Each summer, there is a shoe that defines the season. It’s not necessarily the most fashion-forward – in fact, more often than not, the uglier the better.
For summer 2025, it’s the trainer ballet shoe hybrid, aka the sneakerina, that you’ll spot everywhere on the streets of the capital.
And there is one such iteration of the trend that has piqued the interest of the Standard Shopping desk. Shopping Writer Saskia Kemsley and I have been pining over the Puma Speedcat Ballet ever since we first laid eyes on them.
The Speedcats are a heritage shoe that dates back to 1999. The silhouette has its origins in motorsports, and to this day, you will spot F1 favourites wearing the style. Its current cult status can be attributed to the obsession with all things racing, designer collaborations with Coperni, Feben, LUEDER, Mains and Ahluwalia and as their frequent wear by the perennially stylish Emily Ratajkowski and Dua Lipa. A testament to their desirability, searches for the style have increased by 858 per cent on StockX.
The PUMA Speedcat is defined by its low profile (drivers need to be able to feel the pedal) and its rubber sole. In Ferrari red or Mercedes black most ubiquitously, they are a street style darling.
While the silhouette is 25 years old, Puma has reinvented the shoe in line with the enduring balletcore aesthetic. Fun, feminine and surprisingly easy to style, the Speedcat Ballet has become a staple in our wardrobes. But here’s the thing: we’ve had totally different experiences wearing them.
Ellie Davis, Shopping Editor
As soon as the Puma Speedcat Ballet arrived, I slipped them right on. I went for the red colourway, and while you may believe that makes them a challenge to pair with outfits, that’s far from the case. My wardrobe leans towards neutral palettes – particularly black and white – but I’ve found that they have extreme wearability. The first ensemble, I wore a classic white top and jeans combination, and they provided the pop of colour that the outfit was lacking. Next, bolder. Leopard print trousers and a black t-shirt. Worked even better.
Reactions have been mixed among my friends. Divisive, like any good fashion shoe, some have asked me if I’m driving for Ferrari now, while others have headed directly to the Puma website to get themselves a pair.
The first thing to note about the red suede iteration is that they are like walking on clouds. Puma’s Ortholite insoles are spongy, soft and incredibly comfortable. I haven’t taken them off.
Saskia has had a different experience, however.
Saskia Kemsley, Shopping Writer
I’ve been an avid admirer of avant-garde ballet flats since Miu Miu showcased its zeitgeist-shifting take on the slipper in the spring/summer collection of 2016. In the decade since, we’ve seen buckled, ribboned, distressed, studded and suede pumps, but by far the most unique addition to the trend is the ‘sneakerina’ - a ballet pump/ trainer hybrid.
Puma’s Speedcat Ballet flats in the metallic colourway always get me an odd look or two in the office. “Those are very unique,” said one colleague - which she urged me to take as a compliment. No matter, for my futuristic, shimmering silver and white flats instantly elevated a plain white midi skirt and off-white tee into an outfit worth fussing over.
They’re flattering, fun and an instant conversation-starter, but - my god - have they given me blisters worse than a pair of Docs. They’re supposedly equipped with Ortholite padding on the sole and the heel, but that extra bit of cushioning rubs rather than relieves, making the shoe smaller and more constricting. I’m a UK 4.5 and have already sized up to a 5, but I’d be eager to try a 6.
Fashion is pain, and I love my sneakerinas despite my blisters. I’ll just be keeping Compeed in business throughout the summer. Isn’t that what they call a symbiotic relationship?
Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women
Barre often means bare feet, but if you prefer light footwear, the Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes are ideal. They’re slim, flexible and shaped to follow the foot, making them perfect for precise, grounded movements.
The suede gives them a stylish look, and the grip keeps you stable without sticking to the floor. More polished than trainers, less exposed than socks.
Buy now £70.00, Puma
