Balenciaga’s Track Sandal Is Less Chunky, More Breathable

Balenciaga‘s Track Trainer and Track.2 follow-up foretold a new generation of chunky sneakers, ushering in an era of high-tech heavyweights that may have even encouraged sneaker giants to experiment. Though the Track’s immediate influence is debatable, its popularity is undeniable, and Balenciaga is serving up a timely revision with the seasonal Track Sandal.

Though the new open-toed silhouette is clearly akin to the densely-layered Track Trainer, the Track Sandal boasts different tooling on its technical upper, reconfigured to make way for two velcro straps and a custom footbed. Balenciaga purports that the sole features an “augmented back to propel feet forward,” presumably retaining similar cushioning as its closed-toe inspiration. A “BB”-branded bumper at the front of the shoe keeps feet from flying out, while its partially-exposed heel sports Balenciaga’s stylized logo and a pull tab for easy access.

Expect the new Track Sandals to launch in tonal white and black neoprene/rubber colorways on Balenciaga’s site and at stockists like SSENSE on March 20.

Meanwhile in Paris, Balenciaga forewarned the dangers of climate change for Fall/Winter 2020.