Balenciaga Strike mid-calf boot in matte black calf leather with lug sole

Pros

• · Smooth calf leather upper in matte black, with tonal laces and visible tonal topstitching
• · Mid-calf shaft, 8-eyelet lacing, large round toe, 20 mm arch and a leather pull tab at the back
• · Chunky lug rubber outsole; wipe clean with a soft cloth
• · Catalog size run covers EU 35–45

Cons

• · Multiple buyer reports and fit ratings say the boot runs large, and guidance isn't unanimous: Balenciaga and 24S advise sizing down, while Mr Porter lists the Strike boot as true to size
• · A secondhand Strike combat boot in a nylon/canvas upper, graded "Good," showed wear at the soles and moderate scuffs — sole-relevant only to this leather version

Fit notes

Reports point large: a Hupu wearer who takes Nike 41 was told EU 39–40, with replies suggesting down one plus an insole, or roughly 1.5 sizes big. Bloomingdale's rates the women's version "runs large" and "runs wide"; a US 7 reviewer returned hers as too big. Catalog lists EU 35–45.

Buy if

You want a mid-calf lug-sole leather boot with tonal laces and visible topstitching, and you can act on the reported "runs large" fit — sizing down or trying it in person first.

Skip if

You need a true-to-size fit straight out of the box, or you don't want to work around the size-down question, since Strike fit guidance differs between retailers.