A must-have for the modern girl’s shoe closet: Onitsuka Tiger’s first GYMNARINA™ ballet flats, with double straps and two-way styling that will drive you crazy
The soft leather doesn’t rub at all!
Summary
- Onitsuka Tiger has launched its first pair of GYMNARINA ballet shoes.
- Interchangeable satin and rope-style laces let you create different looks.
- Soft, flexible leather and a stable outsole deliver comfort and support.
When you’re getting dressed to go out, do you keep reaching for the same pair of sneakers, yet still feel like your look is missing a touch of polished, casual elegance? With the Balletcore-fueled ballet-flat trend continuing season after season, every woman’s shoe closet needs a comfortable, versatile pair. If you prefer a laid-back style but worry that traditional ballet flats are too delicate and difficult to walk in, Onitsuka Tiger’s surprising new release is sure to win you over.
- Related reading: ASICS turns retro running shoes into mules: The new Mule style makes it so easy to slip them on and head out in summer!
An elegant take on the classic Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 DNA
When you think of Onitsuka Tiger, the street-ready MEXICO 66™ series is likely the first thing that comes to mind. The most appealing thing about the brand’s new GYMNARINA™ ballet flats is how they blend the classic street-sport DNA into a slim, French-inspired silhouette. The instantly recognizable Tiger Stripes remain on the sides, while the heel recreates the MEXICO 66™’s signature crisscross detail and heel flap. The result adds a light, modern streetwear touch to the shoe’s feminine softness, perfectly capturing the meeting of tradition and innovation.
Satin ribbons and cord laces included for two looks you can switch up with your mood
The most thoughtful, and almost unfairly appealing, feature of this pair is its interchangeable laces. Every GYMNARINA™ comes with two distinctly different options: cord laces with metal aglets that create a more classic, elegant lace-up dance-shoe look, and soft satin ribbon laces with a romantic, feminine feel. If you’re after a clean, casual minimalist look, you can even remove the laces entirely and wear them as simple ballet flats. One pair easily shifts between soft romance and pared-back casual style, a real plus for modern women looking for practical versatility.
A shirred elastic leather upper for comfortable all-day wear
When choosing ballet flats, many women worry about stiff leather that rubs their feet or soles too thin for comfortable long walks. Onitsuka Tiger has never compromised on comfort and performance. The entire GYMNARINA™ line features uppers crafted from carefully selected, exceptionally high-quality soft leather that gently wraps and conforms to the feet. Even more distinctive is the shirring elastic construction, which flexes naturally with the movement of your feet. Together with a unique outsole designed for stability and flexibility, it helps reduce foot fatigue and keeps you comfortable all day, whether you’re commuting or heading out for a special date.
At this price point, the leather on these ballet flats is noticeably more flexible, while the sneaker-style sole provides support. Compared with typical designer flats, they’re clearly more durable and practical for everyday wear. If you’re still deciding on your first Balletcore pair, this style, which is fun to wear and comfortable to walk in, is a reliable choice you won’t regret.
The collection arrives in 5 beautiful colorways, each with a distinct character: the retro-inspired “Classic Red/Cream Tiger Stripes,” the eye-catching “Bright Blue/Cream Tiger Stripes,” and the more understated “All Black/Cream Tiger Stripes,” “Soft Silver/Cream Tiger Stripes,” and “Rose Gold/Cream Tiger Stripes.” Whether paired with a romantic midi skirt or sharp jeans, they create a balanced, understated look.
Join POPBEE Circle and subscribe to the POPBEE newsletter for the latest updates, along with early access to exclusive perks and discounts. Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth checking out:
- Channel low-key Japanese elegance in Onitsuka Tiger’s latest thin-soled TRAIRINA sneakers, where suede paneling weaves together a light, elevated texture
- Looking for a pair of versatile Y2K sneakers? The ASICS GEL-KINETIC FR just dropped quietly
- Have ballet flats really been trending for 3 years without cooling off? Chanel and Rolex are betting on it: Balletcore is entering 2.0!




