Is there a ballerina trainer or sneakerina that doesn't give Hotter shoes vibes?

[petitpasta]

I like comfortable shoes and have loved the trainer trend in recent years but I think that's blowing over. I hear ballerina trainers or sneakerinas (hideous word) are the next big thing. They all seem to scream hotter shoes catalogue to me though! Has anyone seen any that won't make this mid 50s woman look like she's raided her mum's wardrobe?

Or suggest other non granny shoes that stay on your feet for commuting across London please?

When I heard Y2K nostalgia was making a comeback, I thought why? I was in my late teens and early twenties and I didn’t like the fashion at that age. BUT I loved my ‘sneakerinas’ I had a couple of pairs and my Diesel ones I held onto for years! Although I’m getting flashbacks of stinky feet as you didn’t wear socks with them! 🤣 now I want some!

I've bought the Adidas Mary Janes for summer and they are nice. I bought white/silvery colours just planning to wear them with summer dresses or skirts if I have a lot of walking. They're just quite neutral and non offensive to my eye but very light and comfortable.

The puma speedcats are really nice in the animal print, will try to get a pair of them too I think.

I could never really get along very well with the 'trainers and dresses' look as trainers always always seemed clumpy on me (I'm quite short). Hoping the Mary Jane style will help.

Not seen anyone recommend it @petitpasta but have you looked at the whole “ballerina” category at Schuh? It’s pretty large with lots of active ballerina options (over my dead body at I going to call anything a fucking sneakerina - sounds like what you’d call a kids’ sneaker in Spanish).
Here’s my favorite - the Puma Speedcat Ballerina. I find them really good looking and love this colour way.
https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/puma-speedcat-ballet-pale-blue-trainers/1968715350/

And then here’s the whole category. Even Crocs have ballerinas in there!
https://www.schuh.co.uk/trends/ballet-flats/?redir=1&rterm=ballerina

Has anyone experience of returning Vivaia shoes? Reviews are mixed. I am tempted as they are reported to be comfortable but I have very difficult feet and I may need to return. I could even put up with granny vibes if the shoes are comfortable, I need a soft top but with laces, some trainers are too rigid on top.

Oh lordy, they are ugly.

I love the beige ones on there but what in the name of all that is unholy are these?

https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/schuh-lusia-leather-split-toe-ballet-brown-flat-shoes/1383586020/

@Gettingbysomehow Margiela inspired, been their signature for years.

I mean, a holy terror is my opinion of what they are BUT they are based on the extremely popular (don’t ask me why?) Maison Margiela tabi shoes, which are based on original 15th-century Japanese shoes apparently. MM make that split-toe in about 60+ shoes:
https://www.maisonmargiela.com/en-gb/maison-margiela/women/shoes/tabi/

EDIT: typo
DOUBLE EDIT: I crossposted with @somuchbedding

I've just bought these bout 4 weeks back there like slippers so soft and roomy not narrow at all
Speedcat Go Shoes Women | PUMA UK https://share.google/d8OCcwYEtRw2uUE7F

Yes! I want to defend Hotter too. I have some really nice Hotter shoes and boots.
(Size 8 wide feet)

These all look like they have very thin soles. How are they for walking and being on your feet all day?

I wonder this also. Maybe they have cushioning inside the shoe rather than outside IYSWIM, otherwise they look like flats which I just cannot get on with, make me walk like a duck and are uncomfortably close to concrete and other surfaces! 😊

I have now accidentally bought these and I blame you and that young woman in Harvey Nicks, dammit. 😆

I have quite a few hotter sandals and shoes too because I take a 5.5 wide.

The Pumas are cushioned inside so they're fine. I'm an event manager and can easily do all day on my feet in these.

If you Google Keds you might find something suitable.

Toms seem to have some pretty ones

I've just bought the Speedcats in leopard print because you you lot.

@Neverendingtea25I wear “shoe liners” - very tiny socks.

OP I like these Converse ballet-style slip-ons:

https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/converse-all-star-ballet-lace-slip-black-trainers/1925177070/

Puma Speedcat Ballet shoes.
Years ago I had their predecessor version & literally wore them until they started to fall apart. Super comfy & in a reasonable range of colours.

How about these, they are super comfy but flat and a selection of colours, £50 a pair - some of the recs in this thread are 1k for 1 pair of shoes! Mad!

I almost bought these last week in the Regent Street shop and now regret not having done so (it was still raining)!
https://www.onitsukatiger.com/gb/en-gb/mexico-66-tgrs/p/1182a678-200.html

I know taste is very personal, but honestly, do people really like the look of these things? Or is it just because theyre fashionable?

I love the puma speed at ballet shoes, they're beautiful!!! I've just put a pair in my basket, thanks for sharing!

I like a few of the options but that’s because I have always liked a mary jane or ghillie style shoe. My version reminds me of a pair I had when I was younger so some of it is nostalgia. I wouldn’t buy something just because it’s in fashion, the Puma version is not for me because I don’t like the side profile.