Recently, Balenciaga unveiled its new Spring 2025 collection in Shanghai . Among the 58 looks showcased on the runway, one item literally stood head and shoulders above the rest. Just when it seemed that Demna had reached the pinnacle of oversized footwear , the creative director surprised everyone with the Balenciaga Platform Sneaker .
This shoe takes the oversized trend to an unprecedented level with a staggering 16-centimeter rise—over six inches. This towering height can elevate wearers to the stature of NBA players. The elongated, unusually proportioned design adds to the surreal nature of the shoe.
Demna mentioned that the inspiration came from Shanghai’s towering skyline, and the resemblance is immediately evident. The Balenciaga Platform Sneaker is a game-changer in the world of footwear. If a six-inch rise is possible, it begs the question: why not twelve inches? Why not even five feet? It makes one ponder the true limits of shoe design and how far a visionary like Demna can push those boundaries.
While the Platform Sneaker skirts the edge of reasonable design, it also challenges the notion of absurdity in fashion. Balenciaga thrives on pushing the boundaries of conventional taste. These sneakers defy expectations and prompt us to rethink everything we know about footwear—about appropriate sizes and dimensions, and about whether the era of small shoes is over and chunky shoes are poised for a grand return.
While minimalism has its place, Balenciaga proves that .
