Given the sartorial appetite for ‘balletcore’ fashion and the industry’s growing appreciation for ugly shoes (see: Copenhagen Fashion Week), it’s unsurprising that ballet trainers are stepping up as the must-have autumn 2025 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 Sneakerina’s, 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 trainer 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.
Puma Speedcat Ballet Flats
VIVAIA Square-Toe Sneakerina
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 trainers 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 trainers to such a controversial hybrid?
Our take is that ballet flats are pretty but offer little support, and trainers are comfy but too casual. The ballet trainer, 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 trainer offers the same walkability without fully submitting to the winter look.
Admittedly, the idea of a ballet-trainer cross 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 trainers to add to your wardrobe this autumn.
Mary Jane ballet trainers
Looking for something with less stomp than black ballet trainers but wince at the delicacy of pink ballet trainers? Mary Jane ballet trainers are the perfect in-between.
Converse, Puma and Adidas are monopolising 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.
VIVAIA Walker Pro Mesh Hybrid Mary Jane
Mesh, breathable and cushioned for extra comfort? It doesn’t get better than these.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Mary Jane Ballet Flats
These cuties are reminiscent of our fave childhood shoes — the buckles are so nostalgic.
Combine two of 2025’s hottest trends, and what do you get? This super-cool hybrid.
adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet Leather Sneakers
Your fave silhouette just got a brand-new update from a gal called Mary Jane.
Black ballet trainers
These iterations feel like gothic, statement-making choices that are 100% cool-girl approved. The chunky soles and monochrome colourways are perfect for those wanting to dip a toe into the trend, but prefer practical over pretty.
Notable designs? The iconic Simone Rocha Tracker Ballerina Sneakers launched in the brand’s SS21 collection, and the ultra-affordable Steve Madden Spin-Off Ghillie trainers in black, currently on sale for £56.
Simone Rocha Tracker Mesh Ballerina Trainers
We can totally picture Wednesday Addams stomping around in these.
Salomon RX MARIE-JEANNE Shoes
An interesting update to the school plimpsole aesthetic... long live Gorpcore.
jwpei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers
If a sock shoe and a ballet flat had a baby, this would be it.
Axel Arigato Marathon Ballet
We’re obsessed with the fluffy laces on these dancing shoes.
Pink ballet trainers
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 trainers 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-coloured suede with gum soles. Pilates princesses, do your thing.
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet trainers
This lace-up pair with a gum sole take 'sneakerina' to a whole new level.
VIVAIA Square Toe Sneakerina
Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot would defo approve of these pretty little slip-ons.
Puma Speedcat ballet flats
The black sole adds some welcome grit to the dainty marshmallow colourway.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Ballerina Canvas
Skater girl meets ballerina? They’re a throwback to the 2010s, and we’re into it.
You’ve seen the numbers, you’ve browsed our top pick of the best ballet trainer 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.
