Sneakers and ballet flats dominated last summer, so obviously, trendsetters decided to marry the two. Part pointe shoe, part playground trainer, the hybrid is pirouetting straight into every too-cool-for-school closet.
Meet the “sneakerina,” or what Bad Bunny labeled the “Ballerina,” from his recent adidas collab — an instant bestselling hit no longer in stock.
Spotted on A-listers from New York to Paris, Bella Hadid wore the Vivaia Christina Lace-Up Satin Sneakers, which sold out instantly but were recently restocked and come in twelve different colors, not to mention machine washable.
Amelia Gray Hamlin was also seen rocking a blush pink pair, styled with dainty white mid-calf socks that Gen Z has revived.
Does it channel ’80s dad vibes? Absolutely. But let the kids have their fun — it’s new to them, and they’re making the most of it.
Ballet shoes have long been a staple for the elegant woman, but recently designers like Simone Rocha and Coach have taken them to a new level of sophistication for the modern woman on the go, meeting the demands of a fast-paced life while dripping in class and rubber, grippy soles.
While they’re are plenty of ballet hybrids to choose from, from Miu Miu to more affordable Amazon creations, some like to keep up with the social trends dominating the market.
“There’s a new It-girl shoe on the market, it’s pretty polarizing, you either love it or hate it,” said TikToker Emily @itsemmygirl. She described the new style as if “Sambas and Mary Janes had a baby, you got the Samba Jane,” Adding that she loves a “controversial” shoe.
So, if you missed out on the Bad Bunny collab, this is your chance to be cool again. Ballet flats and sneakers never go out of style, so why should their hybrid?
To take things to a more athletic level, Dua Lipa styled her Puma sneaker flats, leaning into ballerina off-duty vibes with all-white workout gear. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence took a bolder approach, pairing a bucket hat and graphic tee with bright orange pants and Wales Bonner black Mary Jane flats –showing us that Mary Janes are far from timid-schoolgirl territory.
The takeaway? If no one is talking about it, you’re probably wearing a modest choice that won’t stick out, not even to your co-worker, Tom, who oddly remembers your dog’s half-birthday.
But if you love a chunky hybrid, actress Chloë Sevigny stepped out in ECCO’s Biom C-Trail. Think slightly less ugly stepsister to Crocs with a VIP following. Zendaya was also spotted hiking in a pair alongside Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland. What can we say? It’s in vogue. We don’t make the rules — the “tastemakers” do.
So if you’re looking for a style education on the hottest trends, take note, because this relevé styled shoe is on pointe.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.