Why trade in your favorite pair of sneakers for a trendy ballerina when you can wear both? This new trend, blending comfort and femininity, is as nostalgic as it is forward-thinking in its take on modern womanhood.
The ballerina, a versatile shoe
Long considered outdated and relegated to childhood or teenage wardrobes, the ballerina flat has made a spectacular comeback, even winning over the sceptics. Embraced by top fashion houses, it’s been given a second life: embellished with rhinestones at Alaïa, adorned with charms at Miu Miu, or reworked with pointed or square toes at Gucci and Stella McCartney. Each brand has offered its own spin, appealing to both minimalists and eccentricity lovers.
Firmly established over several seasons now, the ballerina continues to evolve to match the pace of our increasingly fast urban lives. To hit the pavement in comfort, many designers have reimagined it as a sneaker. Out with the ultra-flat sole (a podiatrist’s nightmare), and in with thicker or even platform soles that offer height without sacrificing comfort.
Leading the charge is Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen, a pioneer of the ballet-core style, who has launched multiple collaborations with Asics, making room for a new generation of brands like Sandy Liang, who co-created a pair with Salomon. These hybrid models stand out with their technical edge, combining thick soles with details reminiscent of both dance shoes and sports sneakers.
A refreshed Y2K trend
Like the classic ballerina, the ballet-sneaker isn’t entirely new. It first gained traction in the early 2000s in its sporty version, thanks to Miuccia Prada, who developed it for both Prada and her younger label Miu Miu, launched in 1993. Visionary as ever, she deconstructed traditional ideas of femininity, far removed from Mediterranean beauty standards.
Among sneaker giants like Adidas, Puma, and Nike, the ballerina has taken many forms, usually very flat with lace-up variations, low-cut shapes or Mary Jane styles. Today, these brands are capitalizing on the comeback by updating older models and collaborating with fashion’s new wave.
At Adidas, the Taekwondo Mei revives a rare Y2K silhouette with ankle lacing that subtly echoes the classic ballerina aesthetic. Puma is betting on the Speedcat, an iconic model reimagined in silver for a futuristic touch. Meanwhile, the Mostro has morphed into an ultra-technical Mary Jane. Fans of split-toe shoes will be pleased with the return of the Nike Air Rift, tipped to be one of 2025’s standout pairs.
Alongside these reissues, Adidas Originals tapped creative Taqwa Bint Ali to design two city-ready models. Asics teamed up with HEAVEN by Marc Jacobs and Kiko Kostadinov to reinterpret the ballet-sneaker. The Bulgarian designer and the Fanning sisters who lead the women’s line are committed to crafting pieces, that meet the needs of a dynamic generation.
In tune with the times
What if the ballet-sneaker is exactly what today’s women are looking for? A smart mix of comfort and versatility. Perfectly suited to urban lifestyles, the sporty ballerina has become a wardrobe essential.
Paired with tailored trousers and a shirt, it blends seamlessly into a workwear silhouette. Worn with a short skirt whether A-line, pleated, or voluminous and fun socks or tights, it shows off its full potential. To revive its streetwear roots, try it with cotton parachute pants and a fitted tank top.
The possibilities of ballet-sneakers are endless. And it’s precisely this versatility that appeals to women today. A shoe that can transition effortlessly from one style to another, from a workday to a night out with friends.
Long live the ballet-sneaker!
