Hybrid Footwear: Summer's Defining Fusion, From Tabi-Red Sole to the Mary Jane Trainers
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Comfort and couture are no longer mutually exclusive—especially when it comes to footwear. In 2025, we're entering the era of magnificent mutation in fashion. Remember when they fused the cookie with a croissant? Think of this analogy when you view the hybrid footwear created by designers playing Dr Frankenstein, juxtaposing two equally popular silhouettes into one. Whether it's elevating the understated Maison Margiela split-toe Tabi with Christian Louboutin's signature red sole, or injecting the elegance of a ballet flat into the otherwise utilitarian shape of a sneaker—cool girls are unambiguously leaning into the soft-girl era when it comes to blended footwear. And we are here for it. Let's decode the various combinations, permutations, and the brands doing it best.
Split-Toe Soulmates
You cannot possibly talk about footwear fusion without beginning with the ultimate collaboration we saw earlier this season. Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin created a custom line to marry the iconic Margiela split-toe Tabi silhouette with Louboutin's trademark red sole. The ambitious partnership features a number of variations, ranging from the Bridgiela Una Strass—a bridal pump featuring a reinterpreted split-toe constructed from two separate pieces forming a heart-like silhouette—to the Loubiella sandal and the Marlougiela ballerina. Each design does justice to the sculptural DNA of both luxury houses involved.
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En Pointe Pavement Pounders
Next up, the sneakerina: an untraditional ballet flat with the practical support of a sneaker—what's not to love? This street-style rendition of the hybrid menagerie combines the diaphanous upper design elements of ballet flats—ribbon details, almond toes, and feminine silhouettes—while replacing the traditionally thin sole with the chunky, supportive foundation of athletic footwear. Certain variations retain the flat profile while incorporating sporty elements; others take it a notch higher in poise by adding satin ribbon or tie-up elements ordinarily seen in a traditional ballet flat.
Mademoiselle Marathon
The Mary Jane trainer is the hipster friend who moved to Paris for the culture and class but couldn't completely let go of their street edge. French-girl elegance of the traditional Mary Janes meets the technical prowess of a good running shoe—perfectly encapsulating this particular style. The shoe retains the iconic strap across the instep but reimagines it with elasticated materials or sporty hardware atop a cushioned athletic sole. It finds the sweet spot between contemporary functionality and retro charm.
Fuelling the curiosity are the usual celebrity suspects known for experimenting with their casual style. Dua Lipa was seen 'levitating' in Puma's Speedcat Ballet Flats throughout her Radical Optimism world tour. Jennifer Lawrence was spotted supporting this trend in Loewe's Ballet Runner 2.0. Bella Hadid made Vivaia's Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats her go-to while walking around Paris (of course, it sold out soon after). Amelia Gray was also sighted wearing the ballet-sneaker styles from the same brand.
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The crossbreed footwear landscape continues to expand as heavyweight fashion houses and street-style labels recognise the innovation potential within this trend. From Louis Vuitton's aptly named Sneakerina collection and Miu Miu's Gymnasium Ballerinas, to Adidas developing a Mary Jane Samba—both camps have mainstreamed the movement. British designer Simone Rocha was among the pioneers with her Ballet Tracker shoes, debuting in 2020, and now Valentino, Chloé, Acne Studios, and countless others are creating their own interpretations. Even athletic giants like Puma and Nike are equally invested in this fashion-function fusion.
This summer's defining footwear trend proves that sometimes the most innovative designs emerge not from creating something entirely new, but from cleverly combining what we already love in unexpected ways.
Thinking of adding a pair of hybrid shoes to your closet? Below are the best double-duty designs to pick from.
Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Bridiela Una Strass
Photo: Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Bridiela Una Strass AED6,700
Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Marlougiela Strass
Photo: Maison Margiela x Christian Louboutin Marlougiela Strass AED6,200
Miu Miu Gymnasium Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas Gymnasium Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas AED3,500
Miu Miu Tyre Technical Fabric and Suede Ballerinas Tyre technical fabric and suede ballerinas AED3,700
Valentino Bay by Bay Ballerina Sneakers in Papier Floral Fabric BAY BY BAY BALLERINA SNEAKERS IN PAPIER FLORAL FABRIC AED3,100
adidas Y-3 Regu Mary Jane Y-3 REGU MARY JANE, AED1,149
adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet 'Core Black/Cloud White/GUM' Sneakers TAEKWONDO MEI BALLET "CORE BLACK/CLOUD WHITE/GUM" SNEAKERS, AED865
Louis Vuitton Sneakerina
PUMA Speedcat Ballet 'Whisp of Pink' Sneakers SPEEDCAT BALLET "WHISP OF PINK" SNEAKERS, AED547
LOEWE Ballet Runner 2.0 Sneakers
BALLET RUNNER 2.0 SNEAKERS, AED3,050
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