'Dear sneakers, I have feedback for your newest evolution.'

Dear sneakers, we need to have a chat. I've been a loyal fan for years. Through thick and thin, through chunky soles and minimalist designs, I've stood by you… or rather… in you.

But this latest evolution? The 'sneakerina'? I have thoughts.

For those not yet acquainted with 2025's most confusing footwear trend, the 'sneakerina' is exactly what it sounds like — the awkward lovechild of a ballet flat and a sneaker that nobody asked for but somehow everyone is wearing.

Watch: Me (Annaliese) trying the viral one-legged-jean trend. Post continues below.

Let's break down this bizarre hybrid: you take the padded rubber sole of your trusty sneakers, slap on the dainty, rounded satin upper of a ballet flat, maybe throw in some ribbon ankle lacing and a bow for good measure, and voilà — you've got yourself a sneakerina.

It's like you couldn't decide whether you wanted to go to the gym or to a garden party, so you just... did both. I'm sorry to be the one to inform you, but you've gone through an identity crisis and emerged as neither fish nor fowl.

A very confused shoe. The sneakerina. Image: VIVAIA

If you do fancy the look, they can be yours from VIVAIA for $228.

The celebrity seal of approval.

Somehow, this footwear identity crisis has managed to grace the feet of fashion's elite. Dua Lipa has been spotted prancing around in mint green sneakerinas. And Chloë Sevigny, queen of all things cool before they are cool, is often spotted in a pair of ECCO biom c-trail Lace-Up Sneakers (they can be yours for $250).

Chloë Sevigny, she can pull anything off really. Image: Ecco / Brianna Capozzi

And now every fashion influencer with a pulse is trying to convince us that these confused shoes are the must-have item of the year.

I appreciate your attempt at evolution. I understand the desire to stay relevant in a world where fashion trends change faster than Melbourne weather.

But I have questions:

Where exactly am I supposed to wear you?

Arguably too casual for a nice dinner, too precious for a proper workout. The park? Maybe, but only if I'm certain it won't rain (satin).

What happens when I actually need to run?

The ballet flat DNA in your system seems fundamentally at odds with any activity requiring speed.

And how, pray tell, is a scrunchy heel a comfortable vibe?

I remember that 'digging into heel' pain from wearing actual ballet shoes as a child.

Ouchy. The sneakerina scrunchy heel. Image: VIVAIA

The verdict

Will the sneakerina stand the test of time? I am sceptical. Fashion history is littered with hybrid disasters (remember skirts over jeans? Or the infamous jegging?) But occasionally, a hybrid sticks around long enough to become a staple.

Laced up and ready to plie. Image: Instagram @HBX

If you fancy The Adidas Taekwondo Mei shoes, $149, you can nab a pair at END.

For me, I'll cautiously eject my toes from this trend.

Yours in confused fashion solidarity,

A longtime sneaker devotee.

What do you think of the sneakerina trend? Are you embracing this hybrid footwear or sticking to classics? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Instagram @adisas, @vivaia_official.

You can read more from Annaliese Todd here.

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