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Photo Courtesy of Puma
If you thought ballet sneakers were just a 2025 experiment, surprise: the 2026 ballet sneaker trend is only getting bigger.
What started as a divisive fashion moment has officially evolved into a full-blown movement, blending the daintiness of ballet flats with the practicality of everyday sneakers. The result? A soft, coquette-coded shoe with real arch support and traction you can actually walk in.
The mash-up usually features a chunky or rubberized sole paired with a streamlined upper, sometimes finished with Mary Jane straps, elastic laces, or sleek wraparound details.
You’ll spot NYC girls wearing ballet sneakers with tall socks, puddle pants, and long coats right now—and when spring hits, they easily transition into bare-ankle territory. They channel the delicate ballet-flat energy while still feeling ready for commuting, errand-running, or long city walks.
If you’re on the hunt for the best ballet sneakers of 2026, keep an eye on buzzy pairs from Adidas, Puma, and Naturalizer—because they’re already selling fast and showing up everywhere in NYC.
Top Trending Ballet Sneakers:
adidas Women's Barreda Mary Jane Sneaker
Adidas continues its reign as the cool-girl sneaker brand with the Barreda Mary Janes that you will absolutely justify buying. They’re way more supportive than delicate ballet flats, and reviewers love that the crisscross straps keep them perfectly in place.
Puma Speedcat Go Ballet Sneakers
The Speedcat Go takes its cues from the OG racing icon, then adds a flirty, ballet-inspired twist. The suede and mesh uppers with cut-out lacing make them feel lighter, airier, and totally ready for all-day wear.
JW PEI Women's Flavia Ballerina Sneakers
These JW PEI sneakers are the closest thing to actual ballet slippers you can wear outside the studio, tie-up ribbons and all. And thanks to the stretchy back, they’re ridiculously comfortable in that “oh wow, I forgot I was wearing shoes” way.
Naturalizer Women's Tallulah Sneaker
The Naturalizer Tallulahs have those unique crisscross bungee laces that instantly make them look cooler, and they flex to your foot for the ideal fit. The classic black is chic and affordable, especially at 30% off.
Tigeridea Lightweight Ballet Sneakers
This sneaker takes the trending low-profile look celebs love and turns it into a ballet-inspired must-have. They’re water-resistant, easy to clean, and come in wild colorways (yes, including pink-and-cream cow print), which we’d totally wear with sheer tights and socks.
adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes
This is the adidas shoe that started the trend, and it keeps selling out like clockwork. Snag your size while you can and pick your favorite version—tie-up or flat lace.
Keds Women's Square Toe Mary Jane
Keds are the definition of casually put-together, and these leather Mary Jane sneakers totally run with that energy. They’re wearable, easy to dress up, and apparently break in after just one outing, according to one reviewer.
Project Cloud Mary Jane Memory Foam Sneakers
Soft foam, genuine leather, and a chocolate-bar-esque rubber sole? These Mary Jane ballet sneakers are a total dream. The wide toe box gives that barefoot feeling reviewers are obsessed with.
Looking for more trends to shop? Add a pop of red to your outfit!
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