Pierpaolo Piccioli’s first sneakers for Balenciaga

Dubbed the “Radar Sneaker”, the model marks a shift towards sleeker, more technical designs.

The chunky aesthetic that has defined Balenciaga’s footwear for years seems to be giving way to a new design that reduces bulk and opts for a lightweight construction that fits almost like a second skin.

Under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Radar sneakers draw inspiration from tracking technology and have been designed to offer a precise, snug fit, almost as if they were able to detect the shape of the foot and adapt to it. The result is a low-profile shoe that moves away from the ‘dad sneakers’ typically associated with the brand and embraces a much more refined aesthetic.

One of the key features of this design is its double-lacing system, which wraps around the upper and allows for a secure, fully customisable fit. This system not only reinforces the technical aesthetic but also adds visual dynamism to what is otherwise a minimalist design. The details are rounded off by the 3B logo on the toe box and the size number on the heel.

The Radar comes in a range of simple colourways, including a grey-scale version and one in various shades of purple, as well as a special edition: the Radar Ballerina, which further streamlines the design to create a hybrid between a trainer and a ballet shoe.

Visit the official Balenciaga website and discover all the options.