If there's one shoe that's taken over this summer — on store shelves, all over Instagram, and on every well-dressed person walking down the street — it's the ballet flat. Not the thin-soled, delicate classic from years past, but a sportier, more characterful version that manages to be both effortless and stylish, comfortable and cool. And right now, Adidas is absolutely owning this category. We've rounded up the most sought-after models of the moment — and chances are, at least one of them is about to become your new favourite.
I'll be honest: a few years ago, I would have rolled my eyes if someone told me ballet flats were going to be the shoe of the season. For a long time, they lived in the "practical but forgettable" corner of the wardrobe — something you wore when everything else was dirty, not something you actually chose. Then, quietly, things shifted. A few style icons picked them up. They started appearing on runways. And then, almost overnight, they were everywhere. Today, ballet flats are one of the most genuinely trendy shoe categories out there — worn with everything from tailored trousers to summer dresses to vintage denim. The ballet flat is back, and this time it's serious. Here are our favourites.
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet W — the airy mesh one you won't stop thinking about
Once you see this shoe, it's hard to unsee it. The mesh upper feels made for summer — lightweight, breathable, and just the right amount of retro thanks to the gum rubber sole. In cream white, it goes with practically everything: a white linen dress, a beige co-ord, or your favourite jeans. If you're travelling this summer, this is your ultimate packing hero — versatile enough to carry you from morning to evening without a second thought.
Adidas Tokyo MJ W — the printed one that stops people in their tracks
If you want something that truly stands out, this is it. The brown-and-white fawn print has a wild, almost storybook quality — it somehow feels both bold and completely wearable at the same time. Classic Adidas stripes run across it in white, and the gum sole ties the whole look together. This shoe doesn't hide, and it doesn't need to. We're completely obsessed.
Looking for more summer shoe inspiration? Explore our latest fashion picks for the season's best finds.
Adidas Samba Jane — the classic that goes with absolutely everything
This is the one everyone is searching for — which is exactly why it keeps selling out. The Samba Jane is the iconic meeting point of the ballet flat and the beloved Samba silhouette: white leather, green stripes, gum sole. It's the kind of shoe you fall for at first glance. If you spot your size online, don't hesitate — set up a stock alert and be ready to move fast.
Adidas Barreda Mary Jane — your new everyday go-to
This one has a slightly different personality: quieter, more understated, but that's exactly what makes it so endlessly wearable. The crossover strap keeps your foot secure and comfortable all day long. If you're after something more classic in spirit but still sporty in feel, the Barreda Mary Jane is the answer. It's the kind of shoe you reach for without thinking — and that's a very good thing.
Adidas Ballerina Bad Bunny Flamboyan — for when you want something truly extraordinary
This one is in a different league entirely. The Bad Bunny collaboration in red is not an everyday shoe — it's a statement piece, a collector's item, a conversation starter. Born from one of the most talked-about sneaker collaborations in recent memory, it comes with a price tag to match. But if you're the kind of person who dresses to be remembered, could you really walk past this?
Ballet flats aren't going anywhere — and Adidas has proven that this silhouette still has plenty of room to evolve. Mesh, print, classic leather, or collector's collab: each one tells a different story while sharing the same effortless DNA. If one of these caught your eye, trust that instinct. Add it to your cart — you won't regret it.
