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It’s perfect for picnics in the parks and busy travel days.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/051925-summer-staple-8218bea15f524d51977c409558b922d8.jpg "Collection of Puma ballet-inspired shoes and a person wearing a pair")
Courtesy of Brands
My mom knows me well, but I also know my mom really well. Whenever I try something new—because it’s part of my job, and, of course, the second I test out something game changing, I run (err, text) my mom about [insert said discovery]. Most of the time, they’ll follow suit immediately, like the time I told them about these Spanx pants that have become a family staple—and sometimes, they might need a little warming up, like when I said that I found a summer shoe she has to try: ballet sneakers.
Confused at first, I showed her that pair I was talking about—the Vivaia Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina that’s become a Hollywood favorite (Bella Hadid is a repeat fan!). My mom wasn’t sold at first—”But is it a sneaker or a ballet flat?” she asked. “Both,” I said, “and that’s why they’re so cool.” After initial hesitation, my mom tried out a pair of ballet sneakers—which, in case you didn’t know ,are a ballet-sneaker hybrid that fuses comfort with cuteness—and now, she can’t wear anything else (much like me!)
The ballet sneaker offers a game-changing solution: a cute shoe that you can actually wear for miles of walking. Trust me: I wore my Vivaia pair straight out of the box with zero foot pain after a nine-hour day (plenty of other editors also tested them to their limits, with only positive results). That said, with any iteration of these ballet sneakers, you get the feminine silhouette of, well, a ballet flat but the subtle sportiness of a trusty sneaker; they’re truly the best of both worlds, and now my mom can't stop sending me texts every time she sees someone wearing ballet sneakers. I think our sighting count is up to 200 and counting.
It really is the ‘It’ shoe of the season, and it’s really 100 percent worth the hype. So, I rounded up the six styles currently in my shopping cart (and my mom’s!).
7 Mom- and Editor-Approved Ballet Sneakers for Summer
- Selling Out: Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers, $80; anthropologie.com
- Celeb-Worn: Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina, $159; vivaia.com
- Cool-Girl Detail: Jeffrey Campbell Regimen Ankle Wrap Sneakers, $100; nordstrom.com
- Summer-Perfect Style: DKNY Faramir Ballerina Sneakers, $129; nordstrom.com
- Most Sneaker-Like: Puma Speedcat Go Ballet Sneakers, $90; nordstrom.com
- Simple and Sleek: Vagabond Hillary Flats, $79; amazon.com
- Most Comfortable: Vivaia Round-Toe Mesh Mary-Jane Sneaker Flats, $159; vivaia.com
Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers
Anthropologie
$80
My mom and I have both worn Puma sneakers for years. It’s such a throwback style that pulls on my nostalgic heart strings, so naturally its ballet sneaker landed at the top of our ballet sneaker wishlists. The simple ballet sneaker boasts a streamlined silhouette, with an all-over leather design, Puma’s iconic logo, and practical elastic straps to ensure the shoe stays securely on your foot—step after step. No wonder it keeps selling out. Plus, Dua Lipa wore this pair, so you know they’re cool, with the $80 price point feeling totally reasonable.
Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
Viaia
$159
This is the style that started my obsession with ballet sneakers. I remember when I first wore them to work, I was stopped by so many strangers who inquired about where I got my “pretty shiny sneakers.” The sneakerina, which I wore right out of the box, felt so lightweight upon first wear. I expected this, given the lightweight design, but also was curious how they would stand up to 10,000-plus steps.
Jeffrey Campbell Regimen Ankle Wrap Sneakers
Nordstrom
$100
When you think of ballerinas, one detail that probably comes to mind is the elegant ribbon detailing that ties up the calf. This Jefferey Campbell iteration takes that tried-and-true detail and combines it with a sleek, sneaker-esque silhouette for a shoe that’s equal parts sporty yet feminine. Plus, it's available in various colors, like the pink hue my mom and I are keen on, as well as a cherry red, simple white, or classic black.
Shop more ballet sneakers my mom and I will be wearing 24/7 for the next three months, below. Trust me: You’ll be wearing them with everything from baggy Bermudas to flowy, frilly dresses. That’s how versatile they are.
DKNY Faramir Ballerina Sneakers
Nordstrom
$129
Puma Speedcat Go Ballet Sneakers
Nordstrom
$90
Vagabond Hillary Flats
Amazon
$79
Vivaia Round-Toe Mesh Mary-Jane Sneaker Flats
Vivaia
$159
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