Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Are you longing to wear ballet flats, but the UK’s winter chill is getting in the way?
Enter the ‘sneakerina’ – a hybrid shoe blending the practical aspects of trainers with the light and feminine features of ballet flats for comfort and style.
With their quirky style, the shoe might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the silhouette’s surge in popularity is undeniable, with shopping platform Lyst last year witnessing a 1300 per cent increase in searches for the term ‘ballet trainers’. Why? Because they blend comfort and style.
While sneakerinas have been in high fashion circles for some time (MiuMiu, Acne Studios, and Ferragamo all have versions), they’ve now trickled down to high street stores, and most recently, M&S has revealed its version.
Priced at £50, the shoe blends a classic, dainty Mary Jane with a trainer-like sole, making for an elevated shoe that is fit for dropping the kids off at nine and a fancy brunch at eleven.
‘Blending soft suede finishes, Mary Jane straps and trainer-level comfort, the sneakerina taps into fashion’s obsession with wearable hybrids. Polished enough for dresses, practical enough for everyday life,’ the website reads.
If the M&S version doesn’t quite cut it, plenty of others are available to shop on the high street, including silhouettes sported by Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and nepo baby Iris Law.
While it’s easy for pop stars and models to pull off almost any shoe, personal stylist Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that they, too, can be perfect for midlife shoppers.
A hybrid shoe blending trainers and ballet shoes – sneakerinas – are on the rise (pictured is Ugg’s version)
Pop sensation Dua Lipa, pictured, perfected gym chic in her white spandex and Puma ballet trainers
Model Emily Ratajkowski, pictured, shared a photo of her Puma ballet trainers beside her bed on Instagram
‘Sneakerinas sit perfectly between a ballet flat and a trainer and that’s exactly why they’ve taken off,’ she said.
‘For midlife women in particular, they answer a long-standing style frustration: we want comfort without feeling sporty, and polish without discomfort.
‘High-street brands like Marks & Spencer embracing them is a clear signal that this isn’t a flash trend, it’s a wardrobe solution.’
For Talbot, the style works because it feels lighter on foot, but looks more elegant than a trainer, while also sitting comfortably in the more relaxed, fluid silhouettes commonly worn now.
Looking to style them in midlife? The key, Talbot says, is to treat them as a polished flat, not a trainer.
Here are the best things to shop for every occasion, from grabbing coffee to the school-run or at your nine-to-five…
Dropping the kids off or walking the dog? Whatever the morning madness, opt for these –
Elevate your everyday wardrobe with these trendy trainers.
Shop
Originally priced at £140, these trainers are currently in the sale for £72.
Shop
Countless ‘it girls’, from Dua Lipa to Emily Ratajkowski, have sported these suede ballet shoes.
Shop
Looking for a fancier silhouette for a coffee or a brunch date? These are your new BFF –
Stay warm this winter in UGG’s version.
Shop
These ballet trainers blend comfort and cool.
Shop
These ballet trainers, rendered in a rich burgundy tone, come in various shades.
Shop
Or if you’re heading to the nine-to-five grind…
Arrive to work in style with these lace-up trainers.
Shop
Originally priced at £285, these ballet trainers are currently in the sale for £142.50.
Shop
Stay comfy and stylish in this sleek model from Vivaia.
Shop
And for play…
These baby pink satin trainers are ideal for dressing up or down.
Shop
Look like the ultimate cool girl with Miista’s Prudence sneakers.
Shop
More trainer than ballet shoe, these offer comfort and style.
Shop
