When you envision ballet, you probably think of long, lean ballerinas in elegant tutus and perhaps "Swan Lake." The ballet innovations below, however, don’t fit that mold one bit.
You’ll read about torturous toe shoes, Russian ballet couture, alternative lifestyle ballet, and even ballet on Broadway.
Implications - Ballet is the most graceful of all dance forms; naturally, it is an art that fascinates many. However, at the same time, ballet can be anything but soft. Highlighting the "badass" elements of ballet gives consumers something with which they can identify. We've all experienced pain and harshness before, and seeing it associated with something as lovely as ballet bridges the gap between fantasy and reality.
24 Badass Ballet Innovations

24
Killer Heels Part II
Ballet Toe Boots

23
Extreme Ballerina Heels 2
Christian Louboutin Fetish Shoes

22
Subversive Photography
James Ostrer Hangs Ballerinas and Aubergines for Art
21
Torturous Toe Shoes
Even Ballerinas Would Steer Clear Of These Feet-Deforming Shoes
20
Pregnant Ballerinas
"MaEternal"
19
Sporty Gold Ballerinas
Puma Nuala Metallic Slip-On Yoga Shoes
18
Body Art Architecture
LucyandBart Combine Ballet & Design for Creative Beauty (UPDATE)
17
Drunken Shoe Vending
Rollasole Lets You Ditch Uncomfortable Heels for Ballerina Flats on the Go
16
Beautiful Balletography
Josh Edwards' 'Dancers' Showcases the Elegance of Live Arts
15
80s Ballet Shoots
Kristina Sevostyanova Puts Tutus on Tetes for 'Fluo'
14
Badass Ballerinas
Discover the Anything-But-Stuffy Realm of Alternative Ballet
13
When Hip Hop and Ballet Collide
12
Ballet Flats in a Bag
Tipsy Feet
11
Dilapidated Building Dance Recitals
Alexey Novikov Captures a Ballerina in an Abandoned Edifice
10
Ballerina Pumps
French Sole Adds Sexy Edge to Ballet Shoes
9
Lacey Auditoriums
UNStudio's Dazzling Dance Palace Theatre for the St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet
8
Convertible Tutu Shoes
Karl Lagerfeld Designs Ballet-Inspired Shoe for Repetto
7
Sensual Tulle Skirts
Elisabetta Massera Adds an Adult Touch to the Tutu
6
Dancetography
Summer Glau Stretches in Ballet Photoshoot with Tyler Shields
5
Russian Ballet Couture
Slava Zaitsev's Eccentric Moscow Fashion Week Runway
4
Ballet Meets Kung Fu Stop Motion
Omadaka Kyoteizinc Techno Dance
3
Ballerina Bobbles
Les Nereides Creates Ballet Inspired Jewelry for Spring/Summer
2
Dancing on Heads
The Chinese Acrobatic Ballet Performs Swan Lake In a New Way
1
Broadway Ballet Triumphs
'Billy Elliot: The Musical' Prances Away With 10 Tony Awards
Related Ideas
Comfort-Forward High Heels
The Vida Collection Offers Heels That Love You Back
Minimal Collaborative Tennis Sneakers
Highsnobiety and Lacoste Create the L003 2K24 Shoe
Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes
Vibram's Furoshiki Kicks Don't Require Shoelaces
Empowering Walking Sticks
18 Designers Conceptualized Walking Sticks for the Future Selves
Bow-Adorned Lace Shoes
The adidas Samba Arrives in a Ballerina-Inspired 'Lace' Design
Dynamic Ultra-High Sneakers
Balenciaga Unveils its Oversized 'Platform Sneaker' with a 6-Inch Heel
Neutral Tonal Lifestyle Footwear
DJ and New Balance Join to Unveil New 9060 Sneaker Colorways
Plush Textural Artful Sneakers
Nina Chanel Abney Designs her Own Jordan 3 Sneaker
Dynamic Vibrant Lifestyle Sneakers
Teddy Santis Creates a New NB 990v4 Design for his Brand
Extravagant Dad-Inspired Shoes
New Balance’s 'Tech Explosion' is a Dad Shoe from the future.
Playfully Serious Designs
Nik Bentel Studio Pivots from the Whimsical to the Playfully Serious
Maximalist Patterned Lifestyle Shoes
New Balance Elevates its 1906r OG with Dynamic Patterning
Elevated Athletic Collections
Reebok Launches Multi-Sport Performance Apparel Lines
Comfortable Hybrid Heels
Sneex Fuses the Performance of Sneakers with the Style of High Heels
Dynamic Thigh-High Tech Sneakers
Voo Store Joins On Running to Create a Unique New Sneaker
Bulbous Knitted Sneaker Designs
Nike Introduces the Cacao Wow Flyknit Haven Sneaker Model
RFID-Enabled Sport Sneakers
BANBROKEN ARTDesign Sport Shoes Have the TAP-Tech Feature
80s Athletics-Inspired Sneakers
Miista Presents the New Nikolette Shoe with a Vintage Performance
Sneaker Hybrid Loafer Designs
New Balance Unveils the New Technical 1906L Silhouette
Tufted Lace-Up Sneakers
The Latest 'Pablo' Sneakers Are Shrouded In Shaggy Calfskin
Lifestyle-Catering Molded Footwear
adidas Presents the Harden Vol. 9 in a Molded Leather Look
Creature-Inspired Basketball Shoes
PUMA Joins Gremlins on the All-Pro NITRO Basketball Shoe
Loafer-Style Sneakers
The New Balance 1906L Toes the Line Between Formal and Casual Style
Espadrille-Like Lifestyle Sneakers
adidas Introduces a Textural Pair of a CLOT Gazelle Shoe
Sporty Dynamic Futuristic Footwear
adidas and James Harden Presents the Cyber Metallic Vol. 9
Fuzzy Dynamic Collaborative Footwear
Suicoke and Midorikawa Unveil Another Five Finger Shoe
Textural Breathable Lifestyle Shoes
CLOT Takes a Spin at a Pair of the adidas Gazelle Sneakers
Balletcore Athleisure Collabs
The Alo Yoga x American Ballet Theater Merges Dance and Streetwear
Sleek Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike Presents the New Court Shot Sneaker with Minimal Design
Soccer Jersey-Inspired Fashion
Balenciaga's Soccer Series Draws Inspiration From the Sport
Waved Graphic Moccasin Shoes
Clarks Originals Unveils the Yin-Yang Collection of Shoes
Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers
Nike Unveils the 2024 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection
Minimal Contrasting Basketball Shoes
The Nike Air Jordan 14 Sneaker Model Gets a Black Toe Version
All-Day Running-Inspired Sneakers
adidas Launched 'Lightblaze' In Partnership with Tate McRae
Minimal Sleek Skate Sneakers
CLOT and adidas Remix a New Pair of Gazelle Sneakers
Charm-Accented Technical Sneakers
Bentgablenits Remixes Unique ASICS Sneaker Models
Premium Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike Unveils a Stealthy Air Force 1 Low Paris Sneaker
Performance-Driven Footwear Collabs
The Bandit X ASICS Capsule Blends Performance and Art
Artistic Sneaker Collaborations
The 'Skechers x Vexx' Collection Highlights Bold Graphics
Formal-Ready Collaborative Footwear
CLOT and adidas Join Forces on a New Sneaker Model
Sustainable Olympic Footwear Capsules
Vivaia's New Shoe Capsule is Inspired by the 2024 Olympics
Randomness-Inspired Designer Footwear Lines
HVÓYA's Beauty in Chaos Capsule is Unique and Chic
Sporty Fashion Spring Campaigns
adidas Originals Introduces the 1000 Back Campaign
Pool Slide Heeled Sandals
MSCHF Grabs Attention with the New Flipped Flop Shoe
Balletcore Heeled Shoes
Sandy Liang Releases Her Debut Heel Collection with Ballerina Inspiration
Stealthy Collaborative Bowling Shoes
Dover Street Market, Brain Dead, & adidas Drop a Bowling Shoe
Embellished Cozy Premium Footwear
Chopova Lowena Presents the New SS24 Collection at LFW
Stealthy Hero-Inspired Clogs
The New Batmobile Crocs has a Dynamic Silhouette
NYC-Inspired Sneaker Designs
The Coach Soho Sneaker Collection is Chic and Urban-Informed
Multi-Color Green-Accented Sneakers
New Balance Unveils the 'Black/Green' Warped Runner Colorway
Transformative Bridal Footwear
Pashion’s Made-to-Order Styles Offer Interchangeable Components
Gold-Toe Sneaker Lines
The Made in Schiaparelli Sneaker Blends Streetwear & High-End Sensibilities
Slender Taekwondo Minimal Sneakers
The Adidas Taekwondo Sneaker is Made with a Slim Form
Elegant Hybrid Sneaker Clogs
Cecile Bahnsen Presents Her ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 VIII Design
Sculptural Photocoltaic Theater Designs
BIG Designs the Opera and Ballet Theatre of Kosovo
Sustainable Color-Blocked Sneakers
Colville Taps Diadora to Design a Colorful Shoe Silhouette
Lacy Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers
adidas Decorates its Samba Sneaker Model with a Lace Pattern
Knitted Chunky Sneakers
Famous Footwear Boasts the DV Dolce Vita Sneaker
Artistic Pilates Sock Collections
MoveActive Introduces the Art Series Collection
Ballet-Inspired Activewear Collections
LSpace has launched its new activewear line — Set the Barre
Contemporary Iconic Flats
Zodiac's Idra Mary Jane Takes Modern Spin on the Classic Ballet Flat
Sophisticated Laidback Footwear Designs
notwoways Unveils a New Matter Style of the Formula
Luxurious Spring-Ready Sneakers
Burberry Introduces the Dynamic Box Sneakers to its Lineup
Novel Fitness Raves
Les Mills and adidas Offered a Ground-Breaking Fitness Rave Event
Western-Inspired Americana Footwear
G.H. Bass Launched its Out West Collection of Premium Shoes
Artist-Backed Breakdancing Sneaker
Futura Joins Nike to Decorate the Jam Sneaker Model
Technical Elegant Joint Footwear
Sandy Liang and Salomon Work on a Mary Jane Slip-On
Whimsical Character-Inspired Statement Capsules
ALDO x Disney Partner for an Iconic Collection
Designer-Backed Low-Cut Sneakers
adidas and Stella McCartney Create a New Court Boost
Basketball Performance Sleek Footwear
Converse Presents the New Butter SHAI 001 Sneaker
Patterned Puffy Artisanal Shoes
Suicoke and Story mfg. Present a New Collection Together
Performance Clog Innovations
Blundstone Transforms Industrial Heritage into Modern Comfort Design
Stylish Footwear Campaigns
Under Armour Targets Gen Z in its New 'Flex As You Go' Campaign
Fine Art-Inspired Sneaker Designs
Vans and Gallery Dept. Partner Through the OTW by Vans Line
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Fashion-Forward Sporty Apparel
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a New Collection
Dynamic Collaborative Sneakers
adidas Presents the CLOT Superstar Sneaker with Bold Accents
Technical High-Fashion Sneakers
The Balenciaga 3XL Sneaker Showcases Exaggerated Soles
Dramatic Spiked Sporty Footwear
The PUMA Mostro Returns in a Dramatically Spikey Design
High-Performance Sheepskin Shoes
The UGG Ascot Wrap Tech Puts a Vibram Sole in the Spotlight
Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes
Balenciage Presents its First Basketball Sneaker Model
Soft Visual Delicate Sneakers
Alexander McQueen Introduces its Milestone Flexion Sneaker
Luxury Basketball-Themed Fashion Capsules
Balenciaga Introduces the Basketball Series Collection
Fashion-Forward Lifestyle Sneakers
Valentino Garavani Unveils a New Pair of Premium Sneakers
Sensory-Rich Wine Experiences
Dancing is a Modern Wine Brand with a Striking Visual Aesthetic
Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers
New Balance Presents Another Technical 1906 Sneaker
Dynamic Pointed Luxe Sneakers
Balenciaga Introduces a Look at its Reptile Sneaker Model
Sashiko Stitched Intricate Sneakers
Various Brands & Sashiko Gals Join Forces on Dynamic Designs
Dessert-Inspired Collaborative Shoes
Randomevent and New Balance Join on Sweetness of Kin Shoe
Artist-Inspired Dynamic Basketballs
round21 Designs Basketballs Inspired by Basquiat and Haring
Thematic Ombre-Effect Sneakers
Ground Up x Walmart Debut The 'Wicked High-Top Sneakers'
Ukrainian Folktale-Inspired Fashion Collections
FROLOV Presents the Spring 2025 Collection
Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions
Raise the Moral Studio Presents the Becoming Familiar Show
Ultra-Thin Premium Fashion Sneakers
Prada Introduces a Look at the Dynamic Collapse Sneaker
Comfort-Centric Ultra-Stylish Footwear
Clarks Offers Versatile Classic Shoes for Everyday Wear
Heroic Luxury Footwear
The Christian Louboutin x Marvel Collab Unleashes Super Stylish Footwear
Superhero-Inspired Dramatic Boots
Bull Airs Introduces the New Yancy Street Stompers
Artist-Collaborative Sleek Footwear
Bad Bunny Joins adidas to Launch Two Ballerina Sneakers
Maturity-Inspired Fashion Campaigns
Kachorovska Recently Launched Its Fall/winter 2023-24 Campaign
Couture Technical Sneaker Models
Juntae Kim Remixes a Pair of Salomon Sneakers for Fashion Week
Dance-Inspired Apparel Collabs
Tinasche and Urban Outfitters' New Collection Brings a Studio Feel
Artfully Dynamic Collaborative Mules
tareet and ASICS Join Forces on a Pair of Hybrid Mules
Coffee-Like Tonal Joint Footwear
ASICS and Doublet Join Forces on a New Pair of Sneakers
Cinema-Inspired Tonal Sneakers
Nike SB Introduces a City of Cinema Tonal Dunk Low Sneaker
Practical Floral-Inspired Sneakers
NOBULL Launched a Series of Floral Sneakers
Creative Denim Collections
BAYEAS Reimagines Traditional Office Denim in Unique Ways
Whimsical Feminine Runway Shows
Wild Rose & Sparrow Showcase 20 Unique Styles for SS25 in Paris
Metallic-Tinged Collaborative Sneakers
KITH and New Balance Unveil a New 1906R Sneaker
Floral Adorned Fluorescent Sneakers
Reebok and noir kei ninomiya Presents New Instapump Fury Shoes
Silver Polka Dot Shoes
PAPERGIRL PARIS and BEAMS Re-Imagine the ASICS GT-2160
Sneaker-Inspired Art Exhibitions
Roberto Lugo's 'Drip' Explores the Impact of the AF1 on Culture
Terrain-Combative Durable Footwear
Exclusive GEL-Quantum 360 VIII Utility Colorways Arrive at JD
Butterfly-Motif Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike Releases an Air Force 1 Low in a Butterflies Edition
Soft Suede Lifestyle Sneakers
Saucony Introduces the Shadow 6000 IVY PREP & Jazz NXT Sneakers
Coastal Beach-Inspired Footwear
Voile Blanche Features Versatile Fisherman Aesthetic Footwear
Basketball-Shaped Sneakers
The Baller Silhouette by Off-White Mimics the Look of a Sports Ball
Sophisticated Bridal Collections
Bella Belle Introoduces the Champagne Era Footwear Collection
Coquette Hybrid Sneaker Sandals
ASICS and Cecille Bahnsen Present a New GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII
Stride-Assisting Wearables
Evolve MVMT Can Improve a User's Gait
Artist-Joined Slim Sneakers
Bad Bunny and adidas Launch a Bold Gold Ballerina Sneaker
Luxury Footwear Debuts
Ottange Makes its Debut as a New Comprehensive Footwear and Accessory Brand
Ballet-Inspired Altheticwear
CSB Debuts 'En Pointe' Collection with Influencer Isabelle Mathers
Sportswear Training Campaigns
FKA Twigs Redefines Movement with On's Fall/Winter 24 Capsule
Metallic Color-Blocked Tech Sneakers
ASICS Introduces a New Gel Katano 14 Sneaker Model
Elegant Footwear Collections
ARCH NYC Has Unveiled Its Contemporary Fall 2023 Collection
Accessible Foot Health Products
These New ZenToes Products are Arriving at Separate Retailers
Fashion Collaborative Sneaker Models
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a SS24 Series
Street Art-Adorned Perforated Footwear
Crocs Joins Futura Laboraties on a New Set of Shoes
Gothic Style Perforated Footwear
Crocs Presents the Dynamic Wednesday Stomp Clogs
Tribal Art-Inspired Bracelets
Filippo Mambretti Designs the Bharata Beacelet for Bijouets
Flexible Barefoot Footwear
Vivobarefoot Recently Introduced the Motus Flex
Nutrient-Dense Protein Ingredients
Balletic Nova Protein Ingredients Come in Several Options
Premium Technical Rugged Footwear
Balenciaga Introduce the New Hike Sneaker Model
Stylistic Footwear Campaigns
Bata Launched its 'Make Your Way' Campaign with a Focus on Comfort
Lightness-Themed Womenswear Boutiques
Between the Walls Designs the One by One Womenswear Store
Dramatically Designed Chunky Sneakers
Noir Kei Ninomiya and Reebok Create an Instapump Fury
Hairy Suede Handcrafted Footwear
Soccertes NY and Romantic Move Join on the Bread Clog
Chic Ballet Mesh Flats
Steve Madden Features the Dreaming Vegan Leather Flats
Vegan Fashionable Boundering Shoes
Boris Bidjan Saberi Designs the Athletic Bouldering Shoe 1
Bulbous Platformed Fashion Boots
Balenciaga Introduces the Alaska Boot with a Platform Base