Nicole Kidman has been an It Girl for decades, so I’m always keeping tabs on what she’s wearing. And earlier this winter, she was spotted at the Sydney airport sporting the ballet sneaker trend celebrities have been fangirling over for months (hi, Julia Roberts and Bella Hadid), and instantly, they shot to the top of my wishlist. Turns out, ballet sneakers make an unexpectedly great travel shoe.
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I don’t know how I didn’t connect the dots sooner, because it makes perfect sense; they’re super lightweight, easy to get on and off, and make even the most drab airplane outfits look more polished. It turns out Amazon has a ton of spitting-image ballet sneaker styles that are comfortable enough for travel days, slender enough to fit in your suitcase, and decidedly chic.
Jackshibo Lace-Up Ribbon Sneakers
Amazon
These Nicole Kidman-inspired sneakers skillfully bridge the gap between coquettish and sporty with an impressive $40 price tag. One shopper said the soles feel just like memory foam, while another noted they can handle 10,000 steps with no problem. They come with two lace options: a standard lace and a sheer ribbon for a dreamy finish.
Vivaia Cristina Sneakers
Amazon
The Bella Hadid-worn Vivaia Cristina sneakers are elegant, comfortable, and add instant polish to any outfit. Much like the ballet slippers you once packed in your dance bag, they fold up for easy travel. One shopper said they were gentle on their feet during a full day of sightseeing in Europe—high praise.
Lucky Step Mesh Sneakers
Amazon
I wouldn’t have thought to pair lace and mesh in a ballet sneaker, which is why I’m a writer, not a designer. The result is a breathable, comfortable shoe with a soft-varsity look.
Skechers Breathe Easy A-Look Sneakers
Amazon
Podiatrists and Martha Stewart agree—Skechers are an easy way to show your feet some love on travel days. A breathable upper, memory foam sole, slip-on bungee-lace design, and lightweight construction make the Easy A-Look sneakers an ideal airport shoe. They also echo the slender silhouette of Kidman’s original pair.
JW Pei Flavia Ballerina Sneakers
Amazon
You probably know JW Pei for its Oprah- and Gen Z–approved bags, but the brand also makes some seriously fun shoes. Exhibit A: the Flavia ballerina sneakers. In pink, they’re the closest thing to a pointe shoe I’ve seen, thanks to an all-over satin construction, square toe, and stylized split sole. One shopper noted that, unexpectedly, they have the “arch support of a real tennis shoe.”
Circus NY by Sam Edelman Nash Sneakers
Amazon
Leaning into the sporty end of the ballet sneaker spectrum, these Circus NY by Sam Edelman sneakers feature mixed-material laces, a sole that extends into a toe bumper, and a mix of leather, mesh, and suede on the upper. One reviewer said they’re so comfortable they verge on flip-flop territory.
Head to Amazon to shop for more Nicole Kidman-inspired ballet sneakers to wear on your next travel day.