In the menswear space, trending or coveted shoes are—more often than not—a sneaker of some sort. Wales Bonnes x Adidas! Martine Rose x Nike! So much shoe hype is built around sneakerhead culture, and getting your hands on the hottest new collaboration of the moment. But what if we told you the hottest men’s shoe of the summer is . . . a jazzy little dance shoe?

Yes, really. This season, designers such as Celine, Bottega Veneta, and Jil Sander have all showcased sleek shoes that wouldn’t be so out of place at a dance studio or on a Broadway chorus boy. Think: Discrete, rounded-toe flats, which come armed with thin soles and low-cut vamps. They are an intriguing proposition—a decidedly daintier and more refined footwear choice, compared to, say, a chunky sneaker or lug-sole loafer.

We love a runway trend, but the question is: Can these progressive styles exist outside of the catwalks? Are they both wearable and easy to style? Below, two Vogue editors decided to put men’s ballet flats to the test—and give their unfiltered thoughts in the process. (Spoiler, gents: You may find that the saucy little ballet flat is easier to rock than you think.)

Christian Allaire: Hello, Max. Let’s first talk about the pair of men’s ballet flats we both decided to test-drive: We went classic and called in Repetto’s Zizi flats. What drew you to them?

Max Berlinger: I’ve talked about this endlessly in the past, but I am pretty dedicated to the Vans slip-on. Sometimes, if I’m feeling spicy, I do an Authentics (or a Blundstone if it's raining or snowing). However, I couldn’t help but notice all the little kicky dance shoes that designers were presenting. The best example is probably Michael Rider’s for Celine, but Bottega and Jil Sander had similar styles. So … it felt like an interesting thing to explore … If some of the greatest minds in fashion are all feeling it … color me intrigued.

CA: I liked the Repetto Zizi style because Repetto has been mastering ballet flats for years. I was drawn to the rounded toe, how soft the leather was, and how there was a slight heel.

MB: Yeah, the shape was definitely interesting—almost a new take on the low-profile sneaker, which has been sending everyone into a tizzy.

CA: What were your first impressions of walking around in them? It took me a minute to get used to such a thin sole. It felt like I was walking barefoot—especially as someone who typically prefers a chunky or lug sole. That being said, I think they are a great summer shoe, for when you want everything to be light and easy.

MB: So they are definitely a bit snug and … yeah, the sole is surprisingly thin, which sounds bad, but it’s not. Much like you, I just didn’t expect to feel so grounded—as in literally connected to the ground. Plus, the leather hugging the foot… I was very aware of my foot in there. So it felt almost … like my foot was quite exposed. I am just used to something slightly thicker. It took me a minute to adjust to that.

CA: I got the black pair, which are very much easy to wear—they go with everything. I tried them with my usual assortment of baggy jeans, and I liked the refinement the dance shoes added to the look. They made every outfit feel, like, a little French—a little chic. Just today I wore them with a wide-leg pair of black pleated trousers, and that felt very snazzy.

MB: As someone who sits literally next to you, I agree. I looked cool, debonair, Fred Astaire but a little punk. I did the opposite and bought white. I will say that it made me feel like my feet were tiny, dainty, which I didn’t love. And it made me have to really think about which pants it would look good with. But I have to stay, a few people around the office stopped to compliment me … so … I definitely warmed up to them!

CA: How did they compare to, say, a sneaker or loafer? I will say, I always struggle with sneakers because they make any outfit feel-dressed down—these little ballet flats had the opposite effect, and made everything feel elevated. They’re similar to a loafer in that way. Only, a loafer reads more traditionally masculine, and the ballet flats have a bit more intrigue and sophistication to them.

MB: I love that, I hadn’t thought about it like that. As I said, the dainty look sort of threw me. I am used to a slightly different profile, so these felt like a very different proportion to work with. But, I love what you’re saying about intrigue and sophistication—and something different than a loafer, which seems to be what every guy wears right now!

CA: What shocked or surprised you about wearing these? For me, it was how discrete they are! I think a lot of men see ballet flats as daunting or as some big fashion risk, but I can confidently say not one person even noticed or side-eyed them.

MB: I think they are an unexpected choice. Much to your point, most guys are in a sneaker or a loafer, so this is, like, a secret third thing.

CA: Do you think you will be incorporating them into your summer wardrobe?

MB: I would have said no if it weren’t for the compliments I received—nothing like external validation to make you throw all your doubts aside! The key for me was I found a pair of pants—a straight-fit pair of drapey cotton cargos—that I think look good with. So that was a big unlock for me.

CA: I have a trip to Paris in July that I think I will definitely be bringing them along for. Though I hope the French don’t think of it as seeing an American in a beret: Nothing worse than someone non-French cosplaying as the French.