They offer the comfort of sneakers with the polished look of flats
NEED TO KNOW
- Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman have both worn ballerina sneakers recently.
- A PEOPLE editor tested a pair and called them “lightweight” and comfy for wide feet.
- Shop celeb-inspired styles for summer travel, errands, and more from $40.
Heels? Who needs them. Charlize Theron has a supportive, yet equally polished alternative that’s backed by other celebs: ballerina sneakers.
We’ve spotted the clever shoe trend on everyone from Nicole Kidman to Jean Smart to PinkPantheress, and Theron’s square-toe version is extra practical for those with wide feet or who just want some extra room. The Apex actress wore the shoes while out in New York City with a dress and skirt ensemble, but they work with everything from jeans to shorts, too.
Put an elegant pirouette on your basic white sneakers with these celeb-inspired ballerina sneakers at Amazon, Vivaia, and more below — from $40.
Ballerina Sneakers Inspired by Charlize Theron
- Best Price: Ubwdu Lace Ballet Sneakers, $40; Amazon
- Closest Match: Vivaia Cristina Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina, $159; Vivaia
- Breezy for Summer: Vivaia Yara Round-Toe Lace-Up Mesh Sneakers, $149 (orig. $159); Vivaia
- Day to Night: Tigeridea Mary Jane Sneakers, $50; Amazon
- Open Back: Coolway Goal Mule Sneakers, $100; Anthropologie
- Work to Weekend: Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers, $90; Anthropologie
- Trendy Color: Everlane Ballet Sneaker, $198; Everlane
- Celeb-Worn: Ugg Quill Ballet Sneaker, $140; Nordstrom
- Pretty Florals: Vivaia Healing Garden Square-Toe Organza Sneakerina, $169; Vivaia
- Sturdy Rubber Sole: Anthropologie Bibi Lou Lace-Up Sneaker Flats, $170; Anthropologie

Related: Even Hoka Fans Are Swapping to These Supportive Sneakers They Can Wear ‘All Day’ Without Aches — Get a Pair on Sale
Vivaia Cristina Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina

$159 at Vivaia.com
This style by Vivaia — an Oprah Winfrey-backed brand that PEOPLE writers and even podiatrists are fans of — looks most similar to Theron's pair. The square toe box provides plenty of room for those with wide feet. The satin laces instantly dress up your outfit, making them ideal for day-to-night wear. Bonus: They’re available in seasonal colors like white, pink, yellow, and baby blue.
Ubwdu Lace Ballet Sneakers

$40 at Amazon
You don’t have to dish out big bucks to get in on the trend with this $40 option at Amazon. The sneakers have crochet lace and scalloped stitching for a vintage vibe that contrasts the Kidman-inspired gum sole. The inside has a padded insole, which led one five-star reviewer to say they can walk in the “comfortable” shoes “all day with no problems.”
Vivaia Yara Round-Toe Lace-Up Mesh Sneakers

$159 $149 at Vivaia.com
With weather only warming up from here, this breathable take on the popular silhouette is so smart. The round toe box is timeless, while the mesh provides plenty of airflow to your soles on sunny days. One pregnant shopper called them “very accommodating” for swollen feet. The best part? They’re even machine-washable for an easy clean.
Whether you’re already sold on the sneaker-meets-flat hybrid or still on the fence, Charlize Theron makes a strong case for giving ballerina sneakers a try. Find more similar styles below.
Tigeridea Mary Jane Sneakers

$50 at Amazon
Everlane Ballet Sneaker

$198 at Everlane.com
Anthropologie Bibi Lou Lace-Up Sneaker Flats

$170 at Anthropologie
Coolway Goal Mule Sneakers

$100 at Anthropologie
Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers

$90 at Anthropologie
Ugg Quill Ballet Sneaker

$140 at Nordstrom
Vivaia Ciara Healing Garden Square-Toe Sneakerinas

$169 at Vivaia.com
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Read the full article here







