoes are fun!"
Balenciaga 3XL: Comfort to the third power
According to professional reviewers, the sporty 3XL spoils the foot with immense plushness. "The most comfortable Balenciaga shoes I own," one of them proudly says.
Its rich comfort is primarily sourced from its springy sole, making standing and walking all day such pleasurable experiences. The shoe's soft padding also adds to its overall suppleness.
Your new BFF for strolls
Walking in the Balenciaga 3XL is glide-like, and sneaker pundits agree. One of them says that, in this kick, it's "pretty easy to walk." Another one says that it's "quite easy to walk in compared to other offerings from Balenciaga."
A second pair of laces with a twist
The Balenciaga 3XL sets itself apart from other sneakers in that the extra shoestrings it comes with aren't stored in a plastic bag; instead, each is ingeniously set up around the forefoot section of the shoe.
Because of this, vloggers are deeply impressed. One of them says, "This is dope." Another reviewer calls the entire thing "really crazy."
The brand, however, strongly advises purchasers to untie and remove them before use. This way, lace-related accidents may be avoided.
Chunky in appearance only
Despite its imposing construction, the 3XL, based on reports, is not heavy at all. The remarks "They feel very lightweight" and "incredibly light" prove this.
But it's still fattening
Vloggers are fully aware that the Balenciaga 3XL is a full-fledged chunky sneaker. That said, they seem to still throw shade on its bulbous design. One of them calls it "extremely wide" in terms of looks (not fit). Another tester says, "These shoes are very ducky."
Not the best on descents
With the size of its heel flare rivaling that of the Hoka TenNine, the Balenciaga 3XL can be worrying while descending stairs. A footwear maven who thinks so has this in his vlog: "The heel is humongous!"
Three times the breeziness in the 3XL
Critics are convinced that the Balenciaga 3XL does not hold back when it comes to breathability. Because of this, one of them calls the shoe the "perfect summer sneaker."
Complementary to your billowing bottoms
Sneaker journos are stoked about the enormousness of the Balenciaga 3XL. They say that phat pants and jeans work beautifully with this premium kick.
The featured sneaker, however, should not be limited to such baggy bottoms. Indeed, a vlogger says you can rock it with slim joggers as long as you can pull off a look that works well with the chosen colorway.
Something ready for travel
An expert adores the 3XL's minimalist-yet-chic shoe box. He says, "I love the packaging… always beautiful."
It's also worth noting that in each box, the 3XL comes with a sling bag, which has that flashy Balenciaga branding on it. A video blogger is always excited to use it when traveling.
The 3XL's extra-luxurious price tag
Perhaps the most notorious aspect of the Balenciaga 3XL is its sky-high asking price of $1,090. It's basically in the middle of the equally expensive We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us ($1,050) and Balenciaga Runner ($1,150). Furthermore, the kick in question shoots past the average price of designer shoes by $177.
