Your ballerinas just got a streetwear upgrade—meet the sneakerina

You’ve seen the ballerina pump, the dainty ballet flat, and the soft slipper silhouette that has ruled wardrobes for decades. But now, make room for the sneakerina: a hybrid of two worlds that shouldn’t make sense together, yet somehow do. Blending the sleek grace of ballet shoes with the street-cool ease of sneakers, the sneakerina has become the shoe of the moment, and everyone’s obsessed.

Fashion houses and sportswear giants alike have joined the movement. Jonathan Anderson first flirted with the idea back in 2019 at Loewe, coining the “ballet runner.” Fast forward to today, and brands like Adidas, Puma, Nike, and Ralph Lauren have brought the style to the streets with fresh energy. Puma’s Speedcat Ballet, in particular, has been spotted on Dua Lipa and Rihanna, while Nike’s Air Rift and Adidas’ Samba Jane iterations are fast becoming favourites among off-duty models and digital tastemakers everywhere.

From balletcore to street style

The sneakerina perfectly bridges fashion’s love affair with balletcore and the rise of the so-called “ugly shoe” movement—a trend that celebrates comfort, individuality, and confidence. Much like Crocs, Birkenstock Bostons, and Margiela Tabis, the sneakerina challenges traditional notions of beauty in fashion. It’s a shoe designed for women dressing for themselves, not for anyone else.

Its charm lies in its contrasts: soft yet structured, delicate yet dynamic. It pairs just as well with a floaty midi dress as it does with jorts and an oversized blazer. It’s sporty without screaming athleisure, and feminine without feeling overly polished.

How to style sneakerinas

The best part? Sneakerinas go with everything. Pair them with a breezy midi dress for brunch, or style them with micro shorts and a belt for a playful twist. They also look effortlessly cool with printed or frilly ankle socks for a touch of coquette-core flair. Whether you’re running daytime errands or heading out for evening plans, the sneakerina is the ultimate AM-to-PM shoe.

Whether you lean into ballet-inspired styling or prefer a streetwear slant, these shoes strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and new. Think of them as the laid-back younger sister of your classic flats—the one who never tries too hard but somehow always gets noticed.

Bazaar’s Sneakerina picks

Puma Speedcat Ballet: A cult favourite reimagined for 2025

Adidas Samba Jane: The viral update of a streetwear icon

Louis Vuitton Ballet Sneaker: Luxury meets laid-back ease

Ralph Lauren's Suede Pony Ballerina Trainer: Quiet luxury with a vintage twist

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 TGRS Black Cream: The retro silhouette with a feminine finish

Nike Air Rift: The ultimate ‘cool-girl’ crossover

The cool-girl shoe of 2025

Every season has its statement shoe, and 2025 belongs to the sneakerina. It’s a fashion moment that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking—a fusion of performance and poise. Equal parts sporty, chic, and delightfully unconventional, the sneakerina doesn’t just complete your outfit; it transforms it.

And in a world where fashion is all about balance—between comfort and craft, subtlety and statement—this shoe strikes exactly the right note.

Image credits: The brands 

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