What sneakers are we wearing now? Among the fashion crowd, maximalism and minimalism seem to be trending in equal measure for 2026, with a variety of playful microtrends dominating the active footwear market this spring. The long-simmering balletcore aesthetic has, of course, given rise to the ballet sneaker or “sneakerina,” which has been on the upswing for some time, but is officially an all-out obsession this year. “From the Miu Miu Plume Satin Sneaker to the Adidas Samba Jane, the ‘sneakerina’ has solidly evolved into a lifestyle shoe,” says Cate Khan, CEO of trend forecasting agency Trendalytics. According to the company, Google searches for “sneakerina” are up a whopping 21,080% from last year, while TikTok views with that tag are at 47 million, a 148% bump in that same time frame. “This unique combination of utility and grace is being embraced by spring transition shoppers seeking a lighter, more versatile hybrid silhouette,” adds Khan.Sneakerinas can at times go literal with their dance inspiration via criss-crossing straps, ribbon laces, pointe-like toe box shapes, satin fabrications and, of course, pale pink (and other pastel) color palettes. In other cases, the “ballet” aspect comes from a sneaker’s resemblance to ballet flats — ultra-thin sole, round toe, slim profile. Sandy Liang’s take puts a rubber sneaker sole on a pair of prim black ballet flats, for example.There’s also some convergence between ballet sneakers and another standout 2026 trend: Mary Jane-style sneakers. (See: the Samba Janes Khan referenced, as well as styles from Jil Sander, Wales Bonner and Larroudé.)On the minimalist side of things, ’70s trainer-inspired slim-soled sneakers (Alo, Boden, Jacquemus) are a go-to, whether styled with jeans, a mini skirt or track shorts. Some styles verge on bowling shoes (minus the worn-by-300-strangers vibe), including recent launches from Dear Frances and Jamie Haller.No matter the style, vibrant colors (poppy reds, butter yellows, grassy greens, moody burgundies) can be found across many brands’ current sneaker offerings; but so can lived-in neutrals like dusty beige, dove gray, cream and inky black.Keep scrolling to see our selection of 23 on-trend sneakers to try right now.
Boden Delphine Slim Sole Trainers, $170, available here
Adidas x Wales Bonner Karintha Lo Satin Sneakers, $220, available here
Larroudé Devon Sneakerina Black Mesh and Navy Suede, $325 $228, available here
Vivaia Square-Toe Jogger Sneakerina, $159, available here
Tory Burch Hank Ballet Sneaker, $250, available here
Alo Sunset Sneaker, $225, available here
Jil Sander Moon Ballerina, $850, available here
Freda Salvador Minnie Ballet Sneaker, $350, available here
Dear Frances Balla Trainer, $480, available here
Puma x Madhappy Speedcat Plus, $140, available here
Wales Bonner Jewel Mary Jane Sneakers, $630, available here
Jamie Haller The Saccheto Sneaker, $695, available here
J.W. Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers, $119, available here
Coach Soft Sneaker, $155, available here
Alohas TB.24 Suede Burgundy Leather Sneakers, $195, available here
Everlane Ballet Sneaker, $198, available here
Cos Suede-Nylon Ballet Sneakers, $159, available here
Jacquemus Les Tennis Leather-Trimmed Canvas Sneakers, $490, available here
Sandy Liang Ballerina Sneaker, $495, available here
A. Emery The Adams Low Sneaker, $310, available here
New Balance x Miu Miu 530 Suede and Mesh Sneakers, $1,250, available here
Home Work Atelier Shearling Patchwork Leather Sneakers, $165, available here
Pane Light Training Nogi Shoes, $190, available here
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