Primark has sparked a debate among shoppers with its new £15 Rita Ora trainers, which some have likened to school PE uniform shoes. The sneakers, available in black or natural, are described as 'mesh ballet trainers with toggle elastics and self-fastening straps' and are part of the 'balletcore' trend that has influenced high-fashion runways.
The Rita Ora Sneakerinas aim to blend ballet elegance with athletic comfort, according to the retailer's product description. However, a TikTok video by user @Ellanmangham, which garnered over 200,000 views and 14,000 likes, prompted a mixed reaction. Many commenters compared the shoes to jazz or PE shoes, with one remarking: 'It's giving PE uniform.'
Despite the criticism, several shoppers defended the design. One fan said they would wear the trainers for summer gym sessions, while another called them 'cute' and 'sporty.' The divided opinions reflect the polarising nature of the balletcore aesthetic, which has been embraced by designers like Simone Rocha and JW Anderson.
