Celebs Embrace Ballet Sneaker Trend for Spring

The slimmer, foot-hugging silhouette is easy to style with dresses, skirts, and pants of all lengths.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:23pm

A high-contrast silkscreen print of a single ballet sneaker in vibrant neon colors, repeated in a grid pattern to create a bold, pop art-inspired illustration.Ballet sneakers have become the must-have footwear for fashionable celebrities this spring, offering a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional flats.NYC Today

Fashion editor Halie Lesavage is embracing the celebrity-approved ballet sneaker trend this spring, citing the comfortable and versatile nature of the shoes compared to traditional ballet flats. She highlights how stars like Hailey Bieber, Harry Styles, and Rihanna have been spotted wearing the slimmer sneaker silhouette, which can be styled with a variety of outfits. Lesavage also mentions some affordable options from brands like Puma and Vivaia, as well as an upcoming collaboration with Simone Rocha and Adidas.

Why it matters

The ballet sneaker trend represents a shift towards more comfortable and practical footwear choices, even for fashionable occasions. As the weather transitions between seasons, the easy-to-wear and cushioned nature of these sneakers makes them an appealing option for busy city dwellers like Lesavage. The trend also highlights how celebrity influence can drive mainstream fashion choices.

The details

Lesavage has already added four pairs of ballet sneakers to her closet, citing their versatility and cost-per-wear value. She particularly likes a white Puma pair that she's been wearing with layered spring outfits in New York. The editor also has her eye on an upcoming Simone Rocha x Adidas collaboration. While some fashion circles are embracing chunkier sneaker styles, Lesavage prefers the slimmer, more discreet ballet sneaker silhouette to pair with dresses, skirts, and wide-leg pants.

  • Lesavage is currently dressing for the 'awkward, not-quite-spring' season in New York.
  • The Simone Rocha x Adidas ballet sneakers are set to drop this fall.

The players

Halie Lesavage

A fashion editor at Marie Claire magazine who is embracing the ballet sneaker trend this spring.

Hailey Bieber

A celebrity who has been spotted wearing the ballet sneaker trend.

Harry Styles

A celebrity who has been spotted wearing the ballet sneaker trend.

Rihanna

A celebrity who has been spotted wearing the ballet sneaker trend.

Cecilie Bahnsen

A fashion designer known for pairing chunky sneakers with girly dresses, a style Lesavage does not personally prefer.

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What they’re saying

“Trust me when I say it's just as polished and even more comfortable.”

— Halie Lesavage, Fashion Editor

What’s next

The Simone Rocha x Adidas ballet sneakers are set to drop this fall, which Lesavage plans to add to her collection.

The takeaway

The ballet sneaker trend represents a shift towards more comfortable and practical footwear choices, even for fashionable occasions. As the weather transitions, the easy-to-wear and cushioned nature of these sneakers make them an appealing option for busy city dwellers.