Wondering, does Balenciaga run big? You’re not alone. Many people order their normal size and end up swimming in them. That’s frustrating, especially with shoes this pricey.
To answer your question, most Balenciaga shoes usually run big, while some, like Speed trainers, are true to size. Most people go down a full size for a better fit. If you're between sizes, it's best to try them on or check size guides before buying to avoid returns.
But here’s the good news: once you know how each model fits, buying the right size becomes simple.
If you want to skip the sizing guesswork and get that perfect Balenciaga fit, stick with us.
Key Takeaways
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Most Balenciaga sneakers run big, especially Triple S and Track.
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Speed Trainers are the only ones that usually fit true to size.
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Always check your EU size—don’t rely on US size.
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Go half a size down for bulky models like Triple S and Defender.
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Phantom and Runner shoes feel roomy but are closer to true to size.
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Measure your feet and compare with Balenciaga’s chart before you buy.
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Try walking in the shoes indoors before deciding to keep them.
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Never expect Balenciagas to stretch out over time.
Does Balenciaga Run Big? (Key Details)
Yes, most Balenciaga shoes do run big. The Triple S and Track sneakers are especially roomy. We usually go half a size down when buying those. Some people even go a full size down, depending on how they want the fit to feel.
When we first bought Balenciaga Triple S, we chose our usual size. It didn’t work out. Our feet kept slipping, and the shoes felt loose. We ended up returning them and getting a smaller size.
So if you're planning to buy Balenciaga, expect them to feel bigger than your regular sneakers, like Nike.
Let’s now look at popular Balenciaga models and their sizing.
Triple S
The Balenciaga Triple S runs large, which is why we recommend going one size down. When we wore them true to size, they felt too long. Our feet moved too much inside the shoe, and the heel didn’t stay in place.
In addition, the toe box is also wide. That might be fine if you have wide feet, but for most people, it makes the shoe feel even bigger. We spoke to others who own them, and they said the same thing.
Track
Balenciaga Track sneakers also fit a bit large, but not as much as the Triple S. We went true to size on our first pair, and it was almost okay. After a few hours of walking, our feet started slipping forward. That’s when we knew we should have sized down a bit.
Now, we go half a size down when buying Track sneakers. That gives a better fit without feeling too tight.
If you’re between sizes, go for the smaller one. If you have wide feet, you might still be okay with your regular size.
Speed Trainers
Speed Trainers are one of the few Balenciaga shoes that fit true to size. They have a stretchy knit upper that hugs your foot. When we wore them, they felt snug right away, but not uncomfortable.
If you go down a size, they’ll feel too tight. If you go up, they’ll feel loose and won’t support your foot well. We stuck with our regular size, and that worked best.
Runner
Balenciaga Runner sneakers look bulky, but they fit true to size. We bought our usual size and noticed a little extra space, mostly in the toe area. But it wasn’t a problem. The sole is soft, and the insole feels cushioned.
If you like your shoes snug, you might want to go half a size down. But we were fine with our regular size. These shoes don’t feel heavy, even though they look like they would. They’re more comfortable than they seem.
Defender
Defender sneakers fit a bit big. We ordered our usual size and felt like we could have gone half a size down. The upper is thick and the sole is huge, so the extra room inside doesn’t help much.
These shoes are heavy and stand out. But the fit isn’t tight, and the inside feels roomy. If you want a close fit, go smaller.
Phantom
Phantom sneakers fit close to true to size, but they still feel a bit roomy. We bought half a size down, and that gave us the snug fit we wanted. The upper is soft and flexible, which helps them feel good right away.
These shoes are easy to wear for long hours. We wore them all day once and didn’t have any pain. They’re one of the more comfortable Balenciaga models we’ve tried.
If you’re between sizes, we’d say go smaller. If not, your regular size will probably be fine.
If you’re comparing sneaker brands, you might also be wondering—do Hokas run big like Balenciagas, or are they more true to size? Getting the right fit is key no matter the style.
Do Balenciaga Shoes Stretch Over Time?
No, Balenciaga shoes don’t stretch much over time. Most of their sneakers use stiff materials like rubber, mesh, and leather. These don’t soften or stretch with wear like canvas or soft leather shoes do. We’ve worn ours for months, and the size felt the same from day one.
We’ve heard some people say Speed Trainers stretch a little. That’s true, but only because of the knit fabric. And even then, it’s just a small amount. It’s not enough to change the fit. If they feel tight at first, they’ll probably stay that way.
We always tell people to buy the right size right away. Don’t count on the shoes adjusting.
Should You Try to Stretch Balenciaga?
We don’t recommend trying to stretch Balenciaga shoes. We’ve seen people try, and it usually doesn’t go well. These shoes are built with strong materials that don’t stretch easily. And forcing them can damage the shape and look of the shoe.
We once tried stretching a pair of Triple S with a shoe stretcher. It didn’t help. The shoes stayed the same, but the inside lining got creased and uncomfortable. That ruined the feel of the shoe. It wasn’t worth it.
If you’re thinking about stretching Speed Trainers, we’d say don’t.
Balenciaga sizing isn’t the only one that confuses shoppers—many also ask, do Skechers run big or small, especially for everyday wear.
7 Balenciaga Sizing Tips For You
Getting the right size in Balenciaga shoes can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. We’ve made sizing mistakes ourselves, and learned the hard way. These tips are based on what we do every time we buy a pair.
Try Balenciaga In-Store First
We always try to visit a store before buying a new pair of Balenciagas. If that’s possible for you, do it.
When we visited the store for the first time, we tried on both our regular size and a half-size down. The half-size smaller one felt more snug and didn’t slide at the heel. If we had just guessed online, we would’ve ended up with the wrong fit.
Trying shoes in person also helps with understanding the shape. Some Balenciaga shoes look bulkier than they feel.
If you don’t have a store nearby, at least find a retailer with free returns. That gives you a second chance to try a different size without losing money.
Know Your EU Size
Balenciaga uses European sizing. We noticed many people get confused because they’re used to US or UK sizes. What we always do is know our EU size first. That’s the size Balenciaga displays on the box and on their website.
For example, if you wear a US 9 in Nike, your EU size might be 42. But in Balenciaga, that EU 42 could feel more like a US 10 because of the larger fit. That’s why you need to focus on EU sizing as your base, then adjust from there.
We always keep a size conversion chart saved in our phone. When we shop or order online, we double-check it. That’s helped us avoid ordering the wrong size many times.
Also, EU sizing doesn’t include half sizes as often. So if you’re between sizes, going down usually gives a better fit. But always compare that EU number first before deciding.
Read Real User Reviews
Before we buy any pair of Balenciagas online, we scroll through the reviews. It takes a few minutes, but it helps a lot. Other people often mention if the shoe runs big, small, or true to size.
We look for reviews where people say what size they normally wear and what size they got in Balenciaga. That gives us a real-world comparison. If five people say they sized down and it worked, that tells us something.
What’s even better is when someone posts photos of how the shoes look on their feet. That gives us a better idea of the width, length, and overall fit.
Measure Your Foot First
We always measure our feet before buying shoes online, especially expensive ones like Balenciaga.
Here’s the thing: Feet change over time. Standing all day or even just aging can make your size shift slightly.
We measure both feet because one foot is always a little bigger than the other. That’s normal. And we go with the bigger foot size, every time.
Using a ruler and a piece of paper, trace around the foot and then measure the length from heel to longest toe. We compare that with a Balenciaga size chart and make our decision based on that number.
Go Half a Size Down for Chunky Models
Some Balenciaga models, like the Triple S and Track sneakers, run big. We’ve tried both, and they definitely feel large when you wear your normal size. That’s why we always go half a size down with those.
This tip doesn’t apply to every model. But for chunky shoes with thick soles and layered designs, sizing down works best for us.
However, Speed Trainers are different. They fit true to size for most people. When we first tried them, we were surprised by how snug they felt.
Don’t Compare Balenciaga to Other Brands
Every brand sizes shoes differently. What fits in Nike won’t fit the same in Balenciaga. We’ve made that mistake too many times. Just because we wear a 9 in Adidas doesn’t mean a 9 will work in Balenciaga.
Their sizing feels different. The shape, the materials, and the style all affect how the shoe fits. That’s why we treat every Balenciaga model like a new brand entirely.
We reset what we think we know about sizing, and check the size chart every single time. It sounds simple, but it helps avoid bad buys.
Use Socks You’ll Actually Wear
When you try on or measure for Balenciaga shoes, wear the same kind of socks you’ll wear with them. It sounds small, but it makes a difference. We made that mistake once—tried them on with thin socks, wore them out with thick ones, and they felt way too tight.
If you plan to wear thick socks in winter, measure with thick socks. If you like no-show socks, use those instead. That’s the best way to match how the shoe will actually feel.
This has helped us avoid sizing surprises after we’ve already left the house in new shoes. Always try to match how you’ll actually wear them.
If you’ve found Balenciaga shoes a bit roomy, you may want to know—do Reebok shoes run small, or are they true to size? This guide lays it all out.
Final Words
So, does Balenciaga run big? Yes, most of them definitely do. But now that you know which ones and by how much, picking the right size will be a whole lot easier.
Here’s a quick wrap-up of what to remember:
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Triple S and Track? Size down.
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Speed Trainers? Stick with your usual size.
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Use your EU size, not US, for better accuracy.
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Always measure your feet before ordering online.
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Don’t expect them to stretch later—they won’t.
At the end of the day, Balenciagas are a bold choice—but the right fit makes all the difference. Once you’ve got the size right, you’ll love how they feel and look.
