Balletcore continues to gain momentum in 2025. While the last two years saw brands indulging in frilly embellishments—think ribbons, ruffles, and pastel palettes—the aesthetic is now stepping into a more utilitarian direction with the rise of the ballet sneaker.
Though ballerina flats have already made a full return to the style circuit, designers and athletic labels alike are now offering a more functional and sport-influenced iteration of the ballet silhouette.
The earliest glimpses of this hybrid style date back to September 2022, during the Spring/Summer 2023 shows. Simone Rocha, widely recognized for her dreamy, hyperfeminine designs, is credited as the first to reinterpret the look. On the runway, the Irish designer introduced her “ballet tracker”—a chunky sneaker detailed with crisscross straps, pearlescent embellishments, and crystal-studded buckles.
Over the first quarter of the year, sports apparel giants have also entered the conversation, giving their signature footwear lines a balletcore twist. (Exhibit A: Puma’s reimagining of its viral Speedcats and Onitsuka Tiger’s delicate revamp of the cult-favorite Mexico 66.)
In the list ahead, we round up some of the most stylish ballet sneakers on the market today. From big-name labels to under-the-radar brands, these picks are poised to elevate your footwear rotation.
SHOP: 10 Ballet Sneakers to Add to Cart
1. Puma - Speedcat Ballet Shoes
An offshoot of the racing-inspired OG Speedcat sneakers, Puma’s Speedcat Ballet version maintains the original’s signature low-slung profile but swaps the lace-up closure for minimalist elastic bands. With its leather construction and streamlined silhouette, this updated version hugs the foot much like a ballet flat while offering all-day comfort.
Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women, P5200, PUMA, ph.puma.com
2. Onitsuka Tiger - Mexico 66 TGRS
Onitsuka Tiger elevates its iconic Mexico 66 with feminine flourishes: scalloped strap closures and a softened upper, offered in five versatile shades—white, black, metallic silver, pastel pink, and a two-toned black-and-white.
Mexico 66 TGRS in Silver/Cream, P10,000, ONITSUKA TIGER, onitsukatiger.com
3. Adidas - Taekwondo Mei Shoes
Just as its name suggests, Adidas’ Taekwondo Mei fuses martial arts influences with ballet-inspired detailing. A revived Y2K favorite, the sneaker is designed with supple leather, a durable rubber sole, and three sets of laces in varying lengths for customizable styling.
Taekwondo Mei Shoes in Core Black / Cloud White / Gum, $90 (approximately P5146), ADIDAS, adidas.com
4. Paloma Wool - no 1466 / 001KM
A cult-favorite brand among fashion insiders, Paloma Wool was among the first brands to take on the ballerina sneaker silhouette, having debuted its version as early as January 2023.
Revered for its easygoing and artfully minimalist aesthetic, the Barcelona-based label’s 001KM silhouette channels the pointe shoes’ quintessential look with its elongated shape and weightless feel. Made from 100% leather, it features a slip-on design with a drawstring closure and a sturdy rubber outsole, lending the dainty silhouette a sporty feel.
no 1466 / 001KM, P13,500, PALOMA WOOL, palomawool.com
5. Rockfish Weatherwear - Bliss Laceup Sneakers
PSA: If you have a trip to South Korea coming up, be on the lookout for Rockfish Weatherwear’s Bliss Laceup Sneakers. Though British in origin, the brand rose to fame in Seoul for its stylish rubber boots and expansive line of on-trend shoes—and this sneaker is no exception. With mesh panels, striped piping, and a sport-meets-feminine aesthetic, these shoes will surely stand out in any wardrobe.
Bliss Laceup Sneakers - Pink Pearl, KRW 115,000 (approximately P4514), ROCKFISH WEATHWEAR, rockfish-weatherwear.co.kr
6. Mary Jane - Amis Mary Jane Sporty Flats
Heading to Thailand soon? You better keep the brand Mary Jane on your radar.
The Thai label specializes in its namesake silhouette, and the Amis Mary Jane Sporty Flats are its take on the ballet sneaker trend. Featuring a double-strap design and a subtly placed rubber sole, the shoe is made in a range of materials from textured leather and suede, to denim canvas and even sheer lace.
Amis Mary Jane Sporty Flats in Denim, THB 1990 (approximately P3331), MARY JANE, shop.line.me
7. Kiko Kostadinov - Lella Hybrid
Kiko Kostadinov quickly caught on to the ballet sneaker trend. A growing trend at the time, the Bulgarian designer debuted his Lella Hybrid shoes during his brand's Fall/Winter 2023 showcase, just after the trend gained traction in the season prior.
Crafted from matte and patent leather, the pair is grounded by a rubber driving sole and adorned with grosgrain ribbon fastenings. The plush faux teddy fur lining adds a luxurious, albeit unexpected twist, making it perfect for cold weather climates.
Lella Hybrid - Hickory / Syrup / Cream+Mocha, £575 (approximately P42,330), KIKO KOSTADINOV, kikokostadinov.com
8. Simone Rocha - Ballerina Grip
For purists seeking a silhouette closest to an actual pointe shoe, Simone Rocha’s Ballerina Grip definitely fits the bill.
The matte polyester upper is accented with crisscross elastic straps embellished with crystals, along with a bow and pleated detailing at the toe. Designed for all-day comfort, a chunky rubber sole ensures ease without sacrificing elegance.
Embellished Ballerina Grip in Pink, £675 (approximately P49,729), SIMONE ROCHA, simonerocha.com
9. Salomon x Sandy Liang - Speedcross 3 Ribbon
An intersection between the worlds of hiking and ballet, Salomon joined forces with Sandy Liang on the Speedcross 3 Ribbon. The performance sneaker swaps its technical laces for soft pink satin ribbons, a nod to the New York fashion designer’s signature dainty and feminine aesthetic.
Speedcross Ribbon, £135 (approximately P9945), SALOMON X SANDY LIANG, salomon.com
10. Nike - Air Rift Ballet
A split-toe sneaker with a ballet-inspired look? Count us in!
Nike’s Air Rift sneakers get a fresh makeover with this limited, soft-pink iteration. The breathable mesh and neoprene upper stays true to the original, while detachable satin ribbons wrap around the ankle for a touch of femininity.
Wmns Air Rift SE 'Ballet Soft Pink', P8734, NIKE, limitededt.com*
Celebrities Wearing Ballet Sneakers
Dua Lipa
BINI Maloi
Maris Racal
Angelique Manto
Ida Anduyan
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
