The ballet flat revival began slowly. As with most of the current trends, it began on the Miu Miu runway where models paired micro mini skirts and satin ballet slippers with chunky socks. The shoe quickly took over Fashion Month, with shows such as Sandy Liang’s, Chanel, and Simone Rocha. Later, the shoe made its way onto the feet of girls such as Bella Hadid or Devon Lee Carlson. Today, you cannot ride the subway without seeing a dozen ballet flats. If Carrie Bradshaw was in her 30s in 2024, she would choose a Chanel flat over a Manolo Pump.
We’re starting to see micro-trends within the shoe category. The most popular ballerina shoes are made with silky fabrics, lace-ups, and French-girl pumps. Last summer, we saw mesh versions that were a hit. This spring, the trend is a sporty version of the classic shoe. Think of a sneaker/flat hybrid.
The New Trend
It’s not a new style. Prada Sport and Puma both made variations of the shoe in the 1990s. I remember wearing similar styles when I was a child in the early 2000s. It’s still the perfect ugly-but-cute shoe for this moment. It’s hard to say where exactly the 2024 version of the trend began, though I have loved my Skechers pair ever since last summer. But this is a case where brands are copying vintage or orthopedic pairs that cool girls wear on TikTok.
@stolenbesos/@sandyliang/Instagram
Sandy Laing is just as trendy as Miu Miu and sent models down the runway for her Fall/Winter 24, wearing ballet-inspired shoes created in collaboration with sneaker brand Solomon. Although the partnership is not officially announced, Sandy Laing and Solomon sneakers flats were spotted in a backstage picture. This makes the ballerina shoe a sure bet for fall.
The trend is also catching on with mainstream retailers. Mango has just released a pair of patent shoes as part of their ’90s-inspired Heritage Collection, which is similar to Prada Sport. Zara offers a slim, satiny pair in classic ballerina black or pink for a sportier feel. Skechers and Rothy’s are both good options.
How To Wear It
This shoe is just as easy as any other pair of sneakers to style. These shoes add a feminine and cool touch to classic jeans and a shirt and are the perfect addition to Carrie Bradshaw’s outfit formula for summer. Take a tip from With Jeans’ latest campaign to tone down a frilly gown (one of them would be ideal) by adding socks and sporty flats.
@withjean/Instagram
Pair them with a pleated skirt or a tube top to channel the Y2K look. There are so many options, and you don’t have to worry about comfort.
