Primark has ignited a fierce fashion debate with its latest budget-friendly footwear release. The retailer's new £15 Rita Ora Sneakerinas have split opinion online, with some shoppers praising the 'cute' design while others deride them as reminiscent of old-school PE uniform.
The Balletcore Trend Hits the High Street
Launched in early January 2026, the shoes are Primark's take on the enduring 'balletcore' trend. This style, inspired by dancewear, has been championed by luxury design houses like Simone Rocha and JW Anderson in recent years. Primark's version, dubbed Sneakerinas, aims to bring the look to the high street.
Available in black or a natural shade, the trainers feature a mesh upper, toggle elastic fastenings, and self-fastening straps. Primark's product description promotes them as a "modern fusion of ballet elegance and athletic ease", designed for everything from workouts to everyday wear.
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Reviews
The conversation exploded when TikTok user Ellan Mangham (@Ellanmangham) posted a video questioning the design. Her clip, which amassed over 200,000 views and 14,000 likes, prompted a flood of comparisons to school footwear.
One top comment stated they were "giving PE uniform," a sentiment echoed by others who referenced "lost property" plimsolls. Several users drew parallels to specific dance shoes, with one joking: "When you have the gym at eight and a performance of Riverdance at lunch." Another simply declared: "5 6 7 hate."
Not Everyone is Pirouetting Away
Despite the criticism, a significant number of social media users rushed to defend the trainers. Many labelled them "cute" and expressed a desire to buy them. "I would wear them for gym in the summer.. definitely!" wrote one fan.
Others argued that the style requires a specific fashion sense to appreciate. One commenter noted: "EVERYONE at the fashion school I went to would go feral for this type of shoes. Yall simply don't get the vibe I fear." Another supporter suggested: "Ngl the right person could definitely pull this off."
The strong reaction highlights the hit-or-miss nature of translating catwalk trends for the mass market. While Primark's £15 price point makes the balletcore trend accessible, the design has clearly proven too literal for some shoppers' tastes. The divided response ensures that, whether loved or loathed, the Rita Ora Sneakerinas are already a talking point of the new year.
