Millennials Love to Hate These Controversial "Sneakerinas"—Here's My Honest Review

I'm all for a "weird" shoe trend. Tabis? Been there, done that. Snoafers (sneaker loafers)? Not as wacky as you might think. Loewe soap heels? They're sitting pretty in my closet.

The one shoe trend I haven't been able to crack, though, is the infamous "sneakerina"—the sneaker-ballet flat hybrid taking over sidewalks and fashion TikTok feeds alike. Maybe it's my millennial-meets-Gen Z identity crisis, or maybe it's the haunting memory of folding ballet slippers into my backpack during elementary school, but something about the sneakerina always felt, well, off. I love sneakers. I love ballet flats. But together? Something ain't right.

Still, in the name of curiosity (and fashion journalism), I decided to face my fashion fears and test-drive a pair—specifically, the Puma Speedcat Ballet shoes. With the rise of styles like the Adidas Samba Mary Janes and taekwondo-inspired kicks making a strong case for sport-meets-ballet footwear, I wondered, Could Puma’s take finally convert me?

There are dozens of sneakerinas on the market, some more popular than others. But the Speedcat Ballet offers a unique perspective—one rooted in motorsport heritage, streamlined minimalism, and just enough Y2K energy to feel fresh again. Here's how they held up in real life.

Puma Speedcat Ballet Review

Puma Speedcat Ballet Quick Facts

The Puma Speedcat Ballet, a riff of the iconic Puma Speedcat OG sneaker, is a direct reference to motorsport culture. Unlike the Speedcat OG, Formula 1 drivers weren't wearing these in the cockpit, though. Instead, the Speedcat Ballet was released in the early 2000s, and, as of last year, has had a big resurgence. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rosé of BlackPink, are fans.

• Style Name: Puma Speedcat Ballet
• Release Year: 2024
• Retail Price: $80 for most styles
• Materials: Leather and suede options available
• Colorways: Core Black, Puma White, Silver Mist, and limited seasonal drops

Puma Speedcat Ballet Wear Test

Wearing the Puma Speedcat Ballet shoes felt like slipping into a curious blend of comfort and style. At first glance, the sleek silhouette and ballet-inspired elastic collar gave off a delicate, almost dainty vibe, yet once on foot, they surprised me with a surprising amount of support and stability for a sneakerina.

The Speedcat Ballets run the slightest bit narrow, so if you're in-between sizes or planning on wearing these with socks, I'd suggest you size up. As the pair I wore was leather rather than suede, it loosened up a bit, molding nicely to my foot throughout the day.

The padded insole (a patented OrthoLite Puma tech) provided decent cushioning for casual strolls and light city commutes, but don’t expect to clock marathon miles here—the shoe is better suited for style over sport. I love how these look more like ballet flats than sneakers, so I decided to forgo the socks. I was able to walk around 8000 steps before I felt the rubber crisscross straps start to bother me. If you're wearing socks, though, the discomfort might be avoided.

Final Veredict

Surprise to no one: A freaky shoe trend won me over. The Puma Speedcat Ballet manages to feel both modern, fresh, and fun, without being too gimmicky. In my opinion, it's a sportier, girlish take on sneakerinas. While it won’t replace your dedicated running shoes or classic ballet flats, it’s a solid, stylish option for those wanting to dip their toes into this quirky hybrid without diving headfirst.

If you're into the Gen Z approved sneakerina trend this year, the Puma Speedcat Ballet is a strong contender. Just remember to size up if you have wider feet!

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