Part sneaker, part mule, Balenciaga’s chunky new 3XL silhouette is one for the real Demna heads.

A relaxed mule take of the house's XL sneaker debuted during its post-apocalyptic Summer 2023 show, the 3XL arrives with all the same proportions up top — ample laces, a mix of mesh and polyurethane — and, naturally, with that classic pre-worn Demna aesthetic.

The reveal by @Demnagram comes fresh off the back of Balenciaga's highly-anticipated (and actually well-received) Fall/Winter 2023 presentation at Paris Fashion Week, its first since the 2022 campaign scandal.

When it comes to dropping slip-on takes of previously-released sneakers however, Balenciaga knows its onions.

In fact, the house did exactly the same with both its sock-like Speed silhouette last year, as well as the chunky Track sneaker.

That being said, while the label is making this a bit of a habit, I wouldn’t hold your breath for a mule variation of those damn skanky Paris sneakers.

The 3XL sneaker-mules, though, have got me thinking: historically, mules are designed to be the more house-friendly siblings of everyday stompable footwear. Yet when it comes to these leather-free slip-ons, I’m not entirely convinced my floorboards would be able to handle the weight.

That being the case, I’d say these mules are best suited outdoors. I mean, look how bloody robust they look?!

Anywho, since Balenciaga’s highly-anticipated return to the world of fashion following a hiatus, footwear has been an ongoing topic of conversation, not least its big leather Motocross booties that took center stage at its Parisian presentation.

Recently too rumors have begun surfacing online that both Balenciaga and adidas could reuniting for a second collaboration later this year following the success of their Summer 2022 debut.

As always, said rumors began with leaks revealing supposed first-look imagery of Balenciaga x adidas footwear, and while these are rumors, you might well recall that the first Balenciaga x adidas line was first seen the same way, so keep 'em peeled.