Edward Berthelot
Photo: Getty Images
Foc Kan
Christian Vierig
Photo: Getty Images
Arnold Jerocki
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
At some point, high heels get uncomfortable. And until now, the only alternative was a pair of sneakers, which, although not bad, completely changes your look. Luckily, I’m here to tell you there’s another option—and a pretty amazing one, too, if you ask me: mesh flats—the comfortable (trust me, I have about 10 pairs) and stylish fix for the in-betweeners, like me, who don’t want to wear a heel or sneaker.
This airy take on the classic ballet flat has taken the fashion world by storm, becoming a must-have for every stylish wardrobe. The best mesh flats blend comfort, breathability, and a modern aesthetic, making them the shoe of summer—that is, when you aren’t wearing a pair of cute platform sandals or flip-flops. Lightweight and versatile, this summer shoe trend effortlessly complements nearly every outfit, be it casual or formal. And, with endorsements from celebrities, editors, and influencers alike, the most stylish mesh flats have become a fashionable and practical choice for the contemporary trendsetter.
Not quite convinced yet? Let me change your mind with coolest mesh flats to wear all season, below.
The Designer Choice
The Row Mesh Sock Flat in Black
$690 at Nordstrom$690 at Neiman Marcus$690 at Bergdorf Goodman
The shoe that started it all. Like many new things in fashion, the mesh shoe trend came from the minds of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, whose slightly perverse take on everyday dressing has won over Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. This pair resembles hosiery and comes in a few colors (if you can find them in stock, that is).
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Black, ivory
Material: Leather and synthetic upper, lining and sole
The Viral Instagram Favorite
Dear Frances Balla Mesh Ballet Flat
It’s likely you first became aware of the mesh flats trend because of this beauty from Dear Frances, which seemingly took the Instagram world by storm. The shape is classic, and the vamp (the area over your toes) is just enough to make this trend approachable. We imagine these going incredibly well with a pair of wide-leg trousers or jeans.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: White, Black
Material: Textile upper, textile and leather lining, leather sole
The Stand Out Pair
Bottega Veneta Stretch Ballerina Flat
$1,250 at Bottega Veneta$1,250 at FWRD
This fishnet pair features a dainty gold strap that doubles as serious ankle jewelry.
Sizes: 4-12
Colors: Beige, Black
Material: Mesh, leather
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The See-Through
VOLEECE Tulle Mesh Ballet Flats
An internet favorite, this pair comes in a variety of colors and is a wallet-friendly take on the trend.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 7 options
Material: Rubber, tulle
The Sheer Mary Jane
Sam Edelman Michaela Shine Mary Jane Flat
$160 at samedelman.com$160 at Zappos$160 at Bloomingdale’s
As a proud owner of these pretty mesh Mary Janes, I only have two words: buy them.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Vintage pink mesh, black mesh
Material: Polyester
The Sling Back
Charles & Keith Mesh & Satin Bow Slingback Flats
A slingback and a mesh ballet flat walked into a room and out came this ladylike shoe. These are so chic, so elevated, so cool—the perfect summer shoes.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Black Textured, Black, Beige
Material: Mesh, pu leather
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The Fun Color
Le Monde Béryl Luna Slipper
$465 at lemondeberyl.com$470 at 24S
This leather-trimmed pair from Le Monde Béryl adds the perfect pop of muted color.
Sizes: 36-42
Colors: Red, Black, Green, Silver, Blush
Material: Mesh, calf leather
The Mesh Classic
Steve Madden Dreaming
Keeping up with the trend, Steve Madden’s mesh flats encompass everything you could want in a summer shoe. Plus, the pop of red is super fun for a little stand-out moment.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 12 options
Material: Textile and synthetic upper material
Flower Power
3.1 Phillip Lim ID Flowerworks mesh ballerina shoes
$495 at Farfetch$495 at Shopbop$495 at Nordstrom
This light-as-air, embroidered pair from 3.1 Phillip Lim is the perfect mesh detailed flat for the summer.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Flowerworks
Material: Nylon, calf leather
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The Summer Shoe
Tony Bianco Melany Lavender Nylon Flats
Now 25% Off
We can’t resist the color of these Tony Bianco flats, which are equally summery and breathable.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Lavender Nylon, Skin Nylon, Black Nylon
Material: Mesh
The Shine Out
Khaite The Marcy Flat
$950 at khaite.com$950 at Moda Operandi$950 at Nordstrom
Khaite’s take on the trend features a healthy dose of crystals and a slightly pointed toe. It’ll go with jeans and easy summer dresses.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: 6 options
Material: Polyamide, Swarovski crystals
The Rafia Pick
Loeffler Randall Leonie Natural Crochet Ballet Flat
$275 at Loeffler Randall$206 at Amazon$275 at Bloomingdale’s
Loeffler Randall is stepping its shoe game up, and these raffia ballerina shoes deliver fashion and comfort.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Natural
Material: Natural crochet
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The Anklet Pick
Mango Ballerinas with Mesh Bracelet
The anklet detail on these Mango flats is so edgy and cool. I have indeed added these to my cart for future purchase.
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black, Medium Brown, Red
Material: Mesh fabric
The Breathable Pick
Vivaia Margot
$97 at vivaia.com$97 at Amazon
These Vivaia mesh flats are designed with comfort in mind. They often feature a cushioned insole and a flexible sole, providing support and comfort for all-day wear. The breathable mesh material helps keep feet cool and comfortable, even during warmer weather.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 47 options
Material: Natural artemisia argy, pu foam insole
The Trend Forward Pick
Christopher Esber Minette Flat
Now 30% Off
$595 at christopheresber.com.au$495 at Net-A-Porter
I spotted this pair on the ultra-fashionable Blanca Miró last month, and it confirmed that this trend is going to be huge. These crystal fishnet shoes are odd, making them perfect for early adopters like Miró.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Pistachio, black, butter
Material: Leather
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The Elegant Pick
Riekhany Mesh Flats
The combination of the mesh material and the pointed-toe design gives these flats a chic and modern look. They can be paired with both casual and formal attire, adding a stylish element to your wardrobe.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Black, Nude, Red, Silver, White
Material: Rubber, synthetic
The Square Toe
Vince Leah Mesh Square-Toe Ballerina Flats
A square toe is never a bad idea, especially when it’s on a chic nude flat that can be worn 100 different ways.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Birch Sand Beige, Black
Material: Mesh, leather
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