New Style Idea

A decade ago, Isabel Marant debuted her first sneaker, a suede-trimmed high-top with retro-inspired velcro straps and a secret weapon: a hidden wedge heel that gave a lift no athletic shoe could offer. It was an instant hit — and ushered in the era of the fashion sneaker.

Now, the French fashion designer is bringing it back. Today, Marant launched a redesign of her wedge sneaker in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of its initial release. The updated model, named the Balksee, drew inspiration from the lines of the emblematic Bekett.

This footwear style first gained notoriety in the early 2010s thanks to Beyoncé and her “Love On Top” music video, where she sported a pair of the Bekett wedges. The wedge sneaker soon exploded and was quickly adopted by celebrities such as Rihanna, Gisele Bündchen, Marion Cotillard, and Kendall Jenner, making it one of the house’s greatest best-sellers within just a few seasons. Isabel Marant sold over 200,000 units of Beketts since its initial launch.

“I’ve never stopped wanting to wear them,” Marant said in a press release. “The most comfortable things are the things you will always wear and that you are never fed up with.”

The new design is said to be a more contemporary take on the shoe. It is taller than the original, with a 10-centimeter heel. Half of the height is concealed within a chunky sole, getting a 2021 upgrade. The distinctive design of the sneaker stands out with an interplay of colored and textured overstitched leather, an oversized tongue and a row of chunky velcro straps. The wedge sneaker is available in five signature shades: black, white, red, green and bold yellow.

The wedge sneakers are available now, with each pair retailing for $770.