The Best Mesh Flats Aren’t Just a Micro-Trend

"I'm going to be honest, when mesh ballet flats first came onto the scene, I wasn't sure if I liked them," Marie Claire E-Commerce Analyst Sophie Cookson says. But with a few glances at street style, she's changed her tune. "I've done a complete 180 now that I've seen all the ways you can style them, especially now that we've reached the height of summer. These rhinestone flats from Mango feel current and come at a great price point."

Behold, the very flats worn by half of Hollywood. These Alaïa flats are having a real moment, worn by insiders like Sofia Richie Grainge and countless fashion editors. The thicker mesh material reveals less of your foot than some of the other finer mesh options on this list, for one, and the thicker strap across the top won't stretch or wear over time. They come in three other colors, but black is a fun twist on classic ballet flats.

The mesh flat that started it all. The Row's sock-like style comes in black and beige and offers an unexpected sultriness akin to the effect of lingerie. Given their no-fuss silhouette and design, they feel like you're not wearing a shoe.

"They feel like slippers but look like shoes," writes a pleased Nordstrom shopper. "These are incredibly comfortable and surprisingly cute." Jennifer Lawrence is also a fan, having worn them on the streets of New York City a few months ago.

If you're not a fan of neutrals or hoping to push yourself out of your color comfort zone this season, try Loeffler Randall's Leonie mesh flats in sky blue. With its dainty toe bow and elasticated front strap, this pair leans into the classic look of a ballet slipper—but with a see-through 2024 twist. The sizable glass rhinestones will catch and reflect the light, making everything from jeans and a white T-shirt to a floaty sundress feel infinitely more dressed up.

"When you work in fashion, you are acutely aware of every trend, but sometimes you can't afford every trend," says Entertainment Director Neha Prakash. Luckily, Amazon offers an array of affordable mesh flats, like Sam Edelman's Miranda shoes (which Prakash adores). "These mesh flats are so perfect—the Mary Jane style buckle and timeless black hue make them very of the moment, but they also won't break the bank, so you won't feel bad if they go out of style in a few seasons," she says. "The non-mesh toe also makes them more wearable, especially in the gross—and often wet—streets of New York City. They do run big, so I would recommend sizing down."

In her footwear collection, Becker has plenty of flats, but one of her go-to styles is Schutz’s Arissa shoes. “These black mesh flats are so versatile, and they fit right into my rotation of summer outfits,” she says. “For those looking for a pair of mesh flats to wear daily, I suggest adding these cute shoes to your shopping cart,” she says. Alternatively, Schutz offers the same style in white if that’s your color preference.

The red color trend is still going strong into 2024. If you're ready to commit to a burst of color, this pair of Jeffrey Campbell mesh flats is perfect. Since this fiery color trend will likely make its way into the fall season, you could easily transition these mesh flats into the colder months by teaming them with a pair of cozy socks.

The Gucci logo on this pair of slingback mesh flats is so chic when it peeps out of trousers or jeans. While the kitten-heel version is perfect for nighttime wear, this demi-flat option is ideal for more casual styling—and it has landed itself on the wishlists of more than one Marie Claire editor.

“J.Crew’s mesh flats boast a flattering square-toe silhouette that stands out among traditional round-toe alternatives,” says Fashion Editor Lauren Tappan. “The sequin embellishments add a playful touch, and the chain ankle strap doubles as jewelry for your feet,” she adds. Tappan notes that if the ankle strap is too flashy for your taste, you can easily detach it from the back of the shoe.

Maybe rhinestone adornments aren't quite your style, but you're still interested in a mesh flat with oomph. If that’s the case, Becker recommends Dolce Vita’s Cadel flats. “These sweet shoes are decorated with striking pearls that will enliven any look,” she says. Shop them now, sizes 6 through 11, including half sizes, and watch the compliments on your blingy flats roll in.

The Balla shoe from Dear Frances has a classic silhouette. It's hand-made in Italy and designed to fit snugly to the foot for a glove-like feel. Offered in white and black colorways, the minimal mesh shoe is a testament to a less-is-more philosophy. Plus, it's easy to style and feels nice and breezy in the warm summer months.

Everlane's best-selling Day Ballet Flat gets a timely upgrade via this sleek mesh material for 2024. These have everything you already love about the usual Day Flat—half-sizing, an inclusive range, and a cushioned insole—just in a fine mesh material as opposed to the usual buttery-soft leather.

“There are so many mesh flats on the market, but I currently have my eyes on Staud’s Alba flats,” says Becker. The trend forecaster tells Marie Claire that these charming shoes have many features to love—including the off-white hue, perfectly stitched sole, and sumptuous leather trim. Above all, though, Becker is drawn to the crocheted exterior. “The netted look gives these shoes a European summer feel.”

Just in time for summer, Khaite’s floral mesh ballet flats are available to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue. “The delicate embroidery makes these shoes look like a true work of art,” says Tappan. “If comfort is your priority, you’ll also appreciate that Khaite’s flats are crafted with a roomy toe box, a soft leather sole, and a simple slip-on design that allows your foot to slide into place easily.”

Margaux customers can’t stop raving about how the label’s Demi Jane flats are beyond comfortable. “These flats feature an incredibly soft leather and cushioned insole that’s very supportive,” says one customer. “Finding a shoe that fits can be a hassle for me because I have wide feet, but I’m so thankful that Margaux offers several width options that accommodate various sizes,” says another fan.

Steve Madden's Dreaming Mary Jane Flats are equipped with an adjustable strap, so you can easily modify the fit to your liking. This functional feature also ensures that your foot will stay firmly put, no matter how much you move around. For those moments when you're out and about all day, you'll want to slip into these shoes.