Love 'em or hate 'em, ballet sneakers are tiptoeing their way into our closets

Women, we contain multitudes!

So, of course, that's also reflected in our aesthetic. Say hello to the ballet sneaker, a slipper-sneaker hybrid which we can't fully decide if we love or hate just yet. Whether you’re twirling with excitement or ready to pirouette out of this conversation, there’s no denying that these kicks are taking over the streets, runways, and even the 'gram.

Combining the delicate charm of ballet flats with the comfort and cool factor of sneakers, this trend is the ultimate flex for anyone who’s tired of choosing between elegance and street style.

But don’t be fooled! Ballet sneakers aren’t just for ballerinas or gym-goers. They’ve gracefully slid into the wardrobes of it-girls worldwide, becoming the statement shoe of the season.

Where you can get your hands (or feet) on the hottest trend

Zara Ballet Flat Sneakers

If you don't want to fully commit just yet, Zara’s take on the ballet sneaker trend is all about sleek, minimalist design, perfect for just dipping your toe in. These ballet flat sneakers combine the refined, feminine silhouette of a classic ballet flat with the comfort of a casual sneaker, making them an ideal choice for those who want to look polished without sacrificing comfort.

Plus, they're slip-ons!Zara website

JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers

Meet the Flavia Ballerina Sneakers — these shoes are like a tutu for your feet. With their chic ribbon laces and soft satin finish, they scream "prima ballerina," while their cushioned soles say, "I’m just here for the brunch." For us, they really are en pointe (gettit, gettit?).

You can't deny that it's an entirely fresh silhouetteJW Pei website

Salomon x Sandy Liang Speedcross 3 Ribbon Sneakers

Inject a touch of nostalgia into your athleisure collection with the Salomon x Sandy Liang Speedcross 3 Ribbon sneakers. Blending ballet-inspired details with trail-ready functionality, these sneakers feature lightweight ripstop fabric and a unique ribbon lacing system.

Merging rugged performance with graceful style, they effortlessly transition from city streets to outdoor trails.

Talk about fashion meets functionOunass website

Buffalo Binary Ballet Sneakers

Whether you’re pairing them with a flowy dress or rocking them with jeans, these bring a playful, fashion-forward twist to any outfit. Sure, they’ve got a little ballet charm, but don’t be fooled — these sneakers are made to stand out, not blend in. Perfect for when you want to be graceful and make a statement!

Our personal favourite take on the trend.Asos website

Adidas x Rui Zhou Chunky Ballerina Shoes

Crafted with a chunky sole and bold, exaggerated lines, the ones by Adidas merge functionality and style in a way that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But for those looking to make a statement and embrace a daring, fashion-forward twist on classic ballet style, these shoes are a bold step in the right direction.

Get you a shoe that can do bothFarfetch website

SIMONE ROCHA Black Crystal Buckle TrackerS Ballerina Sneakers

If you want to go straight to the source, consider the OG pair by Simone Rocha, the label that brought the whimsical hybrid shoe to the spring/summer runway back in 2021. Albeit it comes at a heftier price tag, but we promise it's worth every dirham. The design doesn't lean on in your face satin or ultra feminine bows to make its case but instead goes maximalist in other ways, with a chunky, shiny sole and twinkling ornaments.

If there ever was a statement shoeSsense website

How to style ballet sneakers this fall

The beauty of ballet sneakers is that they can swing between feminine and sporty, making them incredibly versatile.

Pro tip:Don’t go full ballerina unless you’re about to hit the barre (and we mean the dance kind, not the happy-hour kind). Keep things balanced. Pair your ballet sneakers with a satin midi skirt and a graphic tee for that “oh, I just threw this together” look. Or rock them with cropped jeans and an oversized blazer for a mix of business casual and ballerina vibes.

The trick is to let the shoes do the talking while the rest of your outfit whispers. If you’re feeling bold, mix them with athleisure pieces to embrace the sneaker aspect, or lean into the ballet side with soft knits and maybe a tutu with a twist. If you want to go nerdcore, pairing these with leg warmers is a fun play.

Whether you’re here to master the art of ballet sneaker styling or just grabbing a pair for fashion FOMO, one thing’s for sure: this trend is as playful as it is controversial. So, lace up (or slip on!).