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Ballet Sneakers Are Summer’s Biggest (And Most Polarizing) Shoe Trend — We’re Taking These 12 Picks Straight Into Early Fall

Everyone from Jean Smart to Dua Lipa is obsessed

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - MARCH 26: Julia Kammerer is seen wearing a light pink silk shirt with a pointed collar and a partial button placket from Lily Silk; a baby blue knit sweater draped around her shoulders from ASOS; light blue wide leg denim jeans with a relaxed fit from Levi's; a white floral lace wrap skirt overlay featuring delicate scalloped edges from NA-KD; light pink and white leather "Speedcat Ballet Sneaker" with a thin rubber sole from Puma; a light green leather "L Looong" handbag with a horizontal silhouette and dual top handles from Longchamp; her jewelry includes chunky gold hoop earrings and gold tone stacked rings worn across multiple fingers from H&M, Pandora and My Jewellery; orange tinted aviator sunglasses with a thin black frame from Bershka; her blonde hair is styled in loose waves with a center part on March 26, 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)
ballet sneakersMoritz Scholz/Getty Images

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Few shoe trends are as polarizing as ballet sneakers. Blending the sporty, supportive feel of tennis shoes with the delicate, fashion-forward look of ballet flats, people aren’t sure what to make of this unexpected mix. But there’s one group that just can’t get enough of the divisive footwear: celebrities.

A-listers — including Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Camila Cabello — are all in on ballet sneakers, pairing the cool-girl shoe with everything from leggings and leather jackets to ruffle blouses and denim. The shoes are effortlessly chic, whether complete with stretchy straps, cherry-red laces or satin ribbons. Plus, ballet sneakers have no age limit — even Jean Smart and Nicole Kidman have given them their stamp of approval, making Us want a pair ASAP.

If you’re just as eager as we are, keep reading to snap up a few celebrity-inspired pairs worthy of your closet space.

Celebrity-Approved Ballet Sneakers

1. Jennifer Lawrence-Inspired: Slip on these retro sneakerinas to make like Lawrence. They’re practical and versatile, complete with a top strap, grippy sole and onyx hue.

2. Up-and-Coming: Hollywood loves Tory Burch — and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the open-top Hank Sneaker on a few A-listers. The vibrant canary yellow and stretchy back take it to the next level.

3. Exact Find: We’re not surprised Bella Hadid slipped on the Vivaia Cristina Sneakerinas. The ivory satin, bow laces and foldable design make it a must-have.

4. Meant for the Spotlight: Madden Girl just gets it right, delivering a slip-on, pink style complete with a delicate top strap. It’s so good, you might as well add the navy colorway to your cart, too.

Nicole Kidman

Related: Nicole Kidman's Woven Sneakerinas Break Every Fashion Rule

5. Fashion Favorite: Dua Lipa has a thing for Puma — so, of course, she slipped on the brand’s Speedcat OG. The slim, metallic silhouette includes a white swish along the body and four angled straps.

6. Go-To Brand: Jw Pei has a reputation for making luxe bags for less. However, it also nails the ballet sneaker trend, delivering a bold iteration that includes a chunky outsole, suede upper and tubular laces.

7. Jean Smart-Loved: What if we told you we found a spot-on lookalike for Smart’s retro, Mary Jane sneakers? Well, we did — and for $34, the liquid silver silhouette is too good to pass up.

8. Red Carpet-Worthy: Dolce Vita continues to impress Us, delivering cloud-like comfort without sacrificing style. The Nanet sneaker proves our point, with a color-block design and foil-like details.

9. Instant Head-Turner: Camila Cabello’s lace-up Taekwondo Adidas sneakers take the cake, combining wine-red shoestrings with a bold leopard print.

10. An Upgraded Take: If you liked Lipa’s Speedcats but wish they were a touch more playful, then consider the Etoile version. Available in a dreamy mint green, the sneaker includes a whimsical ribbon tie and side cutout.

11. Straight From Nicole’s Closet: Nicole Kidman combined two trends in one, wearing mesh sneakerinas. It’s an edgier take on the classic style — and you can snag her exact square-toe knit shoes on Amazon.

12. Early-2000s Core: Lean into the Y2K aesthetic with the Coolway Bella Ballet Sneakers, including a bubblegum-pink hue and breathable upper. They’re so nostalgic, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Olivia Rodrigo wearing the silhouette.

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Related: Bye, Sneakers — Rich Girls Are Wearing These Polished Shoes Now Into Fall

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