On the hunt for the perfect stylish yet comfortable spring shoe that’s not a pair of traditional trainers?
You’re in luck because there's a new silhouette on the block which ticks all of those aforementioned boxes. Think all-terrain performance meets coquette ballet girl and voilà you’re on the money.
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The resurgence of ballet flats has been a stylish evolution, witnessing transformations like the sheer mesh versions from Dear Frances and the buckle-adorned designs by Miu Miu. Influencers went crazy last season for Vibi Venezia's velvet Mary Jane-inspired flats. Recently, this classic silhouette has undergone another exciting change: Introducing the ballet sneaker. Technically a hybrid between the famed ballet flat and a pair of sneakers, the ballet sneaker silhouette is chunky like a trainer but cute like a ballet flat.
This hybrid has been around for longer than you might think, with Simone Rocha pioneering the trend in September 2020 with her "ballet trackers" which blended the grace of ballet flats with the boldness of thick platforms and diverse materials. Marc Jacobs recently teamed up with Kiko Kostadinov and Asics to launch a ballet sneaker that quickly sold out, solidifying its popularity in 2024.
The Marc Jacobs x Kiko Kostadinov ballet sneakers sold out in minutes
At the moment there’s a seriously wide variety of ballet sneaker options, and because we’re no gatekeepers here at H Fashion, we trawled through the world wide web to find the cutest, most practical and stylish options that are available to shop right now....
The 11 Best Ballet Sneakers To Shop Now:
Crystal-embellished satin flats
Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes and these crystal-embellished satin flats are proof that the designer never misses. I love how the satin finish is paired with a patent rubber sole and pearl beaded accent buckles as it makes them feel more elegant.
Flavia Ballerina Sneakers
JW PEI
The cult-adored JW Pei versions blend ballerina elegance with sporty chic. The satin fabric of both the upper and lining gives them a luxuriously smooth feel, making them the cutest and most comfortable pair of sneakers.
Black Boccaccio II Aura Ballerina Flats
ROMBAUT
Perfectly chunky and made from faux leather, these black ballerina sneakers will go with quite literally everything in your wardrobe, all whilst adding an extra inch or two to your height.
Pink Lace Up Ballet Sneaker
Lazy Oaf
These have been in my basket ever since they dropped a few months ago and now there are multiple colourways to choose from, including classic black. I love the straps on this design as you can swap out the laces for any ribbon of your choice. They really are a ballet sneaker that keeps on giving.
Ballet Sneakers
Double Standard
This light pink canvas radiates femininity, and the sleek silver rubber soles that add a touch of cool-girl modernity. White beaded pearl embellishments on the straps also boast a sophisticated flair... am embracing my coquette-core era with arms wide open.
Binary Ballet Flat Shoes
Buffalo London
Simple yet elegant, these strappy options feature a super chunky sole and a detailed satin upper half making them a go-to ballet sneaker option. I love the silver buckle accent on these and think they would look ultra cute with a stack of silver metal anklets in summer.
Kinetic Impact II Mj Strap Sneaker
Sorel
These ballet sneakers are unique take on the classic Mary Jane. Part of Sorel's Kinetic collection, they feature the brand's iconic sole design. The mix of suede overlays and stretch mesh underlays, plus the elastic gore in-step strap, ensures both style and a secure fit.
Lella Hybrid Shoe
Kiko Kostadinov
This hybrid style perfectly mixes elegance with edge. The grosgrain bow tie straps and polished gold logo tags add chic touches, while the faux python with contrast binding and zigzag heel tab inject a modern twist.
Red Performance Velcro Mary Jane Ballerinas
Ganni
Ganni girls will understand just how cultivated these racy red and black options are. Perfect for pairing with dresses, floaty skirts and your favourite Ganni collared blouse, these will be your best friend come holiday time.
Rx Marie-Jeanne
Salomon
If you’re wanting something a little more sneaker-like then these Salomons are for you. I feel like there aren't many grey footwear options on the market which is a shame because it’s a colour that goes with everything.
Multicolored Textile Mary Jane
Camper
The baby blue colour of these Camper options tickles my fashion-obsessed brain in all the right ways. I love a colourful shoe option and think these would look cute paired with white slouchy socks and a linen dress.
How we chose the pieces:
Aesthetic: Each footwear choice on my list falls under the ballet sneaker silhouette. All are the perfect mix between sneakers and ballet flats however some feature more straps and chunkier soles than others.
Price: I have chosen a mix of designer labels and more affordable options however most items on my list feature a higher price tag as they are from boutique designers.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Features Writer. With a love for all things fashion (the quirkier the better), I can usually be found playing dress-up in my own wardrobe, watching Gilmore Girls for the 8th time or finding new outfit inspo and DIY musts on TikTok, nothing in my closet is safe from a safety-pin bow embellishment. I have been in the styling world for almost 5 years now, specialising in editorial features, luxury campaigns and music videos. As for the world of magazines, I have worked for various digital and print publications around the world, focusing on fashion. Basically, fashion is my bread and butter.
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