Balenciaga Race Runners Purple Prune Sneakers Review – FORD LA FEMME

Balenciaga Race Runners Sneakers in Prune Purple Review

You recently just saw my Balenciaga Race Runners in this outfit post, in which I said I would be doing a review on them for you soon, so here it is. I originally bought these at Farfetch as I had a decent discount code so could afford them finally! I’m sure a lot of you are familiar with the Race Runners as they are one of the brand’s most famous shoes, combining Demna Gvasalia’s signature touch with a dose of urban glamour. They feature panels crafted from metallic leather, while the mesh and elastic are united by a chic purple colour palette. The streamlined sole disguises a wedge heel – perfect for giving your legs that extra boost they need as well! So, my review on these sneakers is below and I’m sure you can tell that I absolutely love them!

The Sizing

I found these Balenciaga Race Runners to run quite small in comparison to how US or UK shoes fit. But very true to size for a European brand. As an example, in the UK and US, I’m always a 39 most of the time, but in European shoes, I’m regularly a 40. I took a 40 in these and they actually fit quite snug and just right. There’s no way I could have fitted into a 39 at all, so go with your normal Italian size or size up one if you’re used to the normal UK and US sizes. If that helps? I was quite surprised with how small they run though as I’m never usually a tight 40. But, Adam does have these in his usual size of 42 and they fit him just fine, so I don’t know if it’s just the women’s.

The Comfort

At first I wasn’t sure if these would be comfortable as I put them on with no socks and I could feel my little toe against the inside of the shoe, and the insole seemed quite hard as it’s leather (with a rubber sole), however that was completely put to bed when I tried them with socks and wore them out. They are SO comfortable! I didn’t feel any pain, no rubbing, no discomfort, my feet didn’t ache, and they soften up with wear. They’re actually quite bouncy and springy on your feet, so I understand where the term Race Runners come from. I think you could run in these and be ok! Not that I would want to do that as they might ruin, but they’re definitely comfortable and easy to wear, so much so that I wore them for almost the entire day and didn’t want to take them off.

The Design & Colour

This was what attracted me to the Balenciaga Race Runners in the first place. I have always been a fan of the sporty shoe look, especially when they’re pointy and sleek like these are, but never really purchased any because of the price. Luckily, with my discount, that made things easier. These are made from a mixture of leather, elastic, rubber, and neoprene. I love how they mix the materials together, so the front is a mesh fabric, it has an elastic strap over the top, then metallic panels on the sides, the heel is also metallic, and the actual part you slip your foot into is an elastic sock. The laces are really just aesthetically and for show, so you slip the shoes on by pulling them instead as they stretch out, which makes them even more comfortable!

They aren’t even branded heavily either, just a stamp of Balenciaga on the rubber sole side and the very back of the shoe. I LOVE that about them, just sleek, sophisticated and classy. The sole itself is 1 inch, so they do give you some height, and because they’re so pointed and stylish, they do lengthen your legs as well. The official designer colour is called Prune, but it’s a mixture of different shades of purple, both metallic and matte, as well as black – as you can see. It’s literally the most gorgeous and beautiful colour combination on a shoe I have ever seen! Especially for sneakers! As soon as I got them out of the box I was in love with them and was going to make them work even if they didn’t fit, ha ha!

The Versatility

As this Prune purple colour is so bold and bright, I wasn’t sure how versatile they would be because they don’t go with everything. I was considering getting the black pair as they would be easy to style with all of my outfits (trying to be practical) but I just loved this purple colour and thought it was better to get the ones I wanted. These are seasonal so once they’re gone, they’re gone, whereas the black are available all the time (thankfully!). I actually have found these easy to style though, they go really well with my black and grey skinny jeans, with my leather jackets, my purple coat etc, which I am happy about, so I would consider them a lot more versatile than I originally thought!

Overall Opinion

My overall opinion of these Balenciaga Race Runners is one of complete happiness! I would actually give them 10/10 for a sneaker based on design, comfort and everything else. I love them! They’re that good that I am hoping to start saving up for the black pair next year so I can wear them with other outfits too since the Prune doesn’t go with everything. If you are uncertain on getting a pair yourself, I definitely recommend them to you as they’re so easy to wear, super comfortable, and amazingly beautiful to look at! They’re stunning! If you have any questions, just comment below and let me know!

Shop These Balenciaga Race Runners at:

NET-A-PORTER | My Theresa | Farfetch | Browns | Barney’s