We’ve loved sneakerinas – the chic cross between a slim ballet pump and a retro running shoe – for a year. At first, I thought they might be a short-lived trend, but nope! The spring collections are full of sneakerinas that are more ballet-shoe like than ever, proving that the slimming down of our everyday shoes is here to stay.
Where did the sneakerina trend come from?
Adidas, who hands-down do the best slimline sneakers out there, started this shift two years ago when they reissued their SL72 style, first designed for runners at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Next up designer Michael Rider took over at Celine and styled almost every look, from tailored to more relaxed outfits, with slimline lace-ups inspired by jazz shoes.
Why are super slim sneakerinas the shoe of spring?
The answer is very simple! They work with everything you could possibly want to wear with them, including all styles of jeans, leggings, joggers, tailored trousers, loose cut trousers and all lengths of skirt. A pair of these will instantly upgrade your everyday style.
Camel Forever Comfort® Suede Slimline Panelled Lace Up Trainers
Camel Forever Comfort® Suede Slimline Panelled Lace Up Trainers
The super slim sneakerinas to know now
In addition to their range of SL72 OG, which come in 12 colours, Adidas recently reissued their iconic Stan Smith and Gazelle sneakers in what they are calling “lo-pro” or low profile versions and expanded their range of slimline Japan sneakers in a wider range of colours.
SL 72 OG Shoes in brown and pale blue
SL 72 OG Shoes in brown and pale blue
SL 72 OG Shoes
GAZELLE LO PRO SHOES
Japan Low Top Sneaker in Black and White
Japan Low Top Sneaker in Black and White
Puma have even plucked a slim early 2000s running style from their archive, and relaunched it as the Puma H Street, my current favourite style. They come in nine in brilliant colour combinations, of those I recommend the orange and gold or lilac and silver versions to make a spring fashion statement. The red/silver and pink/silver pairs are extremely cute too.
Elsewhere Marks and Spencer, Next and John Lewis are offering retro running shoes in the colours of the season including pink, white, blue and tan, at affordable prices that look as good as those from Adidas and Puma, minus the sporty functionality. And Cos has created the closest hybrid of a ballet shoe with a sneaker yet.
Eagle Suede Sneakerina Trainers, Off White
Eagle Suede Sneakerina Trainers, Off White
Investing in a pair of super slim sneakerinas might well be the best style decision you make this spring, and choosing your pair from the wide array of colour combinations on offer is fun. And bonus, they are comfortable and good for your feet too. I think you'd call that a win/win/win situation.
