Pirouette Into Style With These 13 Sporty Ballet Sneakers
The sporty ballerina shoe blends classic ballet elements with athleisure durability for a fresh, versatile look.
Ballet flats, long regarded as a timeless classic, have been given a fresh new life lately by luxury brands like Miu Miu and Sandy Liang. The balletcore girl has become a dominant figure in fashion, including on social media and in celebrity culture alike, cementing the flat as a must-have for those embracing soft, graceful femininity. Although thought to be a fleeting trend, balletcore has infiltrated the fashion world in ways that many never expected. Ballet sneakers make for the coolest iteration of this, which mix a ballet flat with more athletic shoe components.
Born from the increasing acceptance of chic athleisure, the sporty ballerina flat combines the feminine elegance of the classic style with durable, performance-driven elements that elevate its wearability without compromising on aesthetic. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing the shoe, too. Designers like Repetto and Ferragamo have embraced the look with ultra-luxurious interpretations, while brands such as Onitsuka Tiger and Adidas offer more street-style-friendly versions, with Onitsuka Tiger's variation selling out immediately when it dropped. While some styles remain true to the beloved slipper shape, others take on a more sneaker-inspired silhouette, blending athletic elements with ballet slipper nuances for a unique, versatile design.
"One silhouette gaining popularity is the ballerina sneaker. Between February and March, we saw sales of sneakers with ‘ballerina’ or ‘ballet’ in the title increase by more than 1,000 percent,” Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX Rachel Makar said in a statement on spring trends. According to Makar, "The increase in volume of these sneakers comes on the heels of the coquette trend in the past few years."
Ready to explore ballet sneakers? Keep scrolling to shop 13 editor-approved picks that perfectly capture the sporty ballerina shoe revolution.
Miu Miu has perfected the ultra-feminine, fashion-forward aesthetic that speaks directly to the style-conscious Miu Miu girl. With the ballerina slipper trend still going strong, Miu Miu reimagines the classic with a sporty twist, blending chic ballet elegance with athletic practicality. Crafted from supple leather, these sporty ballerina flats encapsulate a modern vision that prioritizes both wearability and versatility, ensuring they’re as functional as they are fashionable.
Miu Miu Bleached Nappa Leather Ballerinas, $875, Miu Miu
The Speedcat flats boast an ultra-sleek silhouette, finished in a striking silvery metallic that exudes modern cool. Designed with aerodynamic precision, its delicate construction is paired with a durable rubber sole, offering both style and practicality. Perfect for those who want to elevate their ballerina aesthetic to a fresh, sporty-chic level, these ballet sneakers are made for the fashion-forward.
Puma Speedcat "Silver" Ballet Flats, $128, Farfetch
Charles & Keith reinvents the classic sneaker with a luxe satin finish and delicate ruched detailing, giving it an unexpected ballerina makeover. The refined touches infuse it with a balletcore aesthetic, while the sneaker influence adds an athleisure twist. The lace-up design ensures versatility, seamlessly blending elegance and casual ease into one stylish silhouette.
Charles & Keith Cece Satin Ruched Bow Sneakers, $73, Charles & Keith
Loewe's Ballet Runner is, as the name hints, a hybrid shoe that mixes elements of a ballet flat and a running sneaker. These have a sort of retro look and perfectly nail the ballet sneaker trend taking over fashion right now. Beyond the tonal colorway, there are brighter colors available to shop for those with bolder style.
Loewe Ballet Runner 2.0, $950, Loewe
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 became an instant classic, capturing the world’s attention—and now, the brand reimagines this iconic style with a fresh, athletic ballerina twist. The soft pink hue contrasts beautifully with the bold black scalloped Onitsuka stripes, creating a perfect balance of femininity and athleticism. This reworked silhouette combines the best elements of the beloved sneaker with a sleek, more delicate take. The slip-on design and adjustable buckles make it effortlessly chic, while staying true to its sporty roots.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 TGRS, $199, StockX
A standout creation from the coveted Salomon x Sandy Liang collaboration, this shoe merges the rugged durability of Salomon with the feminine touch of Sandy Liang’s design sensibility. The delicate pink ribbon laces gracefully up to the calf, adding a soft contrast to the shoe’s technical, utilitarian silhouette. The juxtaposition of strength and femininity makes this piece a truly unique statement, redefining what’s possible when two innovative brands come together.
Salomon Spreedcross Ribbon Sandy Liang, $200, Salomon
These satin ballet sneakers by Vivaia are Bella Hadid-approved. Their low sole creates that ballet flat look, while decorative laces make their sneaker look even more chic. Beyond their clear aesthetic appeal, these shoes are foldable, which is ideal for travel, and machine washable, which makes them easy to keep spotless.
Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina), $129, Vivaia
Repetto, the quintessential French house known for perfecting the ballerina flat, gracefully steps into the balletcore-meets-athleisure moment. This hybrid silhouette echoes the lines of a sneaker but moves with the softness and fluidity of a true ballet slipper. Crafted from supple sheepskin and velvety goatskin suede, the texture is as luxurious as it is functional.
Repetto Tennis Silk, $385, Repetto
Kiko Kostadinov gets the ballet sneaker just right. The mix of glossy patent leather and buffed calfskin creates a visual and textural contrast that feels fresh and deliberate. A classic black silhouette is elevated with bold blue striping and lace details, while the squared toe and faux fur lining add a charming twist. It’s a unique, forward take on the ballet flat—equal parts athletic and avant-garde.
Kiko Kostadinov Black Lella Hybrid Ballerina Flats, $750, Ssense
The Averie by Miista draws inspiration from the iconic 90s ballet flat, effortlessly blending vintage charm with modern comfort. Crafted from ivory Italian leather, this sporty silhouette exudes a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. Contrasting black stitching adds a delicate touch to the design, while the padded insole ensures lasting comfort, creating a flexible and durable fit. The adjustable lace-up detailing allows you to personalize the sporty ballerina shoe look, making it as unique as your style.
Miista Averie Cream Lace Ballerinas, $385, Miista
Adidas masters the art of footwear with a sleek and sporty twist. The iconic three-stripe emblem proudly marks these as Adidas Originals, while the classic ballerina slipper shape brings a feminine edge. Adjustable laces ensure a secure, personalized fit, marrying style with comfort. The silvery hue offers a chic, modern touch, making these sporty ballerina shoes as versatile as they are iconic.
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Sneakers, $100, Luisaviaroma
Chopova Lowena’s sporty ballerina shoe is anything but expected. Green satin meets rich brown leather in a silhouette that feels equal parts nostalgic and now. At the toe, a delicate, hand-embroidered floral bursts with beads and intention, while silver studs and buckles cut through the softness with sharp attitude.
Chopova Lowena Green & Brown Spur Strap Mary Jane Ballerina Flats, $387, Ssense
Blurring the lines between elegance and ease, this Ferragamo hybrid shoe redefines everyday wear. A delicate nod to the ballerina flat meets the relaxed attitude of a sneaker, wrapped in mascarpone-hued leather that feels as luxurious as it looks. A seamless fusion of influences—athletic ease meets graceful refinement.
Ferragamo Hybrid Sneaker, $795, Ferragamo
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