The fashion industry has looked at ballet flats and trainers and decided, unnecessarily but rather brilliantly, that we need both at once. Allow me to introduce you to the sneakerina: a ballet flat and trainer hybrid that is set to make your current trainer rotation suspiciously dull in comparison.

If you're unfamiliar with this divisive ugly shoe trend, it's origin story is less random than the name suggests. Onitsuka Tiger’s slim, striped trainers laid much of the groundwork, before lace-up styles such as Adidas' Taekwondo Mei began appearing beneath everything from slip skirts to tailored trousers. Then came Puma’s Speedcat Ballet, complete with its motorsport sole and dainty Mary Jane strap, confirming that the season’s most desirable shoes would be neither properly sporty nor especially sensible. Miu Miu, Simone Rocha and a growing cast of brands have all since played with the same formula.

But how do you style them? Naturally, I would like to add granny jeans to the equation.

Granny jeans are the slightly primmer cousin of the mom jean: high on the waist, relaxed through the leg and often cropped or turned up at the ankle. They have none of the puddling, dragging or dramatic proportions that have dominated denim recently. Instead, they look like something your chicest relative might wear to browse the garden centre before ordering a very good lunch.

Paired with sneakerinas, however, they lose any trace of sensible Sunday dressing. A flash of mesh, a satin strap or a long lace threaded around the foot gives the jeans a strange, sporty prettiness, while their ankle-skimming hem ensures the shoes get the attention they so clearly demand.

It is a niche combination, certainly. But in a summer ruled by oddly specific micro-trends, granny jeans and sneakerinas may be fashion’s most convincing new double act.

For warm weekends, white jeans and sneakerinas make an easy alternative to a summer dress. Keep the denim slightly cropped or turn up the hems so the shoe has room to shine, then add a striped shirt, fitted vest or lightweight cardigan.

These shoes don't just look chic, but they're infinitley more practical for stomping up to 10,000 steps a day on your next city break. Finish with a basket bag or oversized sunglasses for coffee runs, market trips or lunch somewhere sunny.

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Classic blue granny jeans are the easiest place to start, especially with sneakerinas in soft pink, butter yellow or pale blue. Wear them with a white T-shirt and a cardigan tied over your shoulders for a relaxed daytime look, or add a pretty blouse for dinner. The pastel shoe gives everyday denim a sweeter edge without tipping into full balletcore. Look for satin straps, slim soles or wraparound laces, and keep the rest of the outfit uncomplicated.

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Black granny jeans and matching sneakerinas are ideal for days when you want comfort without looking as though you are heading to the gym. Try them with a white tank, cropped jacket or oversized blazer, depending on how polished you need to be. All-black sneakerinas feel less sugary than pastel versions, particularly in mesh, suede or leather. Add silver jewellery and a shoulder bag for errands, casual office days or drinks that might turn into dinner.

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Metallic sneakerinas are an easy way to make high-waisted granny jeans feel more evening-ready. Silver works particularly well with dark or mid-wash denim, while gold looks great with cream, brown and khaki. Add a tucked-in camisole, fitted knit or simple shirt to show off the waistband, then let the shoes provide the interesting part. This is a useful formula for birthday drinks, dinner or any occasion where heels feel unnecessarily ambitious but ordinary trainers feel too casual.