3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
10 ballet sneakers on pointe for this summer, according to style editors
JW Pei Caitlin Lace-up Ballerina Sneakers
"I call these my 'tactical ballet flats' because their squared ridges and rubber toe caps remind me of a utility boot. I even had someone tell me these shoes were sexy — maybe because the laces almost look like corsets for your feet?
I took a risk testing them for the first time at an all-day music festival (worn with no-show socks and packed Band-Aids, just in case). And yet, no blisters whatsoever.
They don't have enough support features to be deemed everyday walking shoes, but I was able to stand in them for over 12 hours straight on two occasions without discomfort. The foam footbeds have an airy mesh overlay, so despite all the dancing and walking my feet didn't overheat. They run narrow in the toe box, so if you're between sizes, I suggest rounding up.
For under $100, these are a good value on a style that'll last as long as ballet sneakers are on trend. It may not be a style built for longevity, but JW Pei hits the nail on the head by articulating the most recognizable elements from both ballet slippers and sneakers, and combining them into one accessibly-priced shoe." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Vivaia Cristina Sneakerina
"I wore these while walking around on a particularly sunny day in Brooklyn and received no fewer than three compliments from complete strangers.
You can choose from a variety of lace colors and styles, so I paired mine with a pink ribbon. The combo of blush-colored satin and a silky ribbon made these the girliest sneakers I could imagine, which is perfect for me. But typically, trendy footwear is made to be fun and fashionable, not necessarily comfortable.
These, however, happen to be both. I made the risky decision of wearing these for the first time without socks, but my feet felt fine even after walking two miles in them. They're pretty flat and are made to have a "barefoot feel," so people who crave lots of arch support might not find these comfortable. But I loved the feeling of walking around in these free-feeling flats.
And in case you need some extra convincing that these are really the shoe of the moment, trend-making celebrities like Bella Hadid and Charli XCX have been seen in the Vivaia Sneakerina, along with a number of other big fashion names who have rep'd the comfort-first brand." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews
Puma Speedcat Ballet
Puma's Speedcat Ballet follows up on the massively successful Speedcat, a motorist-inspired shoe that debuted in 2024 and quickly took over the sneaker world. In 2025, the Speedcat Ballet was born, marrying the best of the OG style into a new hybrid ballet flat silhouette.
This style has been in high demand, but if you're keen on trying Puma's ballet sneakers before the restock, check out the Speedcat Go or Mostro Fey instead.
Vagabond Hillary Ballet Flat
Steve Madden Scooter Sneaker
Steve Madden famously has no qualms about replicating on-trend luxury brand shoes into his own affordable alternatives. These Wales Bonner-inspired Mary Janes have thick elastic velcro straps fastened across the uppers. Available in fashion-forward textures like silver metallic and cowhide, these sneaker flats would work wonders paired with athletic shorts or a denim mini skirt.
Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne
As if Salomon weren't already cool girl-coded, they went ahead and pioneered the ballet sneaker resurgence. In the past it has teamed up with Sandy Liang and MM6 Maison Margiela to give its more rugged styles a girly twist. While the designer collabs are harder to grab, Salomon still carries ballet sneakers like the RX Marie Jeanne — a gorpcore version of the classic Mary Jane.
Adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet
If your Sambas or Spezials have had you in a chokehold and you're ready to try something a little different, consider the Adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet sneakers. This style was resurrected from a martial arts shoe that first debuted in the early 2000s. Constructed out of super soft leather and a minimalist low profile sole, these ballet flats combine the best aspects from the original design with a modern sneakerina twist.
