When my inner ballerina and younger me who took up sports meet, it makes for a fun fashion pairing.
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Did you know that the “sneakerina” is the latest footwear trend for spring 2025? The sporty balletcore trend gained significant attention when Puma’s Speedcat Ballet shoes debuted at Copenhagen Fashion Week. From racetracks to runways, the Speedcat Ballet Flats prove that sporty and girly don’t have to be opposites. Whether you’re into the delicate coquette vibe or the edgy Y2K resurgence, these flats are bringing a whole new energy to the balletcore trend.
There’s no denying that fashion’s obsession with unconventional—and “ugly shoe” style—footwear isn’t going anywhere. But where did this trend actually start, and how can you make it work for your own style? Let’s delve into the rise of sporty balletcore and check out some standout pieces to help you nail the look.
Ballet Flats, but Make It Y2K Sporty
PUMA’s Speedcat Ballet Flats are more than just a new take on balletcore—they’re a nod to the brand’s deep-rooted history in motorsport and street fashion. If the name Speedcat rings a bell, that’s because it first dropped in the late ‘90s as a high-performance racing sneaker designed for professional drivers. Inspired by the fireproof shoes worn on the track, the original Speedcat had a low profile and a grippy sole, built for speed and precision. But like many functional sports shoes (think Adidas Sambas or Onitsuka Tigers), it didn’t take long before the sneaker world and fashion crowd claimed it for themselves.
@marieclairemagazine @OpéraSPORT x @PUMA is about to take over every fashion girlies’ footwear rotation. We haven’t seen a silhouette like this since the archival days…Would you sport these shoes? #copenhagen #puma #sneakertiktok #balletflats ♬ original sound – ron.clipped
In the early 2000s, the brand introduced ballet-inspired sneakers like the PUMA Mostro—an ultra-lightweight, flexible shoe with a signature Velcro strap that became a favorite among trendsetters. Around the same time, PUMA collaborated with Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro, known for his experimental sneaker designs, bringing a fresh, avant-garde twist to athletic footwear.
By the ‘90s and early 2000s, ballet flats were everywhere—Kate Moss paired them with mini dresses, Alexa Chung made them indie sleaze-approved, and the whole “ballet flats with jeans” era had every It-girl’s approval.
Picture this: ballet flats, but sportier. As Balletcore takes on a new edge, designers are blending elegance with athleticism. Simone Rocha’s track-inspired ballerinas, Sandy Liang’s mesh Mary Janes, and Alaïa’s studded flats prove that the trend isn’t just about dainty ribbons anymore. It’s like if a prima ballerina and a sneakerhead swapped style notes—graceful, but ready to move.
miu miu ballet flats pic.twitter.com/AwSqSwJ5bC
— 𝓇𝑜𝓈𝒾𝑒 (@rosierpearl) January 15, 2025
But hold up—things get even wilder. New Balance jumped into the mix with the Speed Loafers, a chaotic yet genius mash-up of a sleek loafer and a sporty slip-on. It’s the kind of shoe that makes you do a double take—confusing at first, but somehow, it just works. Who knew business-casual and athleisure could collide like this?
Now that we’re through a little fashion history 101, to help you nail the sporty ballet look, here are some standout pieces that blend elegance with athletic flair:
Andanté Ballerine Flats in Blush
Inspired by the classic ballet pointe shoe of the late 19th century, these handcrafted flats are made from 100% full-grain leather. They feature an aerifoam soft insole and back cushion for added comfort, making them perfect for daily wear.
PATOU x Onitsuka Tiger Ballet Flats in Nappa
Onitsuka Tiger introduces the Ballet Flats in collaboration with PATOU, merging the lightweight design of ballet shoes with the functionality of running sneakers. These shoes offer a sleek silhouette, breathable material, and flexible sole, ideal for both casual outings and light workouts.
Aztrid’s B1G2 Kira in Pink
Aztrid offers a variety of flats, including the Ballerina B1G2 Kira in Pink, which features a sleek design for various occasions. Their collection emphasizes comfort without compromising style.
NIKE Air Rift Breathe in Pink
The Nike Air Rift Breathe blends a sporty feel with a ballet-inspired look, thanks to its signature split-toe design. With a breathable mesh upper and flexible sole, it’s a lightweight and stylish choice for everyday wear.
Juanita Studios’ Quirina flats
Juanita Studios presents the Quirino flats, featuring a unique design that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. These flats are perfect for those looking to make a statement.
Hue Label’s Gizi Pair in Naturale
Hue Label’s Gizi Pair in Naturale offers a minimalist design with a focus on comfort and versatility. These shoes are suitable for various settings, from casual outings to more formal events.
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