Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend

Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend

      It's hard to picture a time when unconventional sneaker styles like ballet flats and loafer sneakers weren't prevalent. Currently, however, these trends have undeniably entered the mainstream. Sporty footwear hybrids are now everywhere, with the latest combination emerging as Mary Jane trainers. Blending classic French-girl aesthetics with running shoe design, Mary Jane trainers are surprisingly less outrageous than their name might imply and are already gaining traction among influencers. (For example, Dua Lipa showcased the Puma Speedcat Ballet Flat while in Australia for her Radical Optimism World Tour.)

      Despite being a new trend, it’s clear that we've grown accustomed to fashion’s fondness for unconventional footwear designs—those that seem like they were mixed by a mad scientist for online buzz. There's no doubt that Mary Jane trainers fit into this category, as evidenced by a significant surge in searches for them in the past year. Moreover, the trend is backed by substantial evidence of its viability.

      Miu Miu played a pivotal role in popularizing this style with its Tyre collection, which featured sneakers styled technically but crafted with the softness of ballet flats and finished with an elastic strap across the foot. The ivory and cloud grey models hit the market perfectly timed, quickly selling out post-launch. The padded fabric and suede toe area felt like a natural extension of the retro, contrasting trainers seen in prior seasons, indicating a strong interest in unique footwear.

      The blend of practicality and elegance is what makes Mary Jane trainers appealing, and given the current momentum of the blokette aesthetic and the balletcore movement, it feels like a perfect time for them to shine. Major brands are endorsing this style as well, from upscale high-street options at Zara and Mango to true athletic designs from Vans, Nike, and Salomon. Adidas is also poised to enter the fray with a Mary Jane samba on the horizon. In the meantime, numerous alternative options are available from Wales Bonner, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Marni. Discover the best Mary Jane trainers listed below.

      Shop the Mary Jane Trainer Trend:

      **Puma**

      Puma Speedcat Ballet Flats in Silver

      Available in four designs, including pink suede and white leather.

      **Free People**

      Ash Rolls Sneakers

      Perfect for fans of the Asics Gel-Kayano 14.

      **ZARA**

      Double Strap Faux-Patent Ballet Flats

      The glossy red leather has a rich appearance.

      **Charles & Keith**

      Metallic Curved Platform Mary Jane Sneakers

      A fusion of a chunky loafer and a Mary Jane trainer.

      **Miu Miu**

      Tyre Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas

      **Charles & Keith**

      Mesh Contrast-Panel Mary Jane Sneakers

      An excellent alternative to the Miu Miu version.

      **Free People**

      Sporty Mary Janes

      A style that nearly a thousand people have added to their wishlists.

      **Salomon**

      Mm6 Maison Margiela X Salomon Xt-Mary Jane

      Ideal for Tabi enthusiasts featuring a buckle instead of classic Velcro.

      **MARNI**

      Pablo Leather Mary Jane Platform Sneakers

      This leather and rubber style from Marni highlights the brand’s unique design philosophy.

      **Vans**

      Vans Mary Jane in Black & White

      Capturing the essence of "He was a punk, she did ballet."

      **NIKE**

      Air Rift Suede Low-Top Trainers

      Iris Law owns a nearly identical pair.

      **Cecilie Bahnsen**

      Aria Sneakers

      A charming follow-up to Cecilie Bahnsen’s iconic Asics GT 2160 Mary Jane trainer.

      **Wales Bonner**

      Tan & Brown Mary Jane Flat Sneakers

      If Wales Bonner can achieve with the Mary Jane trainer trend what she did for the Sambas, this style will be unstoppable.

      **ZARA**

      Mesh Sporty Ballerinas

      **MANGO**

      Cross-Sport Ballet Flats

      Perfect for those who love the criss-cross design of Alaïa.

Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend

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Almost Trainers, Almost Flats—You’ll Either Adore or Dislike This New Hybrid Footwear Trend

Mary Jane sneakers are the fashionable fusion loved by both celebrities and style icons. Explore the trendy footwear, ranging from designer selections to popular high-street choices, here.