I Tested the Sneakerina That’s Been Worn by Bella Hadid, Lola Tung, and More — Here’s Everything I Loved About the TikTok-Viral Shoe

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Ballerina sneakers, like sneaker loafers, are a footwear hybrid that’s having a moment right now. Having built up impressive momentum since spring, the slim, streamlined silhouette is either on your radar or on your shoe rack right now — there’s really no in between. And Vivaia, a brand that was launched in 2020 by footwear industry veterans, is at the forefront of the current “sneakerina” revolution. Its most popular ballet sneaker style is no doubt the square-toed, lace-up Cristina, closely followed by the Yanka and the Yancy, the latter of which is marked by a recycled nylon upper and pays an aesthetic homage to the ’70s trainer. These aren’t just any shoes: They’re viral superstars, in fact, that have managed to cultivate a fanbase consisting of Bella Hadid, Amelia Gray, Lola Tung, Charli XCX, Julia Roberts, and beyond.

Most recently, Roberts stepped out in the all-black Yanka as she departed Italy after the conclusion of 82nd Venice International Film Festival, which marked the star’s third time wearing a Vivaia bestseller. Considering the Yanka’s completely foldable, lightweight design, arch support, and triple-layer sole, it’s no wonder Roberts made it her travel shoe of choice — something that doles out comfort while keeping feminine grace front of mind.

Charli XCX matched a rose-gold Yanka to a graphic tee and a ruffled skirt at Coachella this year, and Bella Hadid has been sighted in the Yancy’s white version earlier this summer: letting it serve as the cherry on top of an outfit punctuated by baggy jeans and a white denim jacket over an itty-bitty bralette.

Despite all this star-studded appeal, the Yanka and Yancy’s Cristina counterpart is perhaps even more well-known. Considered a more affordable (but no less head-turning) spin on the $975 Louis Vuitton sneakerina, it’s also been spotlighted by Hadid as part of two distinct ensembles: once while in Paris at the conclusion of Fashion Week (she styled the black option with straight-leg jeans and a dual-toned coat) and once when strolling in NYC, capri pants in tow. Model Amelia Gray has also incorporated the Cristina into a previous look and so has Lola Tung, who debuted its Grey Silver FW25 variation in conjunction with a highly textural, drop-waist minidress just last month.

Based on these high-profile, headline-driving appearances, it’s not hard to see how Vivaia has successfully leveraged key celebrity style moments and social media buzz to prop up the virality of its sneakerina selections. With new styles dropping regularly, it’s not likely that the brand (which boasts over a million followers on Instagram and regularly attracts the likes of Selena Gomez with its non-sneakerina silhouettes) is going to end its popularity streak anytime soon.

Keeping this in mind, I decided to try out the Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerina myself over the course of one whole week — testing it in Cream Mesh specifically, which also feeds into the crochet flats trend that has carried over from the summer. Below, my honest thoughts about the celebrity-loved shoe.

Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerina – Editor Testing Review

So as to see how the bestseller performs across different contexts, I decided to test the Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerina in Cream Mesh for New York Fashion Week this year, during which I had to attend multiple events after work, traverse big chunks of the city by foot, and remain both comfortable and chic throughout all of it.

My first impression of the Cristina after putting it on? The shoe felt almost weightless, like I was wearing only a pair of socks or nothing at all. Indeed, the Vivaia top hit capitalizes on its barefoot-like feel, which is complemented by the fact that you can, as mentioned previously, fold it up with ease: storing it in your daily commuter bag, canvas tote, or carry-on.

Looks-wise, I only have good things to say about the instant visual interest that the Cristina’s mesh upper supplied: bolstered by the style’s square-toe construction and smooth satin fabric in a go-with-everything ivory hue. While mesh might not be the most insulating choice of materials for winter, it served me very well in the warm, early fall week during which I wore the shoe religiously.

On the first day of NYFW, I decided to show off my new mesh sneakerina with studded jeans (the SNACKS! The Smoothie Sneak jeans from the brand Mother, to be exact) and a simple, ribbed camisole in gray. I couldn’t stop admiring the shoe on my cab ride to an evening event — as well as each time I spotted my toes peeking out from under the folds of my pants du jour. Its creamy white colorway popped, while the boldness of those perforations played off the coquettishness of the Cristina’s ribbon laces (each purchase comes with a set of elastic laces and pointe shoe–inspired ones; you also have the option to buy them “à la carte”).

For the second day of the testing period, I took the Cristina out to date night (a much-needed respite from all the fashion programming). For the occasion, I wore body-hugging leather leggings, and the shoe was once again able to contrast with the bottoms marvelously. Throughout the week, it also demonstrated utility as a companion to closet staples spanning maxi skirts, corp-core knit dresses, and more. As far as aesthetics went, I had no notes.

In the comfort department, as a heel striker, I do have to admit I was left wishing for the Vivaia shoe to have a thicker and more molded insole, as the style’s thinness meant I absorbed the feel of the sidewalk each time my feet hit the ground. The sneakerina’s laces, too, were prone to coming undone, so be sure to tie them on tightly or risk having to do the stop-and-adjust maneuver at many points throughout your day.

That being said, I never developed a single blister during my time with the Cristina, and I very much appreciated the fact that its lightness kept me buoyant on my feet: rushing from downtown previews to uptown soirées with ease. As someone with wide feet, I never felt like I was confined by the shoe’s parameters — which can be attributed to the flexibility of satin versus leather. That mesh upper also made sure to keep things breezy, so I never once suffered from a case of sweaty, slippery feet. Another element to love? Though choosing the ballerina sneaker in Cream certainly meant I’d get it dirty eventually (this happened sooner rather than later), plopping the shoe in the wash was easy as pie. I air-dried my pair after a normal spin cycle, and, as the end result, there were no traces left of the mild scuffing in question.

The convenience of Vivaia’s Cristina is what really won me over. It’s the kind of shoe that you can just throw on and go — capable of elevating every last outfit while being a fitting match for your nine-to-five office shenanigans and after-work pursuits both. And while I didn’t spot a sneakerina doppelgänger amidst the New York Fashion Week crowd this year, it’s safe to say I was in good company as far as celebrity endorsements of the brand (and this exact style!) go.

My biggest takeaway from a week of bonding with the Vivaia sneakerina that sold out four times in the span of less than two months and has been shopped over 15,000 times since it debuted in February? I’m already planning on scoring another pair (that range of on-trend colorways, from Peach Blush to Butter Yellow, makes it all too tempting). My two personal caveats? Sticking to non-mesh iterations for the colder months and stocking up on more lace styles that are guaranteed to stand out against the carte blanche that is the Cristina’s subdued, easy-on-the-eyes spectrum of hues.

Sure, Vivaia’s take on the sneakerina lacks the all-day comfort of a foam-powered women’s sneaker, but what you’ll be getting here is an It girl–approved style statement that’s still capable of carrying you through a 10,000-steps kind of day. Your favorite celebrities (and yours truly) are already on board. What are you waiting for?

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Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on the season’s It-footwear and the shoe trends to shop in 2025.