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Balletcore is the internet’s favorite soft style aesthetic, featuring snug-fitting leotards and wrap shirts, flowy fold-over skirts, and the return of legwarmers and flats (Millennials rejoice!). The subtle cosplay takes inspiration from ballet costumes and dance warmups, remixing dancer details into everyday looks.
Nothing says remix quite like a Frankenshoe, and the balletcore aesthetic, of course, has its own. The sneakerina—aka, ballet sneaker—is a combination of ballet slipper and sneaker, and is a nice pirouette (err, pivot) from the traditionally unsupportive ballet flats associated with the style. The fashionable and functional sneaker trend is also a favorite amongst celebrities like Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Lawrence, Dua Lipa, and Bella Hadid
If you want to channel your inner tiny dancer, the below picks are en pointe with the trend (and so cute for summer).
The Best Ballet Sneakers
VIVAIA Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
$159
If I close my eyes and envision the perfect ballet sneaker shoe, it’s the VIVAIA Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina—I mean, this shoe screams balletcore (and the name is so cute). These sneakers are constructed from a glossy satin fabric and are available in five colors, including a ballerina slipper pink, and your choice of either elastic or ribbon laces.
Comes in 5 colors, plus 4 shoelace shades.
Keds BlissWalk Skimmer
$50
The Keds BlissWalk Skimmers are only $50, making them one of the best budget-friendly ballet sneakers. Plus, they have a more minimalistic look, so if you’re not too sure about the trend and want to try a pair that is more of a ballet flat with sneaker soles, these are it.
Comes in 3 colors.
Silent D Samantha Ballet Sneakers
$135
These Silent D Sneakers combine the ballet flat and Mary Jane shoe for a cute and comfortable everyday wear. The sneakers also feature a durable rubber sole with tons of traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding around (which I can’t say the same for slipper styles).
Comes in 3 colors.
Jeffrey Campbell Regimen Ankle Wrap Sneaker
$100
We can always count on Jeffrey Campbell to put a fun spin on a trend—and these Regimen Ankle Wrap Sneakers do not disappoint. The ballerina sneakers are inspired by lace-up slippers and come in four colors, including a balletcore pink.
Comes in 4 colors.
JW PEI Caitlin Lace-Up Ballerina Sneakers
$99
If you’ve spotted the ballerina sneaker trend on social media, chances are they were a pair of JW PEI ballet shoes. The Caitlin Lace-up Ballerina Sneakers are a sleek ballet flat take on the trend, and feature a dainty lace-up look that adds a nice balance to the sneaker details.
Comes in 5 colors.
Steve Madden Vador Leopard
$100
The Steve Madden Vador Sneakers are for those who believe leopard is a neutral (same, though). This mesh style epitomizes a ballerina sneaker style with the chunkier soles, elastic criss-cross straps that stretch across the top of the foot, and flat-like uppers.
Comes in 2 colors.
Adidas Tokyo Shoes
$90
If you’re ballerina sneaker curious but now quite ready to wear a style that could pass as point shoes, the Adidas Tokyo Shoes are an excellent ballet sneaker alternative. These shoes have that slim-fitting slipper feel but lean toward the sneaker side of the spectrum. Plus, the satin pink and orange colorway is a nice nod to the classic dance shoe.
Comes in 8 colors.
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