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In the footwear realm, there’s been a freaky shift. Have you noticed? Lately, shoe discourse has taken an odd turn, from the inexplicable embrace of bare feet to the surge of straight-up sneaker fatigue. When it comes to shopping for reliable runners, the world wants a shoe that is satisfyingly novel, delightfully weird and not at all gimmicky. And nothing embodies this better than the ubiquitous—if surprising—rise of the ballet sneaker.
Simone Rocha / Photography via LAUNCHMETRICS/SPOTLIGHT
A perfect blend of practical-forward peculiarity and old-school feminine daintiness, the ballerina sneaker takes a classic and re-tunes it for our modern-day desires. Simone Rocha was an early adopter of the trend, with the brand’s frothy silhouettes and hardware accents coming together to craft a ballet sneaker that charmed the internet in 2021.
Miu Miu / Photography via LAUNCHMETRICS/SPOTLIGHT
At first, the hybrid shoe was viewed as an esoteric symbol of footwear mastery. (A little treat for the weirdos, if you will.) But season after season, it’s solidified a spot on runways, from its ongoing return at Simone Rocha to its presence at Miu Miu. Versions of the design have been worn by It girls like Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and most recently, Chloë Sevigny, who fronted Ecco’s “Icons” campaign in a pair of chunky trail runners with a criss-cross upper. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbOczjMj9v/” /] In a zeitgeist crowded It shoe contenders, ballet flat sneakers present a fashionable Frankensteinian appeal. The design melds two seemingly opposing worlds, pushing back on the idea that sporty performance-wear can’t also be dreamy and ethereal. Perhaps that’s why trending styles—like Adidas’ chrome Taekwondo Mei shoes, Simone Rocha’s beaded bow-adorned trainers and Onitsuka’s Tiger runners—have all flown off shelves. In early April, an unlikely collaboration between Nike and floral-embellished label Susan Fang tapped further into this magical aesthetic mix, via a chunky runner with playful flower appliqués. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DIQ3vUdtAzx/?img_index=4&igsh=MTN3YzF2d20wdTdybA%3D%3D” /] Think of this footwear fusion shoe like flats with a matured palette. Ballet sneakers, unlike their level-soled predecessor, understand the value of a grippy sole on city terrain and the adjustable comfort of lace-up fastenings. Wether you’re pairing them a rain-ready trench or dressing them up with a tailored blazer, ballet flat sneakers are ideal for any occasion, no dance training necessary. Here are the best picks to shop this season.
Grippy lace-ups
From romantic satin laces to chic thin strings, these tie-ups strike the ultimate ballet-streetwear balance. [content_module id=”1″]
Stretchy straps
Looking for the ballet-core vibe, sans laces? These picks bring the best of both worlds. [content_module id=”3″]
Sleek and sporty
The flat shape we all love, with some added sole support. [content_module id=”2″] Continue Reading
