In fashion, where nostalgia often intertwines with reinvention, the ballet flat has undergone a radical transformation.
No longer just the dainty, hyper-feminine staple of the early 2000s, it’s now infused with a streetwise, athletic edge. This season, sportswear giants like Puma and Onitsuka Tiger are reviving their archival ballet-style trainers, melding the delicate silhouette of a practice shoe with the practicality of a sneaker. Options by the former are only available for pre-order, and the latter are so often sold out that they’re re-selling for upwards of £600.
Miu Miu, the uncontested frontrunner of ballet-core, hinted at this shift in their spring/summer 24 collection, where worn-in Mary Jane flats and vintage boat shoes were styled with deconstructed sportswear. The couture house has historically proven that ballet shoes aren’t just for the studio with its still sought-after satin pumps of fall/winter 2022, and the chunky buckle pumps of way back in spring/summer 2016.
Designers like Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang are also playing with the contrast between soft femininity and boyish charm, reinforcing the idea that dainty doesn’t have to mean demure. This crossover between athleisure and delicate ballet influences speaks to a wider cultural movement – where femininity is no longer constrained by rigid binaries.
Off the runway, celebrities have been championing the trainer-style ballet flat for a while now. Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted weaving them into her signature off-duty model aesthetic. And, of course, Bella Hadid – the barometer for all things cool – has been stepping out in sport-inspired flats, often paired with legwarmers in order to lean fully into the dance-inspired movement.
But why now? The ballet flat revival isn't just about aesthetics, it’s about function. After seasons dominated by chunky dad sneakers and hyper-sporty silhouettes, there’s an appetite for something sleeker without sacrificing comfort. The ballet-style trainer offers a middle ground: the ease of a slip-on, the agility of a sneaker, and just a whisper of the delicate femininity that defined Y2K fashion.
This time, though, ballet flats aren’t making a quiet return. They’re arriving with the force of a pirouette: fast, sharp, and impossible to ignore. Keep scrolling for the best on the market.
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Puma Speedcat "Silver" Ballet Flats
Taking inspiration from Puma’s motorsport roots, these sleek ballet flats reimagine the brand’s classic Speedcat silhouette with a futuristic metallic sheen. The streamlined design makes them a bold yet wearable statement.
Buy now £189.00, Farfetch
Vagabond Hillary Shoes
Proving that they’re not just experts in boots, Vagabond’s latest spring/summer addition are the perfect sporty/feminine hybrid. Available in black and white, the neutral hues will complement your sunny weather ensembles without overpowering them.
Buy now £90.00, Vagabond
JW Pei Erika Topstitching Lace-Up Ballet Flats
Exaggerated stitching and delicate lace-up details give this contemporary take on ballet flats a fresh, structured look. Soft yet modern, they balance everyday comfort with an elevated aesthetic.
Buy now £77.00, JW Pei
Miu Miu Tyre technical fabric and suede ballerinas
Blending utility with balletcore, these spring/summer 2025 Miu Miu flats feature a rugged tyre-inspired sole contrasted with soft suede and technical fabric. A perfect fusion of femininity and function, designed for city streets as much as the studio.
Buy now £730.00, Farfetch
ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov x Heaven By Marc Jacobs GEL-LOKROS sneakers
A bold fusion of sport and subversive fashion, these sneakers blur the lines between performance footwear and Y2K aesthetics. With an exaggerated sole, straps for days and layered panelling, they channel early-2000s futurism with a fashion-forward edge.
Buy now £321.00, Farfetch
Miista Averie Coffee Lace Ballerinas
A delicate yet structured take on lace-up ballet shoes, crafted from rich coffee-hued leather. The thin, crisscrossing straps and gently squared toe give them a vintage-meets-modern feel, ideal for styling with both tailored and romantic pieces.
Buy now £275.00, Miista
Simone Rocha Ballerina Grip
Simone Rocha reinvents the ballet flat with a utilitarian edge. A lightweight structure contrasts with a statement grip sole, blending softness with practicality in signature Rocha style.
Buy now £550.00, SSENSE
Zara Satin Ballerina Pumps With Topstitching
A minimalist satin slipper with subtle contrast stitching that nods to traditional ballet footwear. The soft sheen and simple construction make them an elegant yet effortless addition to any wardrobe.
Buy now £27.99, Zara
Jeffrey Campbell MVP Sporty Flats
With a sculptural rubber sole and sleek upper, these flats bridge the gap between ballet shoes and technical sneakers. The slip-on design offers everyday ease, while the futuristic aesthetic taps into the growing trend of hybrid footwear.
Buy now £178.00, Jeffrey Campbell
