Given the sartorial appetite for balletcore fashion and the industry’s growing appreciation for ugly shoes, it’s unsurprising that ballet sneakers are stepping up as a must-have summer 2026 shoe trend.
From Zendaya walking her dog in the Ecco Biom Lite W to Dua Lipa sporting the silver Puma Ballet Speedcats at Pilates, and Bella Hadid running errands in VIVAIA’s Satin Sneakerinas, the most stylish A-listers prove that the hybrid shoe is an effortless way to take an outfit from casual to cool.
While ballet pumps became a capsule wardrobe staple in the 1950s and ‘60s—loved by fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Twiggy—the hybrid ballet sneaker is the 21st century's urban twist on the classic.
The design may have started with fashion houses like Simone Rocha, Miu Miu and Marni leading the charge, but the trend has undoubtedly trickled down to the high street. Sandy Liang and Cecilie Bahnsen launched head-turning collabs with Salomon and ASICS, while Puma birthed an entire line of hybrids, and the revamped Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 TGRS sold out almost immediately.
VIVAIA Square-Toe Lace-Up Sneakerinas (Cristina)
Now, we know it can feel like there’s a new trend making the rounds every week, but the stats confirm our suspicions on this one: Google searches for both “Puma ballet flats” and “Adidas taekwondo mei ballet” have skyrocketed +250% year-on-year.
Consider ballet sneakers the love child of two trending aesthetics. “Balletcore”, a hashtag that currently has 5.4M views on TikTok, and “gorpcore” (rugged, outdoor fashion), which has accumulated over 1.3 billion views on the app.
But why the sudden jump from humble ballet flats and revered fashion sneakers to such a controversial hybrid?
Our take is that ballet flats are pretty but offer little support, and sneakers are comfy but too casual. The ballet sneaker, or sneakerina, is both aesthetic and practical.
With a summer dress, they’re a sleek alternative to sandals or flip-flops when the weather is still balmy, but having your toes out in September feels weird. Where knee-high boots feel too premature, the ballet sneaker offers the same walkability without fully submitting to the winter look.
Admittedly, the idea of a ballet sneaker crossover sounds dubious. But we’ve actually found some pretty cool and wearable options that we think you’ll love. Keep scrolling for our edit of the best ballet sneakers to add to your wardrobe.
Mary Jane ballet sneakers
Looking for something with less stomp than black ballet sneakers but wince at the delicacy of pink ballet sneakers? Mary Jane ballet sneakers are the perfect in-between.
Converse, Puma, and Adidas are monopolizing the market here, churning out styles that can read as dainty or just downright fashionable. If you like to keep up with the latest trends, the sporty-chic route is a no-brainer.
GU Lace Up Ballet Sneakers
Gola Gola Celestra Ballet Sneakers
Black ballet sneakers
These iterations feel like gothic, statement-making choices that are 100 percent cool-girl approved. The chunky soles and monochrome colorways are perfect for those wanting to dip a toe into the trend, but prefer practical over pretty.
Diesel D-Mile
Pink ballet sneakers
If you were a Barbiecore stan, relished the rise of the coquette aesthetic, and frequently use the phrase “I’m just a girl”, these ballet sneakers will be right up your street.
They’re the closest ode to real ballet slippers, and options range from pink satin with lace-up ribbons to Neopolitan-colored suede with gum soles. Pilates princesses, do your thing.
Puma Select Speedcat Ballet Python Ii Sneakers
You’ve seen the numbers; you’ve browsed our top pick of the best ballet sneaker styles. What more do you need to believe this controversial shoe is worth the hype? Perhaps a reminder that running for the bus will feel a tad less embarrassing in a pair of cool shoes. Stylish and functional? Sold.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
