2025 has been the rise of the ‘ugly’ shoe trends, and Adidas’ latest launch that combines the classic Mary Jane with its bestselling Samba has fans divided
It feels like 2025 has been the year of the divisive shoe. We has UGG’s platform Mary Jane Boots, the UGG AMBUSH sheepskin ballet flat and of course, the rise of the ‘Sneakerina’, loved by Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa. And Adidas’ latest release has sparked some debate among fashion fans.
The release in question is the adidas Originals Samba Mary Jane. Yep, you heard that right. A combination of one of Adidas’ most iconic and trending styles, the Samba, mixed with popular 2025 shoe trend, the Mary Jane.
The result? A sporty hybrid shoe that’s not quite a trainer and not quite a Mary Jane. Priced at £80, this new shoe style is available to shop in classic white with black stripes, on-trend red, and black with white stripes.
READ MORE: Millie Bobby Brown sports affordable £26 ASOS dress as fans say they are ‘obsessed’ with her outfit
READ MORE: Cat Deeley’s stylish This Morning maxi skirt from Mango is the perfect summer office piece
Fashion lovers and Samba fans on social media have been quick to leave their opinions on these conterversial shoes, with some calling it that they’ll be the ‘shoe of the summer’ and others comparing them to children’s school shoes.
I’m an Adidas samba wearer and lover myself, so I’m actually a fan of this pair myself. I love that feel silghtly girlier and feminine than sambas, but definitely look comfier than a traditional pair of Mary Janes thanks to the gum sole.
If this style is up your street, you’ll be pleased to know that tonnes of other brands have similar styles that toe the line between sporty and girly, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.
Shop our favourite ‘sneakerinas’
Charles & Keith
Not only are the sneakerinas a huge trend, but so are metallic shoes, so these silver satin sneakers from Charles & Keith combine both trends in one. If the silver isn’t really your style, they are also available in a classic black colourway.
Puma
Dua Lipa posted an Instagram carousel sporting the Puma Speedcat Ballet Shoes, showing that she’s given this controversial trend her seal of approval. Dua’s exact metallic silver ones are currently out of stock, but we’ve found some suede pink ones from Puma that still perfectly fit into the trend.
Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerinas
Bella Hadid was spotted wearing this reasonably affordable £119 pair from Vivaia. And not only is Bella a huge fan of Vivaia’s pair, but so is Charli XCX, who was seen sporting two different pairs in the Coachella desert.
The Vivaia shoes have been crafted a smooth satin fabric like classic ballet shoes, but sit upon on a rubber sole like a trainer. The result? A sporty-looking ballet flat that perfectly combines feminine and athletic fashion.