SNEAKERINA SEASON

Riding the wave of balletcore, classic ballet flats have pirouetted into a new footwear frontier: sneaker ballet flats. This hybrid trend is capturing the hearts of sneakerheads and tastemakers alike, blending style and function to bring the rise of the “sneakerina” — where elegance dances with streetwear in perfect step.

Sportswear giants like adidas and PUMA are leading the movement, giving us a new breed of ballet sneaker shoes that blend performance with graceful design. Think pointed toes, lace up ballet sneaker details, and slimline low-profile silhouettes that echo both sneakers and ballet slippers. It’s a hybrid aesthetic, soft, street-smart, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you're channeling your inner ballerina or staying ahead of the curve in the women’s sneaker world, these designs prove that the best style often comes from unexpected pairings.

Blending ballet aesthetics with classic motorsport style, PUMA’s Speedcat Ballet SD sneaker perfectly embodies the Sneakerina sensibility. Re-crafting the iconic Speedcat silhouette with mesh panels and a bungee lacing system, this striking rendition pirouettes its way into fashion while staying true to its racing heritage - retaining the flat outsole, heel wrap, and white insignia stamped with the iconic PUMA logo. Grace, speed, and style in perfect sync.

London's subversive brand Miista dives feet first into the Sneakerina trend with their Nikoletta sneakers. Part low-pro silhouette, part football boot, the tonal black shoe captures the zeitgeist perfectly. Featuring leather panels, lacing that extends to a pointed toe, and a fold-over tongue, these sneakers bring a sleek, sport-driven twist with metallic stitching at the heel.

Another silhouette to return from their heyday in the noughties, adidas' Ghost Sprint sneakers are the perfect addition to any Sneakerina roster. Boasting an essential combination of a moulded suede upper and an ultra low-profile sole unit, this premium take on a bygone style lands this season to inject some Y2K flavour into your footwear.

An emblem of Y2K's transgressive approach, the Nike Air Rift sneaker represented the Beaverton brand's first foray into design inspired by the barefoot, including their instantly recognisable split toe. Two decades on since their OG release, the sneaker perfectly slots into the modern Sneakerina trend. Keeping it classic in a silver colourway - the colour of the noughties - the shoe is designed with Air cushioning, a comfy midsole, and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap. Equal parts function and fashion, the Air Rift sneaker is ideal for adding a sporty but progressive burst of style to your ensemble.

Infamous for their Gorpcore defining footwear, Salomon's RX Marie-Jeanne sneaker has seen the brand quietly make strides into the Sneakerina sphere with their Mary Jane hybrid silhouette. Infusing performance with elegance, in the beautifully unconventional way that typifies the aesthetic, this pair of sneakers feature a breathable mesh upper with suede overlays for an elevated look. Complete with an adjustable buckle strap, a thick, grooved sole for grip and a perforated insole for airflow, these sneakers reflect Salomon’s legacy of innovation and style.