The best ballet sneakers

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 the Caitlins 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 the Cristinas 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

More Vivaia sneakerinas:

See our favorite styles in our full Vivaia shoes review and best bridal shoes.

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 that's stuck around for 2026.

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.

Tory Burch Hank Ballet Sneaker

Tory Burch's famous flats are unmistakable and perfect for travel. The designer's shoes are always sensible yet stylish, so the ballet sneaker is a natural addition to her archive.

The Tory Burch Hank leans has a retro appeal that ties into this contemporary style. Set on a slim rubber sole the lightweight feel is made even daintier by details like soft ruching and delicate laces. Even though Tory Burch shoes usually run narrow, this pair can be surprisingly accommodating for wider feet since thanks to the adjustable laces.

Mephisto Niro

"I just moved to Bushwick, a part of Brooklyn that the sneakerina trend took by storm. By sitting on a park bench and literally shoegazing, here's a French pair I've witnessed many stylish strangers wear to walk their dogs and take in the sun.

The Mephisto Niro is a more rugged, Mary Jane version of a ballet sneaker. It's actually an all-terrain walking shoe, meaning you can wear it on hikes or while exploring a new neighborhood. Designed with soft padding and a supportive build, it allows you to flex your foot and grip on uneven surfaces so you don't lose traction." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Vagabond Hollie Ballet Flats

If your foot runs narrow, the Vagabond Hollie Ballet Flats are a solid option. It's a more sleek, streamlined silhouette, which may feel cramped if your forefoot runs wide.

Nevertheless, we love how the minimalist, fashion-forward take on this footwear brand's classic flats reminds us of the race track, with their aerodynamic tapered toe and contrasting stripes. The leather and suede uppers make them feel more polished than sporty, so you can wear them to dress up a casual work outfit or weekend attire.

Franco Sarto Fietta Slip-Ons

These affordable Franco Sarto ballet sneakers are designed with airy mesh panels, which is perfect if you want a stylish sandal alternative this summer. The fun colors and simple Mary Jane silhouette is loosely structured, so you can easily step in and slide the top strap over your foot to keep them in place over a full day of walking.

The soft construction means it doesn't offer as much structure or arch support as some other ballet sneakers, though that's to be expected for the price point. But because of the flexible materials and forgiving fit, it's a solid option for wearing socks underneath.

Ecco Biom C-Trail Leather Lace-Up Sneaker

If you're looking to make more of a statement — you are looking at a pretty statement-worthy shoe, after all — consider the ECCO Biom C-Trail Leather Lace-Up Sneakers. They feature a chunky sole that are not only fashionable, but functional. They come with treads that use a rugged pattern for better traction, making these the cutest sneakers for hitting the trails.

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.