Balenciaga sneakers you can't really wear and other intriguing eyesores we wouldn't mind owning

• From Tabi boots and platform Crocs to chunky sneakers, offbeat footwear is probably the most polarising thing fashion has to offer. 
• Over the past five years or so, we've become more welcoming of bold and eccentric trends that were previously niche and peripheral.
• So in 2020 - a year where nothing is too wild to imagine - we're considering trying out Adidas' wearable sculptures, Givenchy's three-toed shoes, Balenciaga sneakers "you can't really wear", and Bottega Veneta's puddle boots, among other weird and wonderful items. 

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There are no limitations to innovation when it comes to fashion. If it can be worn, it will be made regardless of how many people may frown upon these unusual trends.

Over the years, we've welcomed bold, eccentric trends that were previously specific to certain subcultures or recreational activities into the mainstream style space. 

From sneaker trends, to stepping into biker territory with all things leather, to wearing boiler suits like Formula One racers, we've dabbled in most of it. So why stop there? 

READ MORE: The unlikely shoe trend that will dominate in 2020 

Earlier this week, Adidas announced that they have teamed up with London-based product designer Mr. Bailey to reimagine their iconic Superstar. High Snobiety reports that Mr. Bailey looked to ammonites for inspiration.

"These are a group of extinct marine mollusks with the same family class as the octopus. As the designer points out, ammonite fossils are recognised for their ribbed spiral-form shell, an element that has been translated onto the one-of-one sneaker concept," the article explains. 

It's a pair of wearable sculptures for the sartorially brave.  

And this November, in celebration of its popular Track.2 sneaker, Balenciaga has put together a take on the shoe that "you really can’t wear," Hypebeast reports.

"Following Creative Director Demna Gvasalia‘s inventive outlook, the Track.2 Sculpture is a full bronze representation of a Euro size 41 [size 8] sneaker. The silver-tone piece is incredibly made up of 16 molded pieces soldered together one by one. Made in Italy, the sculpture accurately captures the layered design of the silhouette with all the texture and branding elements," the article details.

Priced at $5 750 USD (approximately R87 700), the Track.2 Sculpture is available now on Balenciaga’s website.    

Screenshot from Balenciaga website 

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Also available for you to shop is Balenciaga’s collaboration with Vibram (a.k.a. FiveFinger shoes). Vogue reports that "Balenciaga made the incarnation its own using a spring, which the house describes as a “heavy-duty suspension heel.” To match, you can purchase a five-toe Balenciaga sock."  

In 2017, it was also Balenciaga who introduced a polarising recreation of Crocs with their platform version. 

Personally, I still want a pair. 

Again this year, the fashion community was bemused by another offbeat footwear offering by a luxury brand. Givenchy's Three-Toed shoes that were, in fact, a reference to Alexander McQueen were the subject of ridicule and banter during fashion week. 

Somewhat reminiscent of the Margiela Tabi boots, the Givenchy three-toe shoes were seen on models paired with the most practical socks for the sandals.

W Magazine reports that the new Givenchy creative director, Matthew M. Williams, "took the three-toed motif directly from Alexander McQueen's fall winter 1997 collection for the house, though he added his own signature heel and decidedly more attention-calling styling." 

However, Twitter was convinced that the shoes are more a reference to Scooby-Doo's paws.  

Screenshot 

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Speaking of dogs, remember when Eckhaus Latta collaborated with UGGs to make these furry mules in 2019?

READ MORE: Could 2020 be the year of 'controversial' fashion trends SA isn't quite ready for yet?

And then we have the Bottega Veneta puddle boots. I would hardly consider these jarring, but others may disagree. 

Given Johannesburg's rainy weekends, perhaps we should consider them for practical purposes at the sweet price of €490 (about R8 900).  

Screenshot from Bottega Veneta 

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But all of that is hardly a threat to your sartorial street cred compared to these intriguing items of fashion that those with a ballsy sense of style might be eager to try out:

Janties

When short shorts are just not cutting it anymore, Y/PROJECT has got you for £235 (about R4.4K).

See-through PVC pants

Hear me out, these are very practical - they won't stain if you spill literally anything on them and they're the perfect protective layer to wear on rainy days over your normal tight-fitting pants. 

Just don't sweat... 

PVC skirt for more rainy days

Same logic as above still applies.

Rope it up

A rope-like pearl belt to cinch your waist because leather belts are too mainstream. 

READ MORE: Would you rather wear janties, a deconstructed denim jacket or see-through PVC pants?   

If Inception were a denim jacket

A jacket under a jacket under a jacket under a jacket.... 

Semi-formal jean pants

Yes, I said "jean pant" because this is actually the true definition of that commonly used South African term for jeans. I mean, what else would you wear when you have a meeting at 2pm and drinks straight after? 

All images: Getty

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