It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for…

It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for…

      Nestled in a serene village surrounded by golden poplar trees and the mountainous vistas of New Zealand’s South Island, you wouldn’t expect to encounter one of the most contentious trends of the century—the Isabel Marant wedge trainers (officially known as the Bekett sneakers). Yet, it was at a quaint vintage shop near Queenstown that I stumbled upon a sought-after style, coveted by Vinted enthusiasts and Made In Chelsea fans, at a price too tempting to ignore. So, like a magpie drawn to shiny objects, I embraced this divisive footwear, determined to make it a part of my wardrobe, despite how mismatched it was with my usual style. After some deliberation and trying them on, reality set in. This isn’t 2011 anymore; the trendsetters have moved on from pairing them with faux fur vests and skinny faux leather pants for strolls on King’s Road. While parting with a slice of my paycheck for a nostalgic thrill seemed appealing, I realized the irony and sentimentality of such a purchase would be short-lived. Consequently, I walked away empty-handed, armed only with a regrettable mirror selfie of my indecision about whether to buy these "for the plot" and the memory of the moment.

      What Exactly Are the Isabel Marant Wedge Trainers?

      For those unfamiliar, or perhaps too young to remember their initial popularity, the Isabel Marant wedge trainers are a notable footwear hybrid that merges a sneaker with a heel. Featuring a concealed three-inch heel, this trendy shoe showcases a chunky high-top silhouette, suede cut-outs along the sides, three velcro straps, and an exaggerated tongue that protrudes near the ankle. The original style, known as the Bekett, hit the market in 2011 and played a key role in establishing the tomboy bohemian brand as a global phenomenon. Marant has since unveiled other versions, including the Bobby shortly thereafter and the Balskee in 2021, the latter introduced with an impactful marketing campaign featuring South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech. When they first appeared, Marant’s design sparked a fashion controversy for starkly contrasting the industry’s beauty standards. Yet, something that even Marant described as “super vulgar” in a 2014 interview became highly coveted. How did these shoes find their way onto the feet of the most prominent fashion figures of the decade, including off-duty supermodels like Alessandra Ambrosio and music royalty like Beyoncé? (The Grammy winner even donned them in her music video for "Love On Top.")

      When Did the Isabel Marant Wedge Trainers Gain Popularity?

      Celebrity endorsements undoubtedly fueled the wedge trainers' rise and the resulting debates around them. The numerous critiques, articles discussing their success, and sightings of them in celebrity street style transformed them into one of the most desirable silhouettes of the decade. Typically styled with an oversized Balenciaga Motorcycle bag, a fitted leather jacket, and pants so snug they looked painted on, the Isabel Marant wedge trainers became a staple for an entire generation obsessed with fashion. Speaking with Rebecca Rhys-Evans, acting deputy editor of Who What Wear UK, she reflects on witnessing the trend's ascent and decline firsthand. “I was in my late teens and early twenties during the 2010s, which was the height of the India Sleaze era,” she recalls. “They weren’t quite grungy enough for my (admittedly poor) taste!” she adds, recalling that while these shoes now carry raucous and wild connotations, they weren’t considered as fringe or unusual during their peak.

      “There was a time when, if you asked me what my least favorite item from recent fashion history was, the Marant Bekett would be my first choice. However, the Y2K revival has led me to embrace many relics from that era that I once despised (like Juicy Couture tracksuits and cargo pants), revealing that I now secretly long for these wedge trainers that once repulsed me." Even among the Who What Wear UK team, opinions about the shoes diverge widely. Some are still firmly against their existence, while others look back fondly, recognizing how they embody the “millennial cringe” of their time. As a 26-year-old who only glimpsed the tail end of this trend, I feel there's merit in how wedge trainers introduce a subversive vibe to various outfits. While they may have been worn earnestly at first, the modern instances of their use are imbued with irony. The act of bringing them back with a wink, while playfully mocking the past, has only heightened their desirability. I’m not sporting them seriously, but rather in a Kim Kardashian circa 2012 style with a nod to “my Isabel Marant vibe today.”

      Are Isabel Marant Wedge Trainers Still In Fashion?

      That begs the question: “Are Isabel Marant wedge trainers still in style?” If you ask the designer

It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for… It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for…

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It has been 14 years since the release of the world’s most controversial shoe style—and now, they are returning for…

It remains just as contentious as before.