One date night and a hangover into the warm weather season, and I’d all but given up on non-orthopedic footwear and red wine and was ready to embrace a life of geriatrica—until these VIVAIA Sneakerinas showed up.
I Can’t Wear Heels, But I Think I Found My Date Night Shoes of Summer
Tested on an editor with flat feet
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Published May 6, 2025
Original photography by Dara Katz
Original photo by Dara Katz
Equal parts ballet flat and casual sneaker, the square-toe lace-up design is pretty without being precious, with satin ribbon ties that give them a playful quality that’s still more practical than manic pixie. More importantly: They’re cushioned like a yoga mat and breathable enough to wear in summer without making your feet feel like a cheese cave.
I’ve worn them with bermuda shorts, wide-leg jeans and even biker shorts and a flowy top when I’m really struggling, and they somehow always work. And yes, I get compliments—mainly from women who clock that rare combo of elegance and comfort.
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Original Photo by Dara Katz
How I Tested The Vivaia Sneakerinas
I wore these shoes on three different date nights, each involving at least one glass of wine and a long walk home. (We live in the city—so if my feet are feeling up to it, we’ll opt for the steps instead of Ubering.) One night, it was dinner and a jazz show. Another, we hopped between two breweries and closed out the evening with soft-serve. The third involved a birthday party, a second location, and a rainy, tipsy walk home.
I’ve rated the shoes based on a few criteria. And look, I’m not asking for the moon—just a shoe I can walk 20 blocks in, wear with real outfits and that doesn’t make me feel like I’m giving up on style completely. My must-haves:
- Comfort: I needed cushioning and support that could handle multiple hours on my feet. I don’t need them to be all-day shoes (I’ve got other work horses for that), but I don’t want to feel like I want to chop off my feet at the end of a nice night out.
- Chic but wearable: I love a statement shoe as much as the next person, but I need something I can pair with a dress and jeans and not feel like I’m trying too hard.
- Breathability: Because summer city nights are cute…until you’re sweating through your soles.
- Walkability: These needed to survive the sidewalks sans Band-Aid applications.
- Sustainability: I’m not perfect, but I do try to make better choices—and the fact that VIVAIA uses recycled materials gave these major points.
Original Photo by Dara Katz
My Review of the Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina)
Vivaia
I was skeptical. A lace-up satin sneaker-flat hybrid? It sounded like something that would either change my life or get returned immediately. Whelp: I wore them on a date two days after they arrived, and they’ve basically been in rotation ever since.
From the moment I slipped them on, the Sneakerinas felt…different. The memory foam insole is thick—like, yoga-mat thick—and I immediately felt a pillowy bounce under my heel. They are flats, however, so it’s not like they’re marshmallowy to the point of feeling unstable—you can still feel the ground beneath your feet more than an ultra-supportive sneaker. But considering they pass for real-deal ballet flats, the support is more than adequate for a night out.
I first tested them on a brewery-hop date, where we decided (boldly, foolishly?) to walk both ways across the city. Not once did I regret my footwear choice, even after four hours, three IPAs and one “should we get a late-night snack?” detour. My feet stayed dry, blister-free, and—maybe most importantly—still cute. In fact, even after getting caught in a downpour on the walk home, the shoes recovered without much help and looked spick and span come morning. I should mention, they are machine washable, which seems insane. But it’s true—and probably a blessing if I keep wearing them into the sweaty hot nights of summer.
I love that the style is super girly with a big ass satin bow. But, balance is the name of the game and the square toe adds structure and some “masculinity” to a very feminine shoe.
Are they perfect? Almost. They’re still ballet flats. They’re not orthopedic horse hooves—of which I have plenty. I wouldn’t wear them touring New York City by foot all day. But I would wear them to an evening out.
Bottom line: If you’ve all but broken up with heels but still want to look like you tried, these are the best summer date-night shoes I’ve found—flattering, functional, and with just enough flair to make people ask where you got them.
Fast Facts
- Standout Detail: Ribbon lace-up and square toe design
- Material: Eco-friendly satin and rubber sole
- Sizes: US 5–11
- Colors: 5 options (I have the Black)
- Return Policy: 30 days
