For years the trend went one way: bigger soles, chunkier shapes, more cushioning. Ballet sneakers go the other way. Slim soles, rounded toes, straps across the top of the foot and almost no bulk at all.
What started as a niche look in 2025 has become one of the main sneaker trends of autumn 2026, and almost every major brand now has a version. Here are ballet sneakers explained, from the adidas Taekwondo to the Puma Speedcat, and which pair to pick.
What Is a Ballet Sneaker?
A ballet sneaker, sometimes called a sneakerina, takes an existing low-profile sneaker and gives it the shape of a ballet flat. The upper is cut low, the toe is soft and rounded, and the laces or straps cross over the top of the foot rather than running up a tongue.
The appeal is that it sits between two categories. It is more polished than a regular trainer and more comfortable than a flat, which is why it works with skirts, wide trousers and tailoring as easily as with jeans. The trend comes from fashion first, so most ballet sneakers are made for women's sizing.
adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet
The adidas Taekwondo was designed in 1988 for the martial art, with a thin gum sole made for feeling the floor. That slim shape made it the obvious candidate. In March 2025 adidas launched the Taekwondo Mei Ballet, with an open top and laces that cross over the foot like ballet ribbons, and it quickly became the reference model for the whole trend.
Shop the adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet WMNS 'Core Black' (2025) on KLEKT
It has since come in dozens of colourways and materials, from the clean adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet WMNS 'Cloud White' (2025) to woven versions such as the adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Basketweave WMNS 'Cream White' (2026). Kith and Stella McCartney have both released their own Taekwondo pairs.
Puma Speedcat Ballet
The Puma Speedcat was built in the 1990s for motorsport, low and narrow so drivers could feel the pedals. That makes it almost a ballet shoe already. The Speedcat Ballet adds an open forefoot and an elastic strap across the top, and it has become Puma's main answer to the trend.
Shop the Puma Speedcat Ballet WMNS 'Suede Pink' (2025) on KLEKT
Puma has pushed the material side more than adidas, with suede, animal prints and metallic finishes. The Puma Speedcat Ballet WMNS 'Snakeskin' (2026) and the Puma Speedcat Ballet WMNS 'Black & Mauve Mist' (2025) show the range, and buckle versions have followed in 2026.
adidas Superstar Square Ballet and More
The trend has now reached the biggest names. The adidas x Jennie Superstar Square Ballet takes the square-toe Superstar, keeps the rubber shell toe and turns it into a leather ballet model. It comes in black and white and is one of the most talked about ballet sneakers of the year.
Shop the adidas x Jennie Superstar Square Ballet WMNS 'Black' (2026) on KLEKT
adidas has also given the running-inspired Ghost Sprint the same treatment, with the adidas Ghost Sprint Ballet WMNS 'Black Gum' as a sportier option.
Which Ballet Sneaker to Buy
If you want the original, start with the adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet in black or white. It is the model that started the trend and the easiest to wear every day. If you want something softer and more fashion-led, the Puma Speedcat Ballet in suede is the better choice. For a statement pair, the Jennie Superstar is the one people will recognise.
On sizing, most ballet sneakers are cut slim and close to the foot. Many people stay true to size, but if you have wider feet it is worth checking the size guide on each product page first.
KLEKT lists more than 80 ballet sneakers, from general releases to collaborations. You can browse the adidas and Puma ranges on KLEKT.
Check out ballet sneakers on KLEKT.
Images: adidas / Puma / KLEKT
