Dancer or gym shoe? The « hybrid » footwear that Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid likes
They are a perfect mix between comfort and romantic aesthetic. They have already conquered the most famous celebrations. But also the world of social networks
After many reinterpretations of the dancer, from classic satin to that on the transparent to the one decorated with leather buckles, on social networks it is depopulating what is called Hybrid Ballet Trainethat is, a hybrid piece between a gym shoe and a dancer. Two of the favorite spring footwear always seem to have joined to give life to a pair of shoes they like at the same time with the lovers of sneakers and more bon ton girls. The charm of the hybrid dancer shoe lies in its practicality and playfulness: it is bizarre but cool. To be honest, it is not the first time that we are talking about such a mix. Simone Rocha had created satin dance shoes from the gymnastic structure on her catwalk for spring summer 2021, while Cecilie Bahnsen collaborated with Asics for spring/summer 2022 to create an ultra female but functional interpretation. But the contemporary versions offer a more practical piece, than those that integrate into each wardrobe.
Today the options are infinite. Some borrow the sporting structure of a sneaker but remain decidedly flat and close to the ground. Others give up the tabs and traditional laces, opting instead for Mary Jane straps and delicate details connected, some even made with satin ribbons. At the Copenhagen Fashion Week, Puma presented its new dancer version of the Speedcats on the Operasport catwalk. Wear from models in ancient pink, classic black and metallic silver, the double strap speedcats have already conquered too Dua lipa which recently showed them off on Instagram. Onitsuka Tiger collaborated with the French brand Patou for a charming collaboration inspired by the nostalgia for childhood.
In the spring-summer 2025 campaign of Here, Chloë Sevigny He wore a pair of string ballerinas of the new brand. This version wraps the foot with a laces reticulum but boasts a thicker and sportier sole. Also Bella Hadid and Amelia Gray Hamlin Follow the trend, both were seen wearing the Cristina satin satin dancers in Paris.
The trend also saw the approval of the maison. Louis Vuitton has renamed its version with the name « Sneakerine » (out of April 11), velvet effect proposals and metallic skin but also with embroidery of sparkling and mesh sequins. Miu Miu instead introduced the Gymnasium dancers. The shoes have all the distinctive features of a classic sporting sneaker: technical fabrics, colored stripes and a rubber sole, but have been revisited with a Mary Jane strap sewn with logo, without laces and an elegant brief-on silhouette.
