The comfortable (but ugly) shoes the fashion pack can’t get enough of

Ballerina flats, like a plethora of other style staples from the early 2000s, have been back in fashion for some time now. Practical, stylish and chic, they have become wardrobe heroes for many who love their elegant, French-coded simplicity. But there’s no denying the one issue that often arises with ballet flats: they’re not built for treading your daily 10,000 steps, with most styles causing blisters and throbbing heels.

So thank goodness that the freshest way to wear the trend in 2026 is to embrace the “ballet trainer”. A hybrid of a ballerina flat and a trainer, they often feature either one or two Mary Jane-style straps, or ribbon ties, combined with the comfort, bounce and sportiness of a training-shoe sole. Variously found in muted colour combos or vibrant prints, leather, suede or pony hair, there are endless options available depending on your taste.

The sneakerina trend allows you to hit your 10,000 steps comfortably and stylishly. Credit: Getty Images

All the major high-street retailers have released their take on the so-called “sneakerinas”. Adidas and Puma both offer varying takes on the style, in fun colourways and prints, including cow print and leopard print. Adidas has even redesigned the beloved Samba (a shoe that’s been inescapable for the past four years) to have a balletic feel, with a Mary Jane strap.

And all of these designs have trickled down from the runway, where Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Loewe have all been showing balletic hybrid shoes since spring.

The pioneer of the style was Simone Rocha, whose penchant for an ugly shoe matches that of designer Miuccia Prada. Ugly shoes have been having a moment for the past decade, from the fisherman-ballerina by Alaia to the split-toe Tabi by Maison Margiela. Their very unattractiveness is what makes them covetable. It’s part of so-called man-repeller fashion – the idea that you are dressing to seek compliments from other women, not to please men.

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Unsurprisingly, the A-list has heartily embraced the trend, too. Vivaia’s ballet sneakers have been a firm favourite, with its Yancy, Miley and Cristina styles seen on model Bella Hadid, pop star Charli XCX and actress Lola Tung.

Other fans include Chloe Sevigny, who styles hers with gym shorts, and Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor, who likes Louis Vuitton’s sneakerinas.

Dua Lipa, meanwhile, is a fan of Puma’s silver and white Speedcat style, which features multiple elastic straps across the foot.

When it comes to styling them for everyday use, there are a few things to consider – chiefly, how sporty you want to look. “As the ballet sneaker is so closely coded to actual ballet shoes it can look like you’re on your way to a barre class, so the best way to style them is bringing in contrast and smartening them up,” advises stylist Alexandra Fullerton.

“A pastel wrap cardigan would be too ballet-esque, so snuggle up in a longline polo neck knit in navy, grey or chocolate. Again, leggings are too sporty, so choose proper tailored trousers with a wide leg and perhaps a pleat front. This will also add balance to an outfit when the visual profile of your shoes is small.

“Narrow trousers would make you look too heavy in relation to the shoe. A pea coat or double-breasted blazer would also create a pleasing contrast to the lightweight sneaker pump.”

As for whether or not you can achieve your 10,000 steps wearing them to stomp around a city all day, the jury is still out.

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A poll of my own sneakerina-wearing friends was divided on their long-term comfort levels – essentially, not quite as soft and supple as a slipper, yet not as supportive as “proper” trainers. They may not survive a trek but surely they are a good alternative to add to your work repertoire of fun flats.

The Telegraph, London

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