Ballet Sneakers Are the Trendy Hybrid Shoe You Didn't Know You Need
Balletcore meets streetwear vibes
By Hana Lee -
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You might have seen them all over your Instagram and TikTok feed — sneakers that look like they took a leaf out of ballet's style book. Ballet shoes-inspired sneakers are trending, and we can see why people love them. They're giving the perfect balance of sporty and elegance.
In fact, ballet sneakers are so popular now that the Puma Speedcat version is sold out in most places, and the Onitsuka Tigers are selling like hotcakes. Love those, but want more choices? Here are 10 pairs you might like.
1. Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women, $129
Credit: Puma
The Puma Speedcat is so popular that it is sold out in many countries, including Singapore. We have been to Malaysia, Macau, and Japan since its launch, but have failed to secure a pair in any of those countries, including Singapore. The good news is that it is (at the time of writing) in stock on Asos. The sneakers come in four colourways, two of which come in a suede finish and two in leather. If you're looking for a pair that matches just about every outfit, go for the safe white and black colourway. Prefer a bit of uniqueness? Opt for the metallic one. Blackpink Rose's fans would love the black/pink colourway she wore in the campaign photos, which alludes to her group's name.
2. Charles & Keith Mesh Two-Tone Ballet Sneakers, $75.90
Credit: Charles & Keith
Want a pair that can be worn even after the trend dies down? Then we suggest going for an all-white colourway like this one from Charles & Keith. And just like you can wear a pair of white sneakers with basically any outfit, this would match almost everything, from a flowy dress for a date with the hubby, to a pair of denim shorts for an ice cream run with the kiddos. It's made of PU and fabric, and is also available in silver.
3. Ecco Biom C-trail Women's Sneaker, $279.90
Credit: Ecco
If all the ballet sneakers so far look too girly for you, look no further than this pair. They remind us of a pair of slip-on sneakers, but with laces. We love the bright hues, which will definitely jazz up even the most basic outfit. Consider wearing these with a shorter hemline to show off the lace-up detail. This will definitely turn heads when you wear it to pick the little one up from weekend classes.
4. Rockfish Weatherwear Bliss Laceup Sneakers, $140, Musinsa
Credit: Musinsa
Now this is a pair of ballet sneakers that really look like ballet shoes! We absolutely love the lace-up detailing, but of course, you can wear it without wrapping it around your ankle. The silhouette leans more toward ballet shoes than sneakers, giving off a feminine vibe that still pairs well with dressier pants — perfect work shoes for casual Fridays. It comes in five neutral-toned colourways.
5. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 TGRS, $200
Credit: Onitsuka Tiger
A combination of ballet sneakers and Mary Janes, these shoes from Onitsuka Tiger are definitely a pair to add to your shoe collection! They come with the brand's signature stripes, and in four colourways. The pink/black and black/white options are perfect for those who need their shoes to have a bit of personality like them, while the monochrome black and ivory/cream ones are for those who prefer an understated style.
6. Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina), $217
Credit: Vivaia
After something that channels serious "ballet shoes" vibes? This pair from Vivaia is for you. It comes in two styles: square toe and round toe. The square-toe version feels more like regular sneakers, albeit with an elastic heel counter, while the round-toe ones are slip-ons that look like ballet pumps. Go for the Peach Blush shade to make your ballerina dreams come true (kinda). They're also perfect for ballet class drop-offs — because we're all about twinning with your little dancer!
7. Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet "Core Black/Cloud White/Gum" sneakers, $186, Farfetch
Credit: Farfetch
You can count on Adidas to give the trend a sporty twist. Despite the athleisure vibe, the silhouette is reminiscent of actual ballet shoes, thanks to its narrow width and a slightly square-ish toe. These shoes are the modern iteration of the brand's archival ballet flats that were launched in the early 2000s (which you probably might have seen or even owned, too).
8. Decathlon Women's PW 160 Br'easy Urban Walking Ballerina Pumps - Grey, $29.90
Credit: Decathlon
Want to jump on the ballet sneakers trend, but don't want to spend too much money? We got you. This pair from Decathlon is affordable, lightweight, and stylish — literally everything we look for in a pair of shoes. The straps are affixed with velcro, making them super easy to adjust. There are also thick Eva foam outsoles to provide cushioning, making every step you take comfortable. Great for family outings that involve clocking lots of steps, such as a trip to the zoo.
9. New Balance UA710 Women's, $119, JD Sports
Credit: New Balance
So you like the idea of ballet sneakers. But you are also a sandals kind of girl. Well, these kicks will be right up your alley! They look like a hybrid of sneakers and sandals, providing coverage at the toe area and breathability in the middle part. There's good support too, so you can wear them not only on weekend trips to the mall, but also for light hiking with the little ones. The rugged rubber outsoles ensure good traction, so there's no need to worry about skidding on polished shopping centre floors while chasing after active kids.
10. Simone Rocha Mesh Tracker Ballerina, $1,220.18, Club21
Credit: Club21
You've got attitude and style, and believe your shoes don't just complete your outfit — they make it shine. Well, we found the perfect ballet sneakers for you. Blending the elegance of ballet flats with the practicality of sneakers, the upper resembles ballet pumps (with Mary Jane-style straps) set atop sporty sneaker soles. We also love the colour combo of pastel pink with black, which further enhances the juxtaposition.