Ever since the great resurgence of the ballet flat, a shoe we left in 2010 (along with bag charms and low-rise jeans) we've been waiting to see the trend develop into something a little more, well, 2025. And it's finally happened. The ballet flat is entering a new era: introducing, the ballet sneaker. Bella Hadid is the shoe's new cheerleader (or should we say ballerina?). Out in Paris, the model was seen leaving her hotel wearing VIVAIA’s Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats in black, styled with blue straight-leg jeans, a high neck black jumper and Saint Laurent Croc Tote on her arm.
It didn't take long for celebs to embrace this satin shoe, either, as it was spotted on Amelia Gray a few days ago, who teamed hers with a white dress, a furry coat and coquette-esque high-knee socks. Available in blue, nude, and pink (which look strikingly like actual ballet shoes), this ballet sneaker just might be this season’s most graceful upgrade.
Image Credit: Spread Pictures / MEGA through VIVAIA
We've seen designers embrace the ballet flat with open arms, with Miu Miu opting for a velvet version to lean into your true coquette-core self, while The Row's offering was, as you'd expect, a little more classic, featuring slight heels and rounded toes. Now, the elegant silhouette is taking on a different form - and you don't have to look too far to see how the ballet sneaker came to be.
The past few years have been defined by countless collaborations between designers and sports brands in a bid to blur the lines between sportswear and luxury fashion; simply look at the success of partnerships such as Loewe X ON, or Sandy Liang's collaboration with Salomon, which stand as proof that comfort and fashion need no longer be separate, but instead, close allies. In fact, just last month Puma released the Puma Speedcat Ballet Shoes which they debuted at Copenhagen Fashion Week, a true masterclass in balance.
Image credit: @vivaia_official
Shop: Vivaia Lace-Up Derby Flats
Amazonwww.vivaia.com
These ballet sneakers really do look so similar to a pair of classic ballet shoes, although they're also available in other colours, like blue, pink and cream. Bella has gone for a black shade that's sure to go with everything.
How can I style ballet sneakers?
Ballet sneakers are the latest fusion of elegance and sportswear, but styling these hybrids may not always be so easy. For summer, the most foolproof method of dressing up the ballet sneakers is by throwing on a floaty midi dress with more feminine features (think ruffles or even a floral pattern) to juxtapose the boldness of the shoes.
For the colder months, pair your ballet sneakers with a flirty midi skirt and a fitted tee, adding a chunky knit or sweater vest to the ensemble as a cosy layering piece. A pop of colour in the sock is also a great way of drawing attention to the Marmite shoes (you either love them or you hate them).
Main image credit: Spread Pictures / MEGA through VIVAIA
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..