By Maria Mukaranda
Courtesy of Sandy Liang x Salomon
The newest evolution of the ballet flat has emerged and it’s an intriguing phenomenon—the ballet sneaker.
Departing from the traditional thin sole and delicate silhouette that is a key part of balletcore, this hybrid style has adopted a new form as a trainer which features a chunky, EVA tread. At over £1000, the “Tracker” seamlessly blends the grace of ballet with the functionality of sneakers, redefining the boundaries of a footwear staple.
Leading the charge in this innovative fusion is designer Simone Rocha, who introduced the first notable example of the concept back in September 2020 with her "ballet tracker" design. Since then, Rocha has continued to evolve in her designs with ten distinct iterations, ranging from classic flats to chunky platforms, each boasting a unique blend of fabrics, hardware, and straps. This collision of elegance and utility shows that a new era of footwear, where comfort meets couture in unexpected ways is indeed here to stay.
Simone Rocha SS21
Simone Rocha's quirky experimentation has inspired a wave of collaborations and reinterpretations within the fashion community. Notably, downtown designer Sandy Liang's partnership with Salomon resulted in bubblegum pink ballerina sneakers, adorned with satin bows—a whimsical twist on athletic footwear that sold out within minutes. Meanwhile, Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen infused Asics sneakers with floral appliqué, transforming them into delicate Mary Janes fit for a modern-day ballerina.
The rise of the ballet sneaker coincides with a larger cultural shift towards what is popularly known as “coquette-core”—a nostalgic embrace of girlhood characterised by pastoral motifs, playful details, and unabashed femininity. As society grapples with pressing social issues, there is a collective yearning for simplicity and solace, reflected in the resurgence of feminine aesthetics and fantastical escapism.
Courtesy of Sandy Liang x Salomon
For fashion enthusiasts, ballet flats serve as the quintessential accessory to complete the coquette-core look. Brands like Dior have elevated the classic silhouette with couture details such as pearl embellishments and removable grosgrain straps, offering a sophisticated take on the nostalgic charm with their D-Joy ballet flats, a fashion ballet flat iteration purportedly designed for proper en pointe ballet dancers - much to the scepticism of public reception upon its debut earlier this year.
Looking to the future, the ballet sneaker and its counterparts are surely poised to remain at the forefront of footwear trends, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. With designers still reimagining this classic silhouette, the ballet flat's relevance is assured, promising a delightful fusion of both elegance and comfort.
Comments