Fashion fans can’t make up their minds about the new Primark trainers
Primark has divided shoppers with new £15 Rita Ora sneakers, as some fashion fans love the ‘cute’ design, but others think they look like ‘PE uniform’. The retailer usually impresses shoppers with its trendy clothing and footwear. However, not everyone is sold on the new Rita Ora Sneakerinas.
Available in black or natural, the shoes are described as ‘mesh ballet trainers with toggle elastics and self-fastening straps.’ Fans of ‘balletcore’, a fashion trend inspired by dancewear, could be pirouetting their way to Primark for the new style. The popular style has taken over the catwalk in recent years, with big-name design houses including Simone Rocha and JW Anderson seemingly drawing inspiration from ballerinas.
As such, Primark’s offering could be perfect for high street shoppers looking to join in with the trend. The product description for the shoes reads: “Step into effortless sport-luxe style with the Rita Ora Sneakerinas — a modern fusion of ballet elegance and athletic ease. These mesh ballet trainers offer comfort, while the toggle elastic detail ensures a secure, customisable fit.
“Self-fastening straps add extra support and a sleek, wrapped look that moves with you. Flexible, and designed for all-day wear, they’re the perfect choice for everything from studio workouts to on-the-go days when you want comfort without compromising style.”
Based on the reaction on social media, the style won’t be for everyone, though. There was a mixed response to the shoes when a shopper named Ellan Mangham posted a TikTok video under the handle @Ellanmangham, starting a debate about the style
Noticing the similarity between the sneakers and dance shoes, Ellan wrote: “What in the jazz shoe is happening??!” In response to the video, which gained over 200k views and 14k likes, several commenters questioned the design.
Commenting under the post, one viewer thought: “Ermm it’s giving PE uniform,” and a second response said: “It’s giving lost property PE uniform.” A similar comment read: “Anyone remember those plimsols from school?”
Someone else joked: “When you have the gym at eight and a performance of Riverdance at lunch.” A viewer agreed: “These remind of of the little leather shoes my daughter used to wear in Irish dance lol.” Another reply said: “5 6 7 hate,” and someone commented: “I see the vision, but it’s not in the delivery.”
However, several commenters defended the new shoes and praised the look. One fan said they would wear the trainers in the summer months. She explained: “I would wear them for gym in the summer.. definitely!”
Offering their perspective, another fan wrote: “I kinda like them. Sporty vibe but also cute.” A different viewer agreed: “I think they’re cute,” and someone else wrote: “But but but …. I do like them.”
There was more praise from an excited shopper who commented: “Aint gonna lie they’re cute still.” A fan wrote: “Ngl the right person could definitely pull this off. It’s genuinely not the worst thing I’ve seen.”








