Simone Rocha Has Made adidas’ Ballet Dreams a Reality
Ballet flats are everywhere right now. You’ve probably seen enough of them already, but Simone Rocha has found a way to make the whole thing feel a little less predictable.
As part of adidas Originals by Simone Rocha’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, the designer has taken the popular Taekwondo and given it a proper ballerina treatment.
The result is the Simone Rocha Taekwondo Ballerina, a low-slung little number that sits somewhere between an adidas sneaker and something you’d expect to see on an actual dancer.
It’s a strange combination on paper, especially when you throw in the red ribbon laces, pearls, and diamond-like embellishments. Yet somehow, it all works. The Taekwondo’s sporty shape keeps the shoe from drifting too far into balletcore territory, while Rocha’s additions make it considerably prettier than your average pair of trainers.
And while you could obviously lean into the whole ballet thing, tiny socks, skirt, the works, it’s arguably more fun worn with clothes that have absolutely nothing to do with ballet. Let the dainty shoe sit there and cause problems.
Consider this your sign to stop pretending ballet flats are just for ballerinas. The Taekwondo Ballerina has other plans.
The Simone Rocha Taekwondo Ballerina is available to shop on adidas' app.
Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit our SHOPPER page and subscribe to the newsletter for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.
