A new shoe style has hit the scene, and thanks to Vivaia (a brand known for footwear that is as cute as it is comfortable), the sneakerina is the most surprisingly wearable shoe of the season. This sweet sneak has been spotted on some of Gen Z’s most revered celebrities, but it’s piqued the interest of other generations thanks to its playful silhouette and a construction that reviewers confirm is ultra-cushy and comfortable.
Last year, those of us who study trends heard rumblings that the “sneakerina” — a sneaker and ballet flat hybrid — was primed to be the season’s hottest shoe. Frankly, it felt improbable that such a divisive silhouette would go mainstream. But here we are, eating our words.
There are tons of options currently on the market, but Vivaia’s sneakerinas take the prize for both looks and comfort. They’re shockingly wearable, with a unique look that isn’t alienating to those of us who want to participate in a fun footwear trend without looking flashy or eccentric. And seeing as they’re back in stock after selling out a whopping six times (according to a statement from the brand), we aren’t the only ones who think these kicks are a must-have for anyone looking for a stylish warm-weather shoe.
The Vivaia sneakerinas are available in two styles, the Cristina (a square-toe silhouette) and the Yanka, which has a rounded toe and exposes more of the foot. Both feature Vivaia’s triple-sole construction (that one reviewer described as “comfortable BEYOND belief”) and come with two types of shoelaces so you can customize your look. The outer soles are designed to be sturdy and provide plenty of grip and stability. One reviewer even noted that they were so comfy, she “highly recommended for recovering from surgery.”
The Cristina is available in five colors while the Yanka is available in four hues, both in women’s sizes 5-11. But, as expected, these beauties are flying off the shelves. Take a look at what happy shoppers have to say about these cuties and pick up a pair for yourself while you still can, because they are guaranteed to sell out lickety-split.
Promising reviews at Vivaia:
“This sneakerina is the cutest shoe. Get ready for some compliments. They are comfortable, light and so perfect with anything you wear.” — Roxanne C.
“I have bought so many shoes from Vivaia over the years as they are fashionable yet so comfortable, and with this new pair I am again not disappointed. They are so stylish and it feels like I am wearing slippers. Thank you Vivaia for another great pair of shoes!” — Tanya F.
“I bought these to wear with dresses this spring and summer because they are so sweet and flirty. I think they add a touch of fun.” — Heather C.
“Highly recommended for recovery from surgery. Exceptionally comfortable. The outer part of the shoe is not supportive because it is very soft; however, a soft shoe was exactly what I needed. The sole is very well made. Nice and squishy.” — Erin O.
“These are so pretty and so comfortable. I walked around all day in them out of the box!” — Ada C.
“Fit beautifully, very comfortable. Love the satin. They are so elegant but casual. Perfect complement to my style.” — Melissa M.
“Love the soft and comfortable shoes! Very pretty and easy to match with clothings!” — Li C.
Want to add some more flats to your closet rotation? Check out these options with great arch support (including another beloved Vivaia option) from previous reporting by HuffPost contributor Martha Tuber:
Vivaia Margot square-toe v-cut flats
Available in a shocking number of colors and patterns, these truly lightweight flats have a square toe, a V-cut upper silhouette and soft, flexible and subtly ribbed fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Best of all, the springy insole and sturdy rubber outer sole make them great for long walks or days spent standing.
HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe owns a pair and said, "I wore my them on a nearly two-mile walk to the office this week and found that I had a bounce in my step the entire way, and I didn’t even need to break them in first. The arch support couldn’t be better, and my ankles felt secure and steady the entire journey without chafing or the creation of any blisters."
Promising review: "I'm glad I finally tried this brand. I needed black flats that are comfortable with some arch support.
These are perfect for my needs. I can wear them all day and walk distances. They have a squared off toe, which makes them more comfortable than the pointed shoes that I have. And they are lightweight and washable! I will buy this brand again." — LAS
Naturalizer Vivienne ballet flat
Along with built-in arch support, these flats have Naturalizer’s Contour+ technology, which means they have a cushy sole that’s anatomically sculpted to follow the natural contours of the foot. Get them in sizes 5-13 (but check to make sure your preferred style and color combo is available).
Promising Amazon reviews: "I stand on my feet for majority of the day at work. At least 6 hours with some breaks in between. These are super comfortable and probably the best flats I have ever bought since they are supportive and soft at the same time. I have even removed the inserts to put in other pairs of my flats and this helps the comfort of my other shoes. I have these in multiple colors and they wear very well. They still look new after many wears!" – Leanne Butler
"I am wary of flats as they can have little support and run either too wode or too narrow, resulting in blisters and sore feet, BUT these flats are truly comfortable after only an hour or two of breaking in around the house! Extra points for looking cute and not “orthopedic”. – Kindle1
Dansko Larisa slip-on flats
Dansko clogs are requisite footwear for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, so it’s no surprise you’ll get support and comfort from these slides, which have Dansko's unique technology and molded EVA footbed. They're available in medium and wide and in sizes 5.5/6-11.5/12.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I have these shoes in several colors and have been wearing them for years. I have higher arches and a wider foot so finding shoes that are comfortable is tough. I can stand and teach all day in these and walk long distances in comfort. Arch and heel support is excellent and no heel blisters even on the first wear. Sole is long lasting and non-slip, I have one pair that is several years old and they still look new. Well worth the price." – Coopergrl
Athlefit closed-toe sandals
They’re billed a flat sandal, but they do have a closed toe — and when you can actually see the supportive arch and molded, memory foam cork footbed, I’d say they’re worth including on this list. Get them in sizes 5.5-11.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I was so impressed with the quality and fit that I ordered in another color! It’s rare that I find a comfort shoe with just the right amount of arch support. There is plenty of space for you to wiggle your toes and the leather is soft enough that it doesn’t rub the top of your foot." – Anna
"LOVE these sandals. Comfortable right out of the box - wide toe box and adjustable ankle strap. Sandal footbed has great support and sturdy sole - great for walking." – Julie J
Lifestride Women’s Margot loafer
I love a loafer — especially when it comes with a cushy insole, super flexible outsole, and added heel and arch support. The Lifestride Margot loafers check all the boxes.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I love these! I have them in black and brown. I wear them to work all the time and they're really comfy. I found the size 7 to be true to size. There was no break in period. I also bought the Sam Edelman loafers, but I personally think these are SO much better. I returned the Sam Edelman ones. These are way more comfortable and supportive while still being cute. I wish there were more colors!" – Jess C
"I have elhers danlos and I struggle with finding shoes that are comfortable and supportive and that help with keeping my foot arched. These are perfect! I can wear them all day, sometimes at the end of the day my feet feel better than they did that morning. Perfect for wide feet." – Morgan Groves
Vionic Klara skimmer
Vionic’s “Vio-Motion” technology means these flats are biomechanically designed to hug your arch and support natural foot alignment. Bonus points for the cute bow and toe cap details. Get them in sizes 5-13 and tons of colors.
Promising Amazon review: "I bought these for my casual wedding and they were great! Really comfortable, great arch support, and so cute. I got regular width and they were slightly wide, so watch if you're getting a wide width." – Monica
Naturalizer Flexy flat
These classic flats have similar comfort features to the other Naturalizer pair we featured above, but with a cute heel detail to add interest. Get them in sizes 5-12. (Wide and narrow options are available as well.)
Promising Amazon reviews: "Being a women’s size 12 makes it near impossible to find shoes in my size. Most shoe brands don’t even make that size and most shoe stores don’t carry it. I ordered these shoes as a comfortable, somewhat dressy option for work. I had already purchased and returned a few others that did not fit. These fit perfectly and are very comfortable. I recently tore my meniscus and these provided the support I needed and did not irritate the injury more despite being on my feet all day." – Jewels
Skechers Cleo honeycomb flat
Skechers is known for it’s comfortable shoes, and these seamless knit flats, available in sizes 5-11, are no exception. The soft and stretchy knit upper and air cooled memory foam insole are just added bonuses.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I needed a pair of slip on quick flats that would go with summer dresses I have. I have expensive sandals and wedges but sometimes I just need to run to the store or mailbox quickly. I have always liked how Skechers fit my feet so I was confident these would fit fine. I was pleased immediately when I tried them on. They are certainly the most comfortable and supportive flats I've ever had." – Charlotte B
"Love these shoes. Wanted a comfortable pair of shoes that I could get around in all day with excellent support. This shoe meets all of my needs and manages to look classy at the same time. Love them!" – Chipper
Marc Joseph New York comfort slip-on
These handcrafted flats (available in sizes 6-10) have a padded footbed, gel heel insert, substantial arch support, an anti-slip rubber sole, and a simple, versatile upper. What more could you ask for? Head to Amazon for the full array of 10 color options.
Promising Amazon reviews:
"They are beautiful genuine leather and have nice arch support. I can wear them casual or dressy. Super nice!!" – Susan
"I feel like this show is true to size and has better support than most ballet flats. I am pleased with my purchase" – PJWILB
Dr. Scholl’s Giorgie ballet flat
Dr. Scholl’s is synonymous with foot health and these ballet flats are definitely on-brand, thanks to the memory foam footbed, padded heel liner, and arch support customers love. Get them in standard and wide sizes 6-11.
Promising Amazon reviews: "Love these shoes. Always have a hard time finding wide width shoes that are good quality. These shoes fit perfectly and have a great arch support. They are well made great for every day wear." – Amazon customer
"I have had these for awhile now and the support is still great! Even after multiple wears they are still very supportive and comfy." – nanniejames