The UK's winter chill often sidelines delicate ballet flats, but a new hybrid shoe is stepping in to bridge the gap between style and practicality. Dubbed the 'sneakerina', this footwear fusion combines the comfort of a trainer with the feminine silhouette of a ballet pump, creating a versatile option for the modern wardrobe.
The Meteoric Rise of a Hybrid Trend
The surge in popularity for this style is undeniable. According to shopping platform Lyst, searches for the term 'ballet trainers' witnessed an astonishing 1300 per cent increase last year. While luxury fashion houses like Miu Miu, Acne Studios, and Ferragamo have offered versions for some time, the trend has now firmly landed on the British high street.
Most notably, Marks & Spencer has just revealed its own take, priced at £50. Their design blends a classic, dainty Mary Jane strap with a chunky, trainer-like sole. M&S describes the shoe as 'polished enough for dresses, practical enough for everyday life,' suggesting it's fit for the school run and a brunch date alike.
Why Sneakerinas Are a Wardrobe Solution, Not a Fad
Personal stylist Lisa Talbot explained to the Daily Mail why this trend resonates, particularly with midlife shoppers. "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."
Talbot emphasises that high-street adoption is a clear signal this is a lasting wardrobe solution, not a flash trend. The style works because it feels lighter than a trainer but looks more elegant, complementing the relaxed, fluid silhouettes that dominate contemporary fashion.
How to Style Your Sneakerinas
The key to mastering the look, according to Talbot, is to treat them as a polished flat, not a trainer. This mindset shift allows them to integrate seamlessly into various outfits, from casual jeans to smarter dresses.
For the morning school run or dog walk, the focus is on practicality. The new M&S Suede Single Strap Mary Jane Trainers (£50) are a prime example, designed to elevate everyday wear. Alternatively, Puma's Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes have been sported by countless 'it girls' including Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski.
Heading for a coffee or brunch date calls for a fancier silhouette. Options include the Ugg Quill Ballet Trainer for winter warmth or H&M's Suede-Nylon Ballet Trainers in a rich burgundy tone.
For the office, sleek designs like the ASOS SEQWL Ballet Trainers or the sophisticated Stine Goya Ballet Mesh Sneaker (now in sale) offer a smart-casual solution. Finally, for weekend play, styles from Steve Madden or Miista provide a fashion-forward finish.
With such widespread availability and styling versatility, the sneakerina has cemented its place as a functional and fashionable staple for the UK shopper, proving that comfort and style need not be mutually exclusive.
