The $100 Travel Shoe That Folds Flat and Goes Everywhere
On a recent family trip to a Long Island farm, I spotted my cousin’s metallic Puma Speedcat Ballet flats catching sunlight as she walked through tall grass. Between winery visits and rolling hills, those shoes looked effortlessly chic—more polished than sneakers, yet perfectly at home in both the countryside and the city. I knew I had to have them.
For years, I’ve traveled in comfortable sneakers. But seeing the Speedcat Ballet in person showed me there’s room for something sleeker: the support of a sneaker with added personality. I ordered two pairs—red for a pop of color, cheetah because animal print is non-negotiable. Seven months later, they’re my most-worn shoes for airports, offices, and city streets.
The Speedcat began in Formula One in 1999. Drivers needed thin soles for pedal feel, rounded heels for sharp turns, and a snug suede fit. Puma stripped down their fireproof racing boots and released a street version in 2000. It became a cosmopolitan staple, spotted in Milan cafes and Tokyo streets. While the sneaker world went wild for chunky dad shoes, the Speedcat stayed true to its slim, low-profile design, earning cool credibility that has lasted more than two decades.
Now, with ballet flats and vintage-inspired sneakers back in style, the Speedcat fits perfectly into the trend toward lighter, quieter footwear. But unlike many new interpretations, it carries over 20 years of history.
For travel, these flats are incredibly packable. I’ve folded one into the other and tucked them into a corner of my carry-on for trips to Puerto Rico, Miami, and the Hudson Valley. They hold their shape even in an overstuffed bag. At the airport, they slip on and off easily, feel lightweight and airy, and offer real grip and stability—rare for a shoe this slim. I wear them with no-show socks or none at all.
They pair with almost anything: relaxed trousers on a flight, denim in a new city, a casual dress. The suede exterior has held up through light rain (though I’d avoid snow and slush). For spring, summer, and fall travel, they’re hard to beat. And everywhere I go—from galleries to farmers’ markets—they draw compliments. Because when you feel good, you look good.