A quirky slip-on sneaker that looks more like a sock with a rubber sole than a high-end sports shoe is taking the fashion industry by storm – despite coming with a hefty price tag of $700 per pair.
Balenciaga’s Speed Trainer first debuted back in November 2016 and has since become the must-have sporty accessory of the moment, worn by a bevvy of style icons and A-listers, including the likes of Kylie Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, and rapper Future.
The sneaker, which comes in a variety of colors, essentially looks like a slip on sport sock with the Balenciaga logo up one side and a thick rubber sole like that you would find on any major sneaker.
Pumped up kicks: Balenciaga’s minimalist sock sneaker has become the hottest shoe of the season, retailing for $700 a pair, with many popular sizes already sold out
Sleek sneaks: The shoes come in white and black online and feature an ankle length knit exterior with a white sole, and simple brand logo on the side
Kylie cool: The reality star showed off her designer sneakers on her Instagram, paired wiht a sleek black athleisure outfit
But despite their slightly unconventional silhouette, the sneakers have become one of the most-worn shoes at international Fashion Weeks.
The sock sneakers come in white and black and real a knit exterior that reaches above the ankle for a snug, foot-hugging fit, with a white sole. Though minimalistic and simplistic, the hot shoes are sold out in select colors and sizes online.
Other designers have taken note of the much coveted sneaker and produced their own spin on the sleek sock look, at more comfortable prices than the designers bank-breaking price tag.
The knitted sock sneaker look has since been adopted by Nike, Zara, and Free People.
Flaunt it! Fans of the streetwear shoes have taken to Instagram to flaunt their trendy sneakers
On the street: The look has been tagged in a myriad of Instagram posts and has also been spotted on celebrities like Hailey Baldwin and Future
All designer everything! One Instagram user showed off her street style look with a Chanel bag and the Spanish designer sneakers for an expensive and comfortable look
Zara recently introduced four sock sneakers, which range between an affordable $70 to $90.
Adidas has also introduced several knit sneakers into their collections, most notably with the Yeezy 350 collaborations. The brand recently gave an Instagram sneak peak at their upcoming knit sneaker collection which also reaches ankle sock length and even higher.
High end brands have also been adopting the sock look into their upcoming shoe lines including Italian brand Fendi, Lavin, and Acne for similar price tags starting at $750.
Shoe revolution: Other brands are following suit with their own knit sneaker renditions, such as this upcoming Adidas collection, previewed on their Instagram
Knock your socks off! The sock trend becomes even more pronounced with these Fendi versions that includes more typical sock markings at the top
On point! These pointy sock booties are Balenciaga’s sock take on glam heels, that have been rocked by the likes of Rihanna and Kourtney Kardashian
The trainer is a major step away from Balenciaga’s other chunky Triple S sneaker, which takes a platform spin on classic 90s sneakers and comes in more shocking colors.
But the sneaker isn’t the only sock trend that Balenciaga has been experimenting with, the luxury brand has also introduced booties and pumps with socks attached, that have been worn by the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Rihanna and retail for $995.
The boots come in sky high over the knee lengths and ankle cuts.