In 2025, the fashion world is witnessing a significant shift in footwear trends with the rise of ballet sneakers. These shoes, characterized by their slim uppers, thin soles, and supportive arches, draw inspiration from traditional ballet flats, offering a minimalist alternative to the previously dominant bulky “dad shoes.”

The trend gained momentum with the release of the Adidas and Bad Bunny “Ballerina” sneakers, which became an instant hit due to their unique design and celebrity endorsement. Following this, Adidas introduced the Mei Ballet and reimagined the Taekwondo silhouette, further cementing the ballet sneaker’s place in the market.

Other major brands have joined the movement:

• Puma released the Speedcat Ballet.
• Onitsuka Tiger introduced the Mexico 66 Ballet.
• Salomon collaborated with Sandy Liang to incorporate ballet motifs into their designs.

Sales data from StockX indicates a 1,000% increase in ballet-themed sneaker sales following the Bad Bunny drop, highlighting the trend’s rapid ascent.

Ballet sneakers represent a collective shift towards minimalist, gender-inclusive footwear with a fashionable edge, signaling a move away from maximalist designs to more refined aesthetics.