The Balenciaga Triple S might be the hottest shoe on the market right now. Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re a thing. Is the price out of this world? Duh. But, while we can knock fast fashion for biting high fashion, sometimes they offer a really good alternative.
Case in point? The latest sneaker from Zara. Truth be told, these are not a direct bite off the Triple S. The Triple S is unique in how far they take the paneled, chunky sneaker, making the rubber midsole even more protruding and over emphasizing the whole idea. Still, retro runners from the ’90s, Raf revamps of Ozweegos and releases over the years from everyone from Lanvin to Skechers have used more or less the same idea. Point of the story? They didn’t steal or re-appropriate a new idea, they offered a less expensive version on a current trend.
That’s why we’re not mad at these Zaras. While they’re definitely not as ill as say a Yeezy Wave Runner or a Triple S, they’re definitely a better deal or at least considerably cheaper. Dubbed ‘Contrasting Sneakers with Thick Soles,’ they “are who we thought they were” to quote the late, great Dennis Green. Pulling from high fashion both in styling and naming, the palette and materials appear to be on point with the shaping looking somewhat lame but hey that’s kind of the whole point.
Fans of the chunky runner? Pairs are available now for $89 at Zara.
Would you rock these? Three out of six Nice Kicks writers agree they would — please don’t touch our Zara. [Sidebar: “Zara” also the best song on the new Macklemore album.] You though? Let us know if you’d sport ’em in the comments section and on social.
