We Tried the Ballet Sneakers Celebs Are Wearing Everywhere

Trends can flash by in an instant (remember Barbiecore?), but a unique new shoe style has landed in Hollywood and is proving to be a staple.

Ballet sneakers, or “sneakerinas,” blend the elegance of ballet flats with the structure of sneakers. The fashion community has been divided over whether or not they’re stylish, but celebrities like Julia Roberts, Dua Lipa, Lola Tung, and Bella Hadid have added them to their fall fashion rotation.

Vivaia’s Sneakerinas have been worn by Roberts, Tung, and Hadid, and I tested the shoes out myself to see if they’re worth the hype — spoiler alert: They are. Discover why I’m now hooked, and shop additional styles from brands like Puma, Free People, and Keds starting at $50.

Ballet Sneakers Inspired by Celebrities 

• Writer-Favorite: Vivaia Yancy Sneakerinas, $159; amazon.com
• Blowfish Malibu Lana Ballet Jogger Sneakers, $50; dsw.com
• Keds Mini Slip-Ons, $55; zappos.com
• Celeb-Worn: Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers, $80; anthropologie.com 
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Mary Janes, $50 (orig. $65); converse.com
• 56% Off: Free People Adventure Ballet Sneakers, $65 (orig. $148); nordstromrack.com
• JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers, $99; amazon.com
• Zara Sporty Ballet Flats, $56; zara.com
• Steve Madden Abbi Black Satin Shoes, $90; stevemadden.com 
• DKNY Faramir Ballerina Sneakers, $129; nordstrom.com

Vivaia Yancy Sneakerinas

Repeated sightings of A-listers wearing these exact Vivaia shoes made me feel like I had to try them. The Yancy style is an updated version that’s made with a waterproof nylon material instead of the classic satin look. It’s also stretchy, which my wide feet and bunions were grateful for since it allowed them to spread without feeling pinched.

I was mostly shocked by the amount of comfort the ballet sneakers provided — it felt like I was wearing slippers, and they were so lightweight I found myself looking down to make sure I was still wearing shoes. Plus, the elastic backing let me wear them straight out of the box, no breaking-in required. 

Blowfish Malibu Lana Ballet Jogger Sneakers

This style is similar to Vivaia’s with its lace-up closure and elastic backing that forms to your heel. There are four shades to choose from, including a classic light gray that’s versatile enough to wear with jeans or maxi skirts, and a bright yellow for when you want all the attention to be on your shoes. One teacher bought the shoes in two colors and considers them “comfortable yet stylish” for when they need to chase kids all day.

Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers

Lipa was on pointe with her styling of these exact Puma ballet sneakers. In an Instagram post, she opted for a monochrome athleisure outfit, which, when paired with the shoes, drew eyes immediately to the shiny glint of the chrome. One Anthropologie shopper was impressed with the cushion, writing, “I am amazed at how supportive and comfortable these flats are,” and they applauded the “soft back on the heel to prevent rubbing.”

Shop these celeb-inspired ballet sneakers while they’re still available and check out more of our favorite picks below starting at $50.

Keds Mini Slip-Ons

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Mary Janes

Free People Adventure Ballet Sneakers

JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers

Zara Sporty Ballet Flats

Steve Madden Abbi Black Satin Shoes

DKNY Faramir Ballerina Sneakers