Balmain Sneakers Size Chart India: Unicorn Low Top Fit Guide
Balmain sizes shoes on the French and Italian scale, and the Unicorn Low Top, the brand's most searched sneaker, is known to run large enough that true to size is often the wrong call. This guide gives you the official conversion chart and the size down advice that matters most.
Photo: Kicks Machine, Balmain Unicorn Low Top White Beige Orange
The one rule that fixes most sizing mistakes
Size down from your usual size on the Unicorn Low Top. Retailer and reseller sizing guidance is consistent on this: the Unicorn runs large, and buyers who order true to size commonly end up with a loose fit at the heel and midfoot. Balmain's own size chart gives you the base number; the size down adjustment is what actually gets you the right fit.
Balmain shoe size chart (men's, EU/IT, UK, US)
| EU/IT | UK | US | Foot length (JP/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 5 | 6 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 6 | 7 | 25.0 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | 26.0 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 26.5 |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 27.0 |
| 44 | 10 | 11 | 28.0 |
| 45 | 11 | 12 | 28.5 |
| 46 | 12 | 13 | 29.0 |
| 47 | 13 | 14 | 30.0 |
(Source: official Balmain size chart, balmain.com)
Indian frame translation: most Indian men land between US 8 and US 10.5 on other brands. On the Unicorn Low Top specifically, take one size down from that reference point rather than matching it directly.
Unicorn Low Top: fit notes
The Unicorn Low Top's neoprene and leather construction has more give than a standard leather sneaker, and combined with a generously cut last, this is why it runs large. Size down from your usual Balmain or comparable luxury sneaker size. If you are between two sizes on the chart above, take the smaller one, not the larger.
Balmain's other sneaker styles do not all share this specific runs large characteristic to the same degree, so treat the size down advice as specific to the Unicorn rather than a blanket rule for every Balmain shoe you buy.
Photo: Kicks Machine, Balmain Ari Rubber Slides Black
India specific fit considerations
Foot width. Even after sizing down for length, the Unicorn's neoprene panel has enough give to accommodate slightly wider Indian feet without feeling restrictive, unlike a stiffer all leather luxury sneaker. This means the size down rarely creates a width problem the way it might on a firmer shoe.
Ordering online without trying on. Since Balmain sneakers are a considered luxury purchase and returns take time, use the foot length column above as your primary reference rather than relying on your usual size number from another brand. Measure, then size down one from the matching row for the Unicorn specifically.
Every pair from the Balmain collection at Kicks Machine is inspected in house before it ships, size stamp checked against the box label, an extra layer of confidence on a luxury purchase where a wrong size is an expensive mistake to fix.
Care tip: neoprene panels need gentle handling
The Unicorn's neoprene sections are more delicate than the leather trim around them. A properly sized pair, sized down as recommended, flexes less at the neoprene panel than an oversized pair would, extending its life. Our sneaker care collection has gentle cleaning products suited to mixed leather and neoprene uppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Balmain Unicorn Low Top run true to size?
No, it runs large. Retailer and reseller sizing guidance consistently recommends sizing down from your usual size. Check current listings on the [Balmain collection](https://www.kicksmachine.com/collections/balmain).Should I size down for Balmain sneakers?
For the Unicorn Low Top specifically, yes. This guidance is specific to that silhouette's generous last and neoprene construction, not a blanket rule for every Balmain shoe.What size chart does Balmain use?
Balmain sizes shoes on the French and Italian EU scale. Use the chart above to convert to your usual US or UK number, then apply the size down adjustment for the Unicorn specifically.Is Balmain sizing the same for men and women?
Balmain's official chart is presented separately for men's and women's, though the Unicorn Low Top is commonly sold across both. Use your regular gender specific size as the starting point, then size down for this silhouette regardless.Does the neoprene on the Unicorn stretch with wear?
Yes, slightly, which is part of why the shoe runs large in the first place. This is exactly why sizing down rather than ordering true to size and expecting a snug break in is the better approach for this style.Closing thoughts
The Balmain size chart runs on the EU and Italian scale. The Unicorn Low Top is the one silhouette where you should deliberately size down rather than trust true to size, thanks to its generous last and stretchy neoprene panels.
Browse the current lineup on the Balmain collection at Kicks Machine, every pair inspected in house, cash on delivery available pan India.