Balenciaga shoes are expensive because of the prestige associated with the luxury brand name, the rare and premium materials used, and the meticulous Italian craftsmanship and construction.
Balenciaga is one of the most coveted and expensive shoe brands in the world. Their signature chunky sneakers and stiletto heels often come with price tags upwards of $1000. But what makes Balenciaga shoes so incredibly pricey? Here are the top 10 reasons behind those shocking price tags.
Top 10 Reasons Why Are Balenciaga Shoes So Expensive
1. The Brand Name
First and foremost, you are paying for the prestigious Balenciaga brand name and reputation. Balenciaga has been around since 1919 and is now one of the most influential and recognizable luxury fashion houses in the world.
The brand has built up major clout and prestige over the past century. So buyers are often willing to pay premium prices just to own a product bearing that iconic Balenciaga label.
2. Rare Materials
Balenciaga uses very rare, expensive materials to construct their shoes. We’re talking premium leathers, suedes, and exotics like python and crocodile skin. These luxe materials significantly drive up production costs.
But they also give Balenciaga footwear that sumptuous look and feel that fans love.
3. Italian Craftsmanship
True to Balenciaga’s European luxury roots, their shoes are meticulously crafted by hand in Italy. This artisanal construction and handmade detailing is time-consuming and comes at a cost. But it results in well-made shoes that justify the higher prices.
4. Advanced Construction
In addition to premium materials, Balenciaga shoes feature very advanced shoe construction and cutting-edge shoe technology. For example, the brand’s notorious Knife boots have an avant-garde knife-shaped heel containing a steel plate inside the wedge. This type of innovation requires extra R&D and drives up retail prices.
5. Signature Statement Styles
Balenciaga is known for their bold, statement-making styles like the Triple S sneakers and Knife boots. These signature designs have a very distinctive look that you can’t find anywhere else. The uniqueness and recognizability of these styles add value that translates into higher prices.
6. Seasonal Collections
As a high fashion brand, Balenciaga releases new seasonal collections of shoes 4 times per year. This constant churn of new styles, fabrics, embellishments requires continuous fresh design innovation and new materials sourcing – all of which increase costs.
7. Limited Availability
The supply of Balenciaga shoes is tightly controlled to preserve exclusivity. Many of the most covetable styles are only produced in very limited quantities. Scarcity leads to higher demand – which allows Balenciaga to command premium prices for even basic sneakers and pumps.
8. Status Symbol Appeal
Let’s be honest – much of the appeal of owning Balenciagas comes from their status as a luxury status symbol. People are willing to pay more for a visible branded product that conveys wealth, status and being fashion-forward. The sense of social cachet and exclusivity lifts the perceived value.
9. Celebrity Connections
Balenciaga has developed major celebrity connections over the years. Styling icons like Kim Kardashian in their shoes provides a valuable halo effect. The A-list co-signs reinforce the brand’s prestige and justify the higher costs to fans eager to emulate celebrity style.
10. Overall Brand Allure
Finally, there is the overall allure and aura around the Balenciaga brand. Nearly 100 years worth of Parisian high fashion history, editorial placements and memorable ad campaigns have made the name legendary.
The sense of history, luxury and fashion-insider status associated with Balenciaga shoes make them highly covetable – and worth the higher prices for devoted followers.
IS balenciaga A Good Shoe Brand?
Yes, Balenciaga is considered a top luxury shoe brand due to its longstanding fashion heritage, high-quality materials and construction, and recognizable statement styles.
Are balenciaga Shoes Good?
Balenciaga shoes are known for being well-made and long-lasting, thanks to premium materials like leather and exotic skins as well as sturdy, innovative construction.
Are balenciaga Shoes Worth The Price?
For serious fashion fans who value Balenciaga’s brand prestige, celebrity connections, and signature designs, the higher prices are worth it as markers of status and luxury.
Where To Buy balenciaga Shoes?
Balenciaga shoes are sold globally at the brand’s boutiques and through select high-end department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom that carry luxury footwear.