Like all fashion, shoes go through trends. Platform boots, lug-soles and overdone sneakers have been in style for awhile now but instead of waning, many of the most expensive and elite brands are still embracing the oversized soles, biker boots and sky-high platforms that make our feet look like serious Shit-kickers. Given these examples of the latest designs to hit the market, it looks as though they expect us to have to wade through a lot more crap in 2023.
BadAss Shoe Designs
Once just an accessory, like a belt or hat, the shoe has turned into a statement piece that can compete with the outfit for attention, much like the exorbitantly-priced heels of Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo (albeit, with a little help from Sarah Jessica Parker). But now the statement shoe is a bold one. A big, in-your-face, look-at-my-feet, I-can-kick-your-butt, pair of shoes.
Certain coveted brands have really pushed the envelope with their latest shoe designs for both men and women, predominantly Balmain. Lifting us off the ground, in some cases by as much as 8 inches, we’re certain to cut a swath through the shit we’ve been wading through the past few years in any one of these.
Balmain Leather Platform Boots
With 12 cm-thick platform soles and made of Italian lambskin, Balmain’s boots may look a bit “Frankenstein’s Monster” to some but, priced at $7,795.00, they’re more likely aimed at the Doctor.
Givenchy Shark Lock Boots
Givenchy’s stylish Shark Lock Biker boots come in various colors, materials and heights, but the grained leather version with pins is the pièce de la resistance of the collection priced at $6750.00
Prada Monolith Leather and Nylon Boots
Prada’s Monolith Leather and Nylon boots are the Italian brand’s interpretation of Biker Boots with lighter weight materials and look combat-ready – with a place to hold your lipstick. priced at $2,200.00
Prada also sells a lower version of the boot for $1690
Balenciaga Bulldozer Boots
The Bulldozer Lace Up Boots from Balenciaga come with or without the white detailing. Either way, it’s clear that their big ol’ tractor-like sole was the inspiration for the name. The boots are also available in a pull on version as well. Prices vary.
Balmain Volt Leather Boot
If you want to ski where there is no snow, Balmain has even introduced a faux ski boot. The Volt calfskin leather boot with adjustable gold-toned hook fasteners mimics the look of classic ski boots for $3150.00 USD.
DG Napa-Effect Wave Mid Top… Sneakers? Boots? Handbags?
Dolce and Gabbana‘s Napa-Effect (that means pleather) Wave mid-top Sneakers look more like handbags than shoes. Like little leather cinch bags for your feet. But they have a chunky rubber sole that wraps around three soft pads to cushion your step. And they’re bound to confuse many people. So, there’s that. $1145.00 USD
B-Bold knit wedge trainers
The thick platform soles and gold metallic inserts on these $1,295 mesh knit Wedge trainers from Balmain are sure to make them stand out from everyone else’s at 24-hr Fitness.
And when it comes to sneakers, Balmain’s got the edge there, too, with their Unicorn Sneaker and B-IT High-top mules.
When you’re through wearing your big ol’ bad ass, butt-kickers, you’ll want to slip into something a little more comfortable. Might we suggest the bright and bold Sunburst Fluffy platforms from Bottega Veneta?
