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Charlize Theron’s Ballet Sneakers Look an Awful Lot Like This $41 Throwback Pair

The same look for a fraction of the price

Charlize Theron at Netflix's "APEX" New York Premiere held at The Paris Theater on April 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)
y via Getty Images

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Charlize Theron may be the definition of a girl who can do both. Aside from portraying a range of roles on screen — most recently appearing in Netflix’s Apex — her fashion choices run the gamut. In the same week that she wore a ruffled collar and a polished blazer with little else, she also rocked a classic pair of white sneakers that we’re itching to add to our wardrobes.

The star proved that chunky dad shoes are on their way out, stepping out in a slim, ballet-inspired style that elongated her already model-like legs. As it turned out, Theron’s pick was from Bottega Veneta’s Fall 2026 collection, just like her sheer white sweater and layered white skirt. But those who lived through the ’90s could easily tell you that those simple kicks kinda look like Keds.

Get the Keds Women’s Champion Sneaker for $38 (originally $55) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Keds Champion sneaker is a forever classic with a celebrity fan base of its own. Lana Del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo, Emily Ratajkowski and Shay Mitchell have all worn the shoe in recent years, and the return of minimalist, slimmer styles means it’s poised for a major comeback. Just like Bottega’s alternative, it’s white with a lace-up design. Unlike the designer find, however, the toe is a bit rounded. . . and the price is under $50!

Nicole Kidman at Chanel & Charles Finch Pre-Oscar Dinner held at Polo Lounge on March 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Related: Nicole Kidman’s Ballerina Sneakers Are Trending — See Under-$60 Versions

Keds are also made of canvas, while runway photos show the Bottega shoe is a tad shinier, making it look more like a leather Oxford. Still, we’re partial to the lightweight material — it’s breathable and ideal for warm spring days and scorching summer temps alike. Keds are also super flexible, featuring a foam footbed and a rubber sole, so you won’t want to rip them off after a few hours of wear. That comfort-meets-style factor is likely the reason the same shoe has been beloved for decades, popping up on ’50s icons like Marilyn Monroe and modern pop stars like Taylor Swift.

Clearly, fashionistas are catching on, maybe even spotting the similarities between the Champion sneaker and Theron’s shoe themselves. More than 500 pairs were sold in the past month, and many reviewers continue to give the staple 5 stars.

“These classic shoes fit like a dream and are very comfortable. They’ll never go out of style,” one shopper wrote, highlighting how they come in multiple sizes and shades, including basic white. “I love that there are many colors to choose from and the wide width fits me perfectly.”

Another customer shouted out the sneaker’s versatility.

“This millennial will die before they take her Keds!” they joked. “Cute with dresses, shorts, jeans, a suit . . . crisp Keds look great with everything. Endlessly comfortable. Perfect profile shoe.”

They’re totally right. Nothing’s stopping you from following Theron’s lead and pairing this pick with white knits or a ruffled skirt. At the same time, they’ll look great with slim-fit jeans, leggings, A-line dresses and so much more.

Plus, while this footwear choice is similar to the popular sneakerinas that are everywhere right now, they’re not necessarily a trend, so you won’t have to worry about investing in something that won’t be considered ‘cool’ in a few weeks.

So, sure, we’ll probably skip recreating Theron’s nearly-naked red carpet ensemble, but we’re all for following her lead with this sweet shoe style. Copy her easy, effortless look by snagging Keds’ Champion sneakers now!

Get the Keds Women’s Champion Sneaker for $38 (originally $55) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more white sneakers here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: A guest wears white sheer mesh long skirt with opaque panels and multicolor striped trim at the hem in white / brown / and green, white mesh and leather chunky Mary Jane sneakers shoes with tie bows and thick tread soles, outside Anteprima, during Milan Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on February 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Related: Mary Jane Sneakers Are the Cool-Girl Shoe Trend Taking Over Spring 2026

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