Let me be honest with you: I’ve tried very hard and for a very long time to ignore the sock trainer trend started by Balenciaga as I just couldn’t get on board with this weird looking shoe trend. The fashion world including several celebrities and style influencers however couldn’t care less for my personal opinion and so the craze for Balenciaga’s Speed Trainers – half sock, half runner shoe – kept on going despite its hefty price of $695. Yup, almost $700 for a little bit of fabric, rubber and a designer logo.
Balenciaga Speed Trainers
($695, Nordstrom)
Celebrities & Style Bloggers Love Balenciaga
Social media celebs such as Kylie Jenner and various style bloggers, IGers and influencers like Chiara Ferragni have been spotted wearing Balenciaga Speed Trainers.
Jeffrey Campbell Redman High-Top Sock Sneakers
Not too thrilled about the thought of spending so much money on a pair of trendy sneakers? Then have a look at this almost spot-on sock trainer by Jeffrey Campbell which is an amazing Balenciaga Speed Runner dupe for $100 that also comes in red and grey fabric.
Jeffrey Campbell Redman High-Top Sock Sneakers
($100, Jildor)
Also available at Footnotes, Amazon
& Ashbury Skies
.
Steve Madden Bitten Stretch Fabric High Top Sock Trainers
Another dupe favorite is this high top stretch sock sneaker by Steve Madden. It has pretty much the same look as the expensive designer version but comes at a much friendlier and more affordable price point of $90. Score!
Steve Madden Bitten Stretch Fabric High Top Sock Trainers
($90, Jildor)
Also available at Footnotes.
Pull & Bear Fabric Sock-Style Sneakers
Broke Balenciaga lovers from Europe rejoice because Pull & Bear has got your back! Their fabric sock-style trainers are a fabulous Speed Runner alternative which is available in either black or ivory for £39.99. Steal deal alert!
Pull & Bear Fabric Sock-Style Sneakers
(£39.99, Pull & Bear)
Also available at Pull & Bear (EU).
Minusey Sock Sneakers
Deal: Use our promo code INTHEIRCLOSET to get 10% off your order at Minusey!
At Minusey you can choose from another set of Balenciaga sneaker dupes which they have in an either solid black version or alternatively in black with a logo printed on the side which reads “BAIFUFLACA”. These stretch sock-style trainers cost $89, but you can save 10% on your Minusey order by using our reader exclusive promo code above.
Minusey Sock Sneakers
($89, Minusey)
Jessica Buurman EMIGE Stretch Sock Sneakers
Deal: Use promo code XOXOJESS to get 10% off your order at Jessica Buurman!
If you really want to get as close to the original Balenciagas as possible and are okay with spending over $100 on a pair of designer dupes, check out these sock trainers I discovered at Jessica Buurman. They cost $119, come in several variations including an all-black version and are also available in men’s sizing. Make sure to use the promo code above to save 10% on your order.
Jessica Buurman EMIGE Stretch Sock Sneakers
($119, Jessica Buurman)
Tony Bianco Wilson Sock Sneakers
Tony Bianco also made sure to come up with their interpretation of the sock sneaker which, too, looks A LOT like the original real deal from Balenciaga. I feel like $150 for a designer dupe sneaker made of textile and rubber is a little overpriced, but some colors and styles (e.g. beige color and low cut version) are currently on sale for a reasonable price, so go ahead and get yourself a good deal on these!
Tony Bianco Wilson Sock Sneakers
($149.95 AUD, The Iconic)
Also available at Tony Bianco & Styletread
.
Image source(s): MyTheresa, Nordstrom, Jildor, Pull & Bear, Jessica Buurman, Tony Bianco
