The Rise of the ‘Sneakerina’: How Rosalía is Defining Summer Fashion
Rosalía’s signature balletcore aesthetic has been a major influence on global style, with fashion enthusiasts closely tracking the return of tutu-and-slipper dressing. Now, new data from JD Sports suggests this aesthetic is aligning with a fresh surge in interest toward one of the summer’s most talked-about footwear hybrids: the “sneakerina.”
The retailer reports that Google searches in Spain for the Adidas Taekwondo Mei — a style closely associated with the trend — rose 252% over the last month, while demand on its website increased by 275%. Globally, searches for “balletcore” have climbed 154% over the same period, signaling a broader shift toward ballet-inspired fashion in 2026.
The Evolution of the Sneakerina
“The ‘sneakerina’ trend is redefining summer footwear by combining the comfort and practicality of sneakers with the delicate elegance of ballet flats,” explains Giuseppe Scardaccione, digital trade lead for Southern Europe at JD Sports. “With the resurgence of the ‘balletcore’ aesthetic, which this summer has once again brought style icons like Rosalía to the forefront, this hybrid silhouette has quickly become a favorite in the fashion world.”
The trend offers a balance between femininity and functionality. From Mary Jane-inspired sneakers to low-profile silhouettes, these shoes reflect a broader move toward versatile, stylish footwear. Rosalía has been instrumental in this shift. In June, the Spanish star was spotted in SoHo wearing a punk-inspired ballet look that paired a pale-pink tutu with a plunging tan bodysuit, a rocker-studded belt, and stacked black platform pumps. Styled by Jose Carayol, the outfit perfectly channeled the ballet references that have defined her 2026 Lux tour wardrobe.
A Lasting Style Statement
The hybrid style has been building momentum for some time. Reports from 2025 indicated that global searches for “ballet sneakers” rose 1,300% in a single quarter, suggesting the category had already been gaining significant traction. Since then, brands like Puma, with its Speedcat Ballet, and Louis Vuitton, with the Sneakerina, have kept the silhouette in rotation.
While balletcore itself is not a new concept, this latest iteration feels less like a costume and more like a wearable, everyday staple. Whether “sneakerina” remains the definitive name for the trend or not, the shape has clearly moved into the center of the summer style conversation, proving that the fusion of athletic comfort and delicate design is here to stay.
