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In July 2021, high-end fashion brand Balenciaga released its line of Runner sneakers.

According to Balenciaga, the made-in-Italy chunky sneakers are made of mesh and nylon and has a "worn out effect".

Here's what it looks like on Justin Bieber:

It also comes in other colours like black, white and blue.

The price? A cool S$1,590.

Familiar?

If you're wondering why it looks so familiar, you're not alone.

Many social media users have found the Runner sneakers to look very much like a pair of Asics shoes.

For the uninitiated, Asics is a popular Japanese sports shoe brand known for its signature design that incorporates lines.

Balenciaga stole ASICS whole flow, word for word, bar for bar. pic.twitter.com/fB2wGV7EI7

— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) November 1, 2021

Balenciaga's Runner, in particular, looks similar to the Asics' Gel-Kayano 5 360.

Balenciaga ASICS pic.twitter.com/7biuEP2GWz

— Baek Sketch (@BaekSketch) July 17, 2021

Here's a side by side comparison:

There are, however, minute differences, such as the colour of the soles and the visibly embossed Balenciaga logo on the side of the shoes.

S$1,590 vs S$229

While the Gel-Kayano 5 360 is originally priced at S$229, in the colour PIEDMONT GREY/MINT TINT, is going on sale for S$91.60.

Cool.

Top image from Asics and Balenciaga's website.

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