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It seems like every other day, we're being marketed a new It sneaker.

Maybe that's why I've been so hesitant to get on board the bandwagon. I can't keep up, so I don't even try.

Case in point: I managed to get through 2024 without purchasing a pair of Adidas Sambas.

Speaking of cult shoes, have you seen this popular millennial style making a comeback? Post continues below.

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The millennial shoe we never thought we'd wear again | Nothing to Wear

Don't get me wrong, I love the look of cool trainers on other women — the trendy mums at the playground; the Gen Z women at the Mamamia office. Just… not on me.

I have exactly one pair in my wardrobe: some white New Balance sneakers I bought a few years back.

Me in my one pair of New Balance sneakers. Image: Supplied.

While they come in handy for dog walking, toddler walking or the occasional gym session, I never turn to them when it comes to my casual outfits. Instead, I live in comfortable flats.

But there's a new trend that might just change that.

The other day I was browsing in Stylerunner, one of my favourite boutiques for on-trend leisurewear, and noticed something curious when scanning the giant sneaker wall.

Most of the sneakers on offer were… not really sneakers at all. They were something else entirely.

Ever since the "sneakerina" hit the market in 2025 — a divisive style which merged ballet shoes with trainers — a whole new category of footwear has emerged.

I'm calling it the Frankensneaker: a shoe that combines two styles into one new profile.

Every sportswear brand has come up with a freaky hybrid offering this season, so expect to see them all over your feed starting now.

Content creator Basra Ajeh wears the Adidas Samba Jane. Image: Instagram/@itsbasra.

Adidas has the "Samba Jane", which blends its beloved Samba with a Mary Jane.

Salomon has a similar style out now, the RX Marie-Jeanne, which looks like a sports shoe had a baby with a ballet flat.

Asics has released the Gel 1130 Mule, a traditional Asics sneaker in the front with a completely open back.

New Balance has combined a sneaker with a loafer to bring us the 1906L.

And Puma's come out with the Speedcat Wedge, which is exactly what it sounds like — a Speedcat trainer with a big old wedge heel.

I have a theory as to why plain sneakers have taken a backseat this season.

Fashion is currently having an ' ugly shoe' moment. Margiela's split-toe Tabi shoes are seeing an unprecedented lift in sales, and every luxury brand under the sun has come out with a designer rubber shoe for the summer.

No one's putting their stock into classic shoes anymore — in 2026, it's the weirder, the better.

Blurring the lines of what's chic is chic.

And maybe we've all become so fatigued by being prescribed the same sneaker, we've started looking for the unexpected. Enter: weird hybrid sneakers.

Rugby star Jaymie Kolose wears the Nike Rift split-toe shoe. Image: Instagram/@jaymiekolose.

I've always been reluctant to wear them straight-up, but could one of these styles finally get me across the line? They certainly have my attention.

Here are 8 options that I'm finding surprisingly tempting.

Shop hybrid sneakers.

New Balance 1906L, $230.

Image: New Balance.

Asics Gel 1130 Mule, $170.

Image: Stylerunner.

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes, $170.

NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh, $230.

Image: Nike.

Adidas Originals Samba Jane, $180.

Image: JD Sports.

Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne, now $192.

Image: Salomon.

Puma Speedcat Wedge, $240.

Image: Stylerunner.

Nike Air Max Phenomena Women's, $220.

Image: JD Sports.

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Feature image: Supplied.