by Ada Maria Francesca Romeo
Forget ordinary sneakers. This summer belongs to sneakerinas. Inspired by the world of ballet and reimagined with a modern edge, these romantic hybrids are the must-have shoes fashion insiders can’t stop wearing.
Balletcore is far from over. If the trend once revolved around tutus, bows, and leg warmers, this summer the spotlight has shifted to footwear. Enter the sneakerina: the hybrid shoe that combines the comfort of a sneaker with the elegance of a ballet flat. After first emerging around a year ago, the style has returned in an even more romantic and feminine iteration, drawing direct inspiration from the world of classical ballet. It has quickly become this season’s ultimate it-girl essential.
Part of balletcore’s enduring appeal, and constant evolution, can be credited to Rosalía, who has turned the ballerina aesthetic into a contemporary style statement. Her looks, often reminiscent of the dancers portrayed in Edgar Degas’ paintings, are never predictable. One of her most memorable outfits was a punk-inspired take on ballet dressing: a sheer nude leather bodysuit , a black lace bralette, and a low-rise blush-pink tulle skirt, all styled with a studded belt that perfectly balanced softness with rebellious edge.
Sneakerinas have always borrowed the silhouette of the classic ballet flat, but this season the inspiration goes even further. New designs embrace details traditionally associated with ballet shoes, making them feel even more delicate and sophisticated. Satin has become the fabric of choice, sometimes replacing leather, nylon, and suede, and in some cases covering the entire shoe. The high-performance rubber sole, however, remains unchanged, preserving the practicality that made the style so appealing in the first place. The lacing has evolved as well: traditional shoelaces are often replaced by long satin ribbons that wrap elegantly around the ankle, just like pointe shoes.
Among the season’s most coveted styles are:
the Jacquemus x Nike collaboration;
