Not Quite a Ballet Flat, Not Quite a Trainer—This "Controversial" Shoe Is All I Want to Wear This Autumn

This might come as a surprise to you, because when it comes to my clothing I’m very much a minimalist, but anyone who knows me will tell you that when it comes to my footwear, I adore a "weird" shoe. To me, they’re an easy way to take my simple outfits from basic to elevated. Moreover, they’re usually extremely comfortable, something I very much prioritise when deciding whether or not to invest in a particular style.

So, unsurprisingly, I've already have several of these "unexpected" but, in my opinion, extremely chic footwear styles to elevate my wardrobe, from Y2K-inspired jelly pumps to eye-catching mesh sneakers. However, as we move into autumn, there’s been one particular shoe style that’s caught my eye, and it’s neither a ballet flat nor a trainer—rather, it is a mix of both.

Enter Onitsuka Tiger’s Gymnarina.

A lace-up ballet-trainer hybrid (also known as a "sneakerina"), the Gymnarina perfectly balances the softness of a ballet flat with the sporty edge of a traditional trainer. Made from soft leather and shirred elastic, this shoe was made with comfort in mind. Not to mention the iconic branded stripes and choice of classic leather or satin ribbon laces make this otherwise simple silhouette instantly cool.

And if you’re worried about how to style them, never fear, as these shoes can be worn with literally everything your ballet flats and trainers can. Whether you throw them on with a pair of jeans and a tank top for casual days or add them to a pretty midi dress for an unexpected twist, rest assured these cool sneakerinas will fit in with your capsule wardrobe from now and well into the autumn season.

This sneakerina might initially feel like the wrong choice for those of us who prefer to keep our outfits looking polished and pared-back; however, it's a surprisingly easy way to add interest to your otherwise simple outfit formulas, all without feeling too out of your comfort zone. And while they may not be to everyone’s taste, believe me when I say that this form-meets-function silhouette is here to stay.

Keep scrolling to shop Onitsuka Tiger’s Gymnarina shoes, and then take a browse through other ballet trainers I’m loving at the moment.

Shop Onitsuka Tiger's Gymnarina Shoes

Shop More Ballet Trainers I Love