THE BALLERINA AS A STREET STAPLETHE BALLERINA AS A STREET STAPLE

TL;DR:

• The ballerina has gone from prim to streetwear thanks to brands like Adidas, Puma and Louis Vuitton
• Bad Bunny's Adidas collab on the taekwondo silhouette gave the ballerina a tougher twist
• Style them with baggy cargos, oversized suits or a coloured tight
• Balletcore and coquette via TikTok laid the foundation, sneaker brands finished it off
• From Paris to Copenhagen Fashion Week: the ballerina is now a fully fledged street staple

How did the ballerina become a streetwear item?

It started subtly, when balletcore and coquette rolled into the fashion world via TikTok. But once sneaker brands got involved, the ballerina took on a tougher twist. Bad Bunny launched a new take on the ballerina together with Adidas, based on the taekwondo silhouette.

Puma remixed their Speedcat and Mostro into a flat, and Louis Vuitton combined a sneaker and a ballerina in the Sneakerina. Curious about more unexpected sneaker trends? We've rounded those up too.

How do you style ballerinas for a street look?

You wear them for a bold vibe with baggy cargos and graphic hoodies, take them next level with oversized suits, and for a more girly look you can combine them with a coloured tight. That's exactly the essence of street culture: pulling pieces out of their original context and giving them a completely new look with your own unique twist.

More inspiration for shoes you want to wear this summer? Then check out the best summer shoe trends too.

What makes the ballerina different now than before?

The ballerina has shaken off its prim image for good. From Paris to Copenhagen it's clear that this is now just as much a piece of the street as of the catwalk. In street culture it comes down to just one thing: OWN IT.

Frequently asked questions

Which brands make the best streetwear ballerinas?

Adidas, Puma and Louis Vuitton lead the way in the streetwear ballerina trend. Bad Bunny's Adidas collab on the taekwondo silhouette is one of the most striking. Puma's Speedcat and Mostro flats offer a more affordable alternative. The range is growing fast now that more brands are jumping on the trend.

Are ballerinas comfortable enough for everyday use?

Most modern ballerinas have a better sole than the classic versions. Especially the variants from sneaker brands like Adidas and Puma combine the slim silhouette with sporty cushioning. For a full day of walking, your best bet is a model with a gum sole and a bit of extra footbed support.

Can you wear ballerinas in winter?

With thick tights or wool socks, ballerinas work perfectly well in autumn and early winter. For the coldest months they're less suitable, but precisely in the in-between season they're a fresh alternative to sneakers and boots. Combine them with an oversized coat for a nice contrast.