Prepare to Pirouette—Dua Lipa's Hybrid Puma Ballet Sneakers Are $75 at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Our take

The ballet sneaker’s resurgence isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a fascinating reflection of our shifting aesthetic priorities. We've seen a similar phenomenon with the slipper trend, as highlighted in The ballet sneaker trend – a quiet rebellion against the maximalism that dominated recent years. The current desire for ease, comfort, and a certain understated elegance is driving this movement. Dua Lipa’s collaboration with Puma, and its accessibility through the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, amplifies this trend’s reach and solidifies it as a mainstream staple. The fact that it's being positioned as a "hybrid" – blending dance aesthetics with the functionality of a sneaker – speaks to a broader cultural desire for fluidity and blurring the lines between categories. This isn’t about hyper-specific athletic performance; it’s about adopting an attitude, a feeling of effortless grace, and incorporating it into everyday style. It’s a move away from aggressively branded sportswear and toward a more subtle, sophisticated interpretation of athletic influence.
The pricing, at $75, is a key factor in the potential for widespread adoption. While luxury ballet flats have always existed, their price point often excluded a significant portion of the market. This Puma collaboration democratizes the trend, making it accessible to a wider audience, and aligning with the broader consumer desire for value and intentional purchases. This sentiment resonates with many, as seen in I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These Are the 7 Items Worth Buying From the Anniversary Sale, where strategic investment in timeless pieces is prioritized. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale itself has become a bellwether for emerging trends, and the prominent placement of these sneakers suggests a significant level of consumer demand. It’s not just about buying *something*; it’s about acquiring items that reflect a curated, considered aesthetic. The success of this collaboration will likely depend on how seamlessly it integrates into existing wardrobes and how effectively Puma communicates the lifestyle it embodies.
Furthermore, the growing influence of “Euro Summer” aesthetics, as explored in This Year, I'm Euro Summer-Maxxing—6 Holiday Outfits I Refuse Leave Home Without, plays a crucial role here. The effortlessly chic, slightly undone style of European fashion—think linen dresses, simple sandals, and understated accessories—perfectly complements the ballet sneaker’s aesthetic. It’s a look that prioritizes comfort and ease of movement without sacrificing style, a departure from the often-rigid and meticulously curated looks that previously dominated the fashion landscape. The ballet sneaker offers a practical and stylish foundation for building such an aesthetic, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. This isn't a trend driven by fleeting hype; it’s rooted in a deeper shift toward a more relaxed and authentic expression of personal style.
Ultimately, the success of Dua Lipa's Puma ballet sneakers hinges on their ability to transcend the "trend" label and become a timeless staple. The combination of celebrity endorsement, accessible pricing, and alignment with broader aesthetic shifts positions them for significant traction. However, the longevity of the trend depends on brands continuing to refine the design and integrate it seamlessly into a wider context of refined, understated style. Will we see further collaborations blurring the lines between dancewear and everyday fashion, or will the ballet sneaker fade as quickly as other recent trends? The answer likely lies in a continued prioritization of effortless elegance and a rejection of excessive branding – a quiet confidence that allows the product to speak for itself.
The ballet sneaker trend is dominating summer's biggest shopping sales. Last month, Amazon Prime Day majorly discounted Bella Hadid's beloved slipper-style sneakers from Vivaia. This week, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale saw the Prime Day discount and raised it with the Puma hybrid ballet sneakers at a fraction of the price.
One year after Dua Lipa put the reimagined circa-2025 Speedcats on everyone's radar, they reached a new record-low price of $74.99 (down from $100). Now, you can pirouette in the sneakerinas' rounded toes, elasticized lace-less bands, and almost-invisible soles for less than the cost of pointe shoes.
Lipa's pair comes in silver-and-white, but Nordstrom's brown-and-cream color combination is even more versatile. The ballet sneakers are easy to style with leggings, summer jeans, or even the babydoll dress trend. Plus: Thanks to Zendaya, Zoë Kravitz, and now, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, chocolate brown is a seasoned color trend on the red carpet and street style stages.

If you're a maximalist like Lipa (and blending Mary Jane motifs with sneakerinas isn't bold enough for you), you're in luck: Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale offers the same silhouette in peony pink, too. Earlier this year, Julia Garner pulled off the pastel Mary Jane style with a black suede base, baggy jeans, and the graphic tee trend. This summer, you can turn the color trend up a notch and save $15 on Garner-approved Pumas.

It seems Puma was feeling generous this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The athletic label also discounted Rihanna's go-to Speedcats, which feature the low-profile look of ballet sneakers without the Mary Jane-style straps. And the slim sneaker offerings don't end there. Ahead, build your own corps de ballet collection with help from Nordstrom's sneakerina-adjacent styles.
Shop the Best Sneaker Markdowns in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
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