Hot take: The ballet sneaker trend that's been on the rise for awhile isn't just a passing phase—it's here to stay.
I know, I know—not everyone is sold the combo of chunky, comfy sneakers and delicate ballet flats. I wasn't either, until I saw Bella Hadid walking around Paris (and later New York) in a pair of satin ballet sneakers that were truly something out of my fashion-girl-meets-former-dancer dreams. Designers are leaning in, celebs are clearly on board, and searches for ballet sneakers on StockX are up over 1000%. I think it's safe to say that this trend has serious staying power.
Unlike a lot of things in Bella Hadid’s wardrobe, her shoes are actually under $130—we ID’d them as the Vivaia Satin Cristina Sneakerinas, which sold out in a week when they launched in February and have been restocked three times since. They’re made of satin, more dainty and arguably more approachable than other versions of the ballet sneakers like the controversial Simone Rocha Crystal Buckle Tracker Shoes, the sporty Puma Speedcat flats, or the newer adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes.
And if you prefer a more ballet slipper-like look that doesn't go up as high on the foot, may I suggest the Satin Yanka style that Charli XCX was spotted wearing at Coachella? The brat singer donned a pink pair of the podiatrist-approved comfy shoes before her performance.
In an attempt to see if Bella Hadid and Charli XCX were onto something with their choice of shoe, I snagged a pink pair of the Cristinas and wore my new purchase all around New York City for a bunch of press events and a day in the office.
First impressions: I felt like I was padding around in the most luxurious satin slippers out there. I was hesitant to scuff them or accidentally step in some street juice—aka the mystery sludge in every Manhattan street crevice—but a quick Google search revealed that they were machine-washable, which is a massive win for clumsy people and city dwellers everywhere.
Comfort-wise, they passed the test. No blistering or uncomfortable breaking in that I sometimes experience when wearing a new pair of ballet flats. Vivaia doesn't claim that the Sneakerina is a performance shoe, so they're not ultra shock-absorbent like a true athletic sneaker. But they're so lightweight that it almost feels like you're barefoot, and the double lace-up detail helped keep the shoe secure on my foot. My only qualm? The satin ribbon came untied a few times, but that's an easy fix.
Styling the Sneakerinas was a breeze, especially compared to some of the more out-there ballet sneaker options. I wore mine with blue jeans and a cardigan, but you could easily wear them with just about any outfit you’d wear with a sneaker or a ballet flat... which is to say, most outfits. And don't ask how I discovered this, but the sole is super bendy (like, you can literally bend them in half) so they make for a great throw-in-your-bag backup shoe, too.
Might just snag one of each color...
Vivaia Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
Vivaia Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
Vivaia Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
Basically, if you've been on the fence about ballet sneakers, this might just be the gateway pair that wins you over. Oh, and here’s a little insider tip: If your size is currently out of stock on the Vivaia website, the Sneakerinas are being restocked for the fourth time on Monday, April 14. Seriously, I wouldn't sleep on this drop—the demand is real, and your size might not be there the next time you check out the website!
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
