Sneaker Meets Ballet Flats, The Summer of Sneakerina Is Here!

Well, the collective cult of balletcore and subsequently ballet flats has reigned supreme for the longest time than most of us anticipated. And as the ballet flat fixation continues, they have gotten a rather sporty upgrade with sneakerina, i.e., ballet sneakers. Playing on the contrasts of balletcore and street codes, this hybrid shoe silhouette blends the aesthetics of ballet flats with the ease and functionality of sneakers, ushering in the summer of sneakerina.

And yes, we get it – a sneakerina can be as polarising as undeniably chic to pull off, after all, it’s much prettier and sleek than a sneaker and more comfortable than ballet flats. This hybridization isn’t just about a streamlined silhouette but also illustrates the harmonious combination of athletic comfort and balletic elegance. And attesting that edge and elegance can coexist, many brands are setting the sartorial bar(re) high by combining sneakers’ padded rubber outsole with the elegant, rounded vamp of a ballet flat and complementing the dramatic contrasts with the delicacy of satin, bows, ribbons, or criss-crossed lace.

Simone Rocha Tracker Ballerina (Rs.66,951) and JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneaker (Rs.10,410)

Nike Air Rift SE (Rs.10,795) and Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Sneakers (Rs.11,007)

Case in point: Simone Rocha Tracker Ballerina (the OG ballet sneakers, first introduced in SS’21 collection), JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers, Nike Air Rift SE (with the signature split-toe design), Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Sneakers, Louis Vuitton LV Snearkerina, Miu Miu Gymnasium Ballerinas, and Puma Speedcat Ballet. With a comfort-first appeal, embrace your ‘Sporty Spice X Ballerina’ moment with these ballet sneakers.

Miu Miu Gymnasium Ballerinas (Rs.95,565) and Puma Speedcat Ballet (For All Time Red) (Rs.21,499)

Louis Vuitton LV Snearkerina (Rs.93,000)

Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 TGRS (Rs.13,226) and Acne Studios Lace-Up Leather Shoes (Rs.52,902)

Then, there are brands offering the sneakerina silhouette that’s more aligned with the codes of balletcore and capturing the ethereal appeal of ballet flats. Like Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 TGRS (with scallop-trimmed stripes), Valentino Garavani Bay By Bay Ballerina Sneakers, Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (that’s a cool girl sneakerina!), Acne Studios Lace-Up Leather Shoes (in trompe l’oeil leather that looks like denim), and Wales Bonner Jewel Mary Jane. Yes, you can dance around all day in these or even do an errand run. Oh! And having launched multiple iterations of Tracker Ballerina, Simone Rocha brings a more luxe blend of hard and soft with Ballerina Grip this summer – featuring sporty trek sole, bow detailing, and sparkling crystals. This is a need, not a want, for us!

Wales Bonner Jewel Mary Jane (Rs.69,157) and Vivaia Square-Toe Sneakerina (Cristina) (Rs.13,567)

Valentino Garavani Bay By Bay Ballerina Sneakers (Papier Floral Jacquard) (Rs.71,247.21) and Simone Rocha Embellished Ballerina Grip (Rs.77,802)

Some are stage-ready. Some are for grocery runs. Some are for that coffee date. Some are for standing in front of a rather distinctive artwork on your next gallery visit. Yes, the ballet sneakers fit everywhere by balancing comfort with style and versatility with fantasy. And to pirouette around this summer with as much sass as ease, slip into your sneakerina for the grand sartorial gala under the sun.

All Images Courtesy of Respective Brands

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