Balenciaga, under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, has officially launched the Radar Sneaker, a new silhouette that combines sport with a more essential and elegant dance-inspired design. The Radar Sneaker represents an essential departure from Balenciaga’s chunky “dad shoe” aesthetic, emphasizing agility and comfort. Best described as a Radar Hybrid, this silhouette fuses the technical DNA of a shoe designed for high-performance sports with the delicate elegance of a classic ballerina.
The Radar’s upper is crafted through a complex layering of breathable mesh and structural leatherette overlays: the result is a technological look that contrasts with an extremely low, hollowed-out sockliner. This “reductive” design eliminates the traditional volume of a sneaker, resulting in a foot-hugging structure that balances athletic aggression and sleek grace. The very flat sole is actually reminiscent of ballet shoes, designed to grip the ground as closely as possible.
The double lacing system wraps around the entire upper, ensuring a secure fit that visually blends with the foot. The low-profile construction is combined with highly structured elements, including the 3B Sport logo embossed on the toe and Balenciaga’s signature exposed shoe size on the heel. Colorways range from black and several shades of gray to more expressive palettes such as purple, pink, and white, as well as shaded mixes of silver and blue, all finished with a smooth, lightweight effect. The sole features curvilinear grip details, which improve traction while adding a sculptural touch.
The result is a shoe that appears lightweight, soft and comfortable, certainly versatile for those who love sports and fashion, not necessarily wanting to compromise on design. The Radar costs $950 and is available for purchase now on the brand’s website.
[đź“· balenciaga.com]
