10 Ballet Sneakers to Wear this Summer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ecco

Approved by Chloë Sevigny herself, these trail-ready sneakers add the right amount of kitsch to any summer ensemble. If dressing during a transitional season, fasten the laces above legwarmers for some added texture and unexpected lower-leg layering.

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JW Pei

Pictured in baby pink, these sneakers come in an array of calming neutrals as well as statement-making silver and blue. The flat, luxe laces are reminiscent of classic pointe shoes, as is the slender silhouette.

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Rombaut

Rombaut’s ballet sneakers are like a tutu for your feet, thanks to their ruched silhouette, trailing satin ankle straps and dramatic bow appliqué. The sculptural treaded rubber sole makes them ideal for long city walks.

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Axel Arigato

Described as “marathon ballet sneakers,” this Axel Arigato design is made with performance in mind. The round toe and good grip give them a signature sneaker appeal, while the texture mixing and bow-tie laces offer some ballerina beauty.

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Stretchy straps

Looking for the ballet-core vibe, sans laces? These picks bring the best of both worlds.

Charles & Keith

With a futuristic chunky silhouette and a two-toned metallic and pink palette, these statement-making sneakers incorporate dancer laces with no-fuss velcro. Plus, the breathable mesh promises all-day comfort.

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Skechers

The old-school label has long been delivering durability for an affordable price; it’s no wonder Skechers has a great ballet sneaker. With flexible criss-cross straps and a memory foam insole, these relaxed runners offer a subtle take on the trend.

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Open YY

A wearable rubber sole contrasts with rich suede lining for a coveted high-low effect. The aesthetic mixing extends to the upper, where a dainty bow is placed alongside buckle-heavy straps. Who says you can’t do both?

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Sleek and sporty

The flat shape we all love, with some added sole support.

Vivaia

With an upper made of satin for bare-skin comfort, these playful sneakers use recycled materials and are machine-wash ready. Don’t be fooled by the ballet flat appearance: the EVA outsole ensures all-day steadiness.

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Jeffrey Campbell

With slender laces and two-toned contrast stitching, these strappy sneakers promise a glove-like fit with a little more grip. For colour risk-takers, they’re also available in red and silver.

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Puma

Last fall, the Puma Speedcat became the bona fide streetwear shoe du jour, so it’s no surprise that its ballet iteration would so effortlessly hit the mark. These slip-ons boast ultra clean lines, chrome colouring and a subtly textured sole.

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