The New Hit Shoes Everyone Is Obsessed With

If you’re into fashion, Pinterest, or just lurking on the right side of the algorithm, you’ve probably seen the Puma Speedcat Ballet pop up recently—I know it did on mine.

But here’s the interesting part: while it might seem like a brand-new trend, the Speedcat actually has deep roots in motorsport. The original Puma Speedcat came out in 1999, designed as a fireproof racing shoe for Formula 1 drivers and pit crews.

It was flat, low to the ground, and built for pedal control—not for fashion. Puma didn’t launch it through campaigns or lookbooks—it literally showed up on the feet of mechanics and drivers during live races. Around that time, Puma had gone all-in on motorsport, working with teams like Ferrari and designing full racing gear: shoes, gloves, suits. The Speedcat was the first piece that quietly crossed over into everyday wear.

And then something happened. In the early 2000s, Speedcats made their way into club culture—especially in places like London and Berlin. People loved that they were sleek, a bit unexpected, and didn’t have the bulky vibe of most sneakers. Eventually, celebrities like Rihanna and Nicole Richie were spotted in the ballet version, pairing them with track pants or miniskirts.

Fast forward to 2023, and Puma officially re-released the Speedcat Ballet. This version takes the DNA of the original Speedcat and reshapes it into a low-profile, ballet-inspired silhouette—something more casual, feminine, and street-ready. The re-release came at the perfect time: fashion was already deep into a Y2K nostalgia wave, and there was growing demand for sneakers that weren’t just sporty but had a softer, more elegant feel.

Copenhagen Fashion Week 2025

Let’s talk about ballet flats for a second. They used to be hated. I hated them. Too flat to be sexy, too simple to be fashionable. Most of them felt shapeless, and—let’s be honest—wearing them without socks? They got sweaty and gross fast. But like most things in fashion, the comeback was only a matter of time. As the early 2000s aesthetic started creeping back into our feeds, the ballet flat was suddenly everywhere again. And this time, we’re not pretending they’re something they’re not—they’re cute, easy, and low-maintenance.

And they also fit perfectly into something bigger. In the last 20 years, there’s been a huge cultural shift around health and wellness. With fitness influencers, social media, and the rise of self-care, we’ve seen the athleisure boom—and Puma didn’t miss the memo. While the Speedcat Ballet isn’t gym gear, it plays into the same mindset: looking stylish while staying comfortable, blending fashion with lifestyle.

So whether you spotted them on Pinterest, saw someone cool wearing them in the street, or just love a good comeback story—the Puma Speedcat Ballet is having a moment. It’s the kind of shoe that quietly says you know your references, but you’re not trying too hard. A little sporty, a little nostalgic, a lot of style.