One of my greatest regrets in life is not pursuing dance. My mom enrolled me in ballet when I was 6. I lasted two years. It wasn’t because I didn’t love it; I actually did. But, like most little girls, I wanted to be with my friends. My friends were enrolled in gymnastics. I didn’t take to gymnastics as I took to ballet; it didn’t feel as natural.
Eventually, I would come back home to dance in my own way. As a teen during the new millennium, I was constantly watching music videos on MTV, mimicking Britney, Christina, NSYNC, and BSB’s dance moves in the comfort of my own bedroom. It was a creative outlet. It made me feel free.
To this day, I am so jealous of the dancers who made it their passion; I try to live vicariously through them in any sort of way I can.
Luckily, in 2026, the sneaker trend of the summer is ballerina sneakers.
You might be wondering, what is a ballet sneaker? As you’ll see from the styles included in this roundup, ballet sneakers are a hybrid style that blends elements of ballet flats and sneakers. It is a connection between sport and style, and can add a feminine element to an otherwise practical look.
I shopped around and chose the following styles as my personal favorites:
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Shoes, $110
I’m a fan of these because they have the built-in reputation of Adidas being a top sneaker seller, plus the femininity and versatility of the colorways, patterns, and three sets of laces.
Franco Sarto Fietta Mary Jane, $130
If I had to describe this shoe to someone who didn’t know fashion or style, I would say imagine a ballet flat with a sneaker sole. Any colorway in this particular shoe would work depending on your personal style and that, to me, is worth it in spades.
Tory Burch Hank Ballet Sneaker, $230
To the naked eye, this ballet sneaker reads more sneaker than ballet shoe, but the soft ruching around the topline and the mix of suede and recycled nylon solidified its place on my list.
PUMA Speedcat Ballet Sneaker, $80
This pair puts the FUN in functional. The ballet-inspired silhouette, combined with the popular racing sneaker, maintains the low, streamlined profile that made it an icon. The chocolate brown calf hair makes it a LOVE.
Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina, $159
If someone asked me to draw what I thought they meant by a Ballet Sneaker, it would be the Vivaia Sneakerina. I personally love the square-toe lace-up pairs, but the brand does have round-toe, organza, and more styles and color combinations.
Whether you’re channeling your inner dancer or just looking to add a touch of feminine flair to your summer wardrobe, ballet sneakers are the perfect hybrid to keep you stylish and comfortable. From the sporty versatility of the Adidas Taekwondo Mei to the playful, racing-inspired charm of the PUMA Speedcat, there’s a pair for every aesthetic. Now it’s your turn to shop around and find your perfect fit.
xoxo,
