This summer, one shoe is headlining fashion’s love affair with comfort and nostalgia: the Puma Speedcat Ballet.
A frontrunner in the Sneakerina race, alongside Nike’s Air Rifts and Adidas’ Taekwondo Meis, this hybrid combines the streamlined appeal of a running trainer with the delicate silhouette of a ballet flat—two unlikely influences that together form the chicest low-profile footwear of the season.
Taking cues from their iconic Speedcat racing shoe, and infused with minimalist ballet-inspired design, the graceful but practical shoe (that currently comes in silver, pink, black and red) has become this season’s surprise hit and is beloved by Dua Lipa, me, and a bunch of other people too. According to trend data from Lyst, searches for ‘ballet sneakers' skyrocketed by 1300% in the first few months of 2025, and the Speedcat ballet was Lyst's third hottest product of Q1.
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Styling the Speedcat Ballet is all about leaning into its contrast - pairing its sporty DNA with soft, feminine or playful looks. I recently wore my red pair with an upcycled embroidered blouse, a bold red mini skort from Free People, and a printed tote, making an easy weekend outfit, perfect for pootling around the shops in.
You could also pair them with cargo pants and a baby tee for an early-Noughties vibe, or consider a simple summer mini dress. However you style them, the Puma Speedcat Ballet brings the perfect mix of comfort, edge, and cool-girl energy.
With a celebrity fanbase, a cult following, and serious style versatility, the Speedcat Ballet is more than just a trend - it’s the sneaker of summer 2025.
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Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
