Look, I'll be honest—I was skeptical about the whole chunky sneaker trend. But after wearing both the Balenciaga Triple S and Track sneakers for the past month, I've got some thoughts worth sharing.
The Triple S: Still Relevant in 2026?
This is the shoe that basically started the dad sneaker craze back in 2017. And yeah, it's still around.
First thing you notice? The weight. These things are heavy. Like, noticeably heavier than any sneaker I've worn. The triple-stacked sole isn't just for show—it actually gives you about 1.5 inches of height. My shorter friends absolutely love this feature.
The sizing runs big. I'm usually a 42, but I had to size down to a 41. This seems to be consistent across the board based on what I've seen in sneaker forums. So keep that in mind before ordering.
Comfort Reality Check
Here's the thing—they're not uncomfortable, but they're not exactly pillows either. The first week was rough. Stiff leather, heavy sole, lots of break-in needed. After about 10 days of regular wear, they mellowed out significantly.
The arch support is actually decent. Better than I expected from a fashion-first sneaker. I walked around for 6+ hours in these during a weekend trip and my feet weren't screaming at me.
The Track Sneakers: More Technical, Less Hype
Now these are interesting. Released later than the Triple S, the Track sneakers went in a different direction—more technical, more layers, more going on visually.
They're lighter than the Triple S. Not light by normal sneaker standards, but compared to their chunky cousin, there's a noticeable difference. The multi-material construction uses mesh, nylon, and rubber in this complex layered design that honestly looks like something from a sci-fi movie.
Wearability Comparison
I found the Tracks easier to style, weirdly enough. Despite being more visually complex, they work better with tapered pants and joggers. The Triple S demands more space—you need wider leg openings or they look awkward.
Comfort-wise? The Tracks won for me. Less break-in time, more flexible sole, better breathability thanks to all that mesh. I could wear these straight out of the box without issues.
Build Quality: What You're Actually Paying For
Both sneakers retail around $1,000-$1,200 depending on the colorway. That's a lot of money, so let's talk construction.
The Triple S uses premium leather and suede. Stitching is clean, materials feel substantial. I've worn mine probably 30+ times and they're holding up well. Some creasing on the leather panels, but that's expected. The sole shows minimal wear.
The Track sneakers have more potential failure points because of all those layers and materials. But so far, everything's holding together. The mesh hasn't snagged, the rubber overlays aren't peeling. The lace system is more complex but hasn't given me problems.
The Authenticity Question
Real talk—there are tons of fakes of both models floating around. I've seen some convincing replicas at sneaker markets. Key things to check: the embroidered size on the Triple S toe (should be clean and precise), the Balenciaga branding on the Track's tongue (font matters), and overall weight. Fakes are usually lighter.
Styling These Monsters
The Triple S works best with:
- Wide-leg or straight-leg denim
- Oversized hoodies and tees
- Cropped trousers (shows off the chunky sole)
- Athleisure fits
- Tapered joggers
- Tech wear aesthetics
- Slim-fit jeans (they balance the bulk better)
- Monochrome outfits
The Track sneakers pair well with:
Both look ridiculous with shorts. Just don't.
Price Reality
At over a grand, these aren't impulse buys. I've seen the Triple S on resale platforms for $600-$800 for older colorways. The Track sneakers hold their value slightly better, probably because fewer people bought them initially.
Are they worth retail? That depends on how much you care about designer footwear. The quality is there, but you're definitely paying for the Balenciaga name. You can get similar chunky aesthetics from brands like Hoka or New Balance for a fraction of the cost.
Which One Should You Get?
If you want the iconic silhouette that everyone recognizes—Triple S. It's the statement piece. The one that says you're into high fashion sneakers.
If you prioritize comfort and wearability—Track sneakers. They're more practical for daily wear and easier on your feet.
Personally? I reach for the Tracks more often. They're just easier to live with. The Triple S comes out when I want to make a specific impression or I'm shooting content. But the Tracks are my actual go-to when I'm just living my life.
Final Thoughts
Both sneakers are well-made, genuinely comfortable after break-in, and will definitely get attention. The chunky sneaker trend might be past its peak hype, but these still work if you style them right.
Just size down on the Triple S, budget for the break-in period, and maybe check resale markets before paying full retail. And for the love of everything, make sure you're buying authentic pairs—the fake market for these is wild.