Ballet Sneakers: The Shoes of the Summer
Step out in style with the latest footwear trend
By: Sophia Cvetkovic
This summer, footwear trends shifted from run-of-the-mill slip-ons like Crocs and UGGs to ballet sneakers, blending the comfort of sneakers with the elegance of ballet flats.
Ballet sneakers have emerged at the forefront of fashion due to their versatility. They’re built with the same insoles found in athletic sneakers, which are cushioned and supportive of all kinds of movement. The shoe’s silhouette is that of a ballet flat, crafted with a refined shape that is lightweight, flexible and easy to wear.
Beyond their versatility, ballet sneakers have become a statement of individuality. They come in an array of designs and colors, reflecting the growing demand for fashion that blends personal style with ease.
The shoes also come in various textures. The Puma Speedcat Ballet, for example, features a combination of suede and leather, giving the footwear a soft, plush feel. Other ballet sneakers may be fabricated of nylon or rubber, which are often used in the soles for support and mobility.
The hottest ballet sneakers on the market include the Adidas Barreda Mary Jane and Taekwondo Mei. Barreda Mary Janes adapt the retro look of an Adidas Samba into a dainty, slip-on shoe, combining a beloved design with a trendy twist. They are offered in typical Adidas Samba colors, including white, black, red and green. The Taekwondo Mei features a ribbon tied around the ankle for a chic look reminiscent of traditional ballet pointe shoes. It comes in a vast selection of designs and textures, including a metallic, woven and striped version.
Some other ballet sneakers in high demand include the Puma Speedcat Ballet and the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Ballet. The Speedcat Ballet, like the Barreda Mary Jane, combines the classic design of Puma Speedcat sneakers with ballet flats. It comes in both neutral tones and exotic patterns, such as snakeskin and cheetah print. The Onitsuka Mexico 66 Ballet is made of smooth leather and paired with a rubber sole, featuring a sleek lace trim for definition. These shoes come in bright red, yellow and pastel colors.
Ballet sneakers have climbed to the top of the social ladder, worn by fashion trendsetters like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Rihanna. Such celebrity endorsements have cemented these shoes as a staple in modern fashion culture.
Adidas recently launched a collaboration with the iconic K-pop singer Jennie for the Superstar Square Ballet collection, adding ribbons, straps and bows to the Adidas Superstar design. Ballet sneakers have also entered the luxury market, with designer brands such as Miu Miu, Prada and Louis Vuitton manufacturing their own renditions of the shoe.
Ballet sneakers are the ideal shoe for any occasion — whether it be your next workday or a summer trip to Europe. The fusion of traditional and modern designs makes them suitable for the most luxurious or casual event. The unique blend of colors, textures and designs of these shoes promotes self-expression and pushes the contemporary envelope of style.
Ballet sneakers have quickly become a worldwide wardrobe staple, making them the perfect way to express personal style without having to sacrifice comfort of a sneaker.
Sophia Cvetkovic is an Online and Print Editorial Writer for Rowdy. She is an English and psychology major who loves all things nature, music and poetry — and is probably sporting her own pair of ballet sneakers right now.
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