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The 12 Best Mesh Ballet Flats to Wear All Summer Long
By Abby Hepworth,
20 days ago
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I distinctly remember going with my sisters to the mall in the late ‘90s and beelining it straight for a kiosk near the fountain that sold, among other things, beaded mesh slippers in every color imaginable. The Chinese-inspired design had somehow become a must-have for middle schoolers all across Long Island (and across the country) and I was all too eager to stock up on as many colors as I could afford. So of course you know I was elated to discover that mesh flats are back for 2024, albeit with a minimalist twist .
This summer’s version of the airy shoe is more streamlined, with little to no adornment, save perhaps a dainty bow or Mary Jane strap , and is more often found as a ballet flat than a backless mule. I’ve already seen some of my favorite stylish celebs, like Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence and J.Lo rocking mesh flats of their own, giving me all the inspiration I need to style them throughout the summer. Here, 12 of the best mesh ballet flats to buy and wear ASAP—just don’t forget to freshen up your pedicure first.
Simple, chic and surprisingly comfortable, these Everlane flats are definitely going to be one of my new go-to shoes of the summer. They’re available only in black (for now) and are just sheer enough to offer a peek at your toes without giving away the whole farm. Most reviewers, myself included, find these flats fit true to size, but some found they were happier going down half a size. So if you have narrow feet you may want to consider sizing down a smidge.
Another surprisingly comfy pair of mesh flats, this Nordstrom style is giving major Britney Spears “Toxic” vibes. The delicate faux-leather strap and dotted rhinestones help take some of the focus away from your visible toes, and the mesh is wonderfully breathable to keep you feeling comfortable on even the hottest summer days. They do run a bit narrow, so if you have wider feet you may want to go up a half size from your usual.
These minimalistic Mary Janes come in both black and ecru and come with a super-cushy insole made from Madewell’s proprietary Cloudlift Lit padding, so you know they’ll be oh-so comfortable for walking around town. And while the strap is not removable, at least one reviewer says she simply tucked it under her foot to switch up the silhouette, with little to no irritation. As for sizing, these appear to fit true to size.
A bold leather strap with oversize silver grommets balances the lightweight mesh of these cool ballet flats. They also come in white mesh and black with silver rhinestones, but I am partial to the classic black style pictured above, which can match with more items in my wardrobe and will still look supremely cool come autumn.
These flats, made with Italian leather, have more of a fishnet look than super-sheer mesh, accented with a leather trim and leather heel. They’re also made with a double layer of mesh for improved durability, and come in black and white in addition to the sandy hue shown above. Just be sure to double check the size chart to confirm your US-to-Italian shoe size before you add to cart.
If the neutral tones just aren’t doing it for you, why not try a more vibrant hue? These minimalist Jeffrey Campbell flats come in a range of cheerful colors including Kelly green, pale lilac and bright fuchsia (as well as black and beige), all with coordinating faux-leather trims along the top. The green and lilac appear more sheer than the fuchsia, but all three are fabulously trendy accents to add to any summer ‘fit.
Another colorful option, albeit a less vibrant one, is this pair of ballet pink flats from Anthropologie. These too come in a range of neutral hues, but the delicate pink is just too pretty to pass up, especially when paired with a floaty sundress. According to reviewers, these flats fit true to size but as they come only in whole sizes, I suggest sizing down if you typically wear a half size.
If you’re not so keen on showing off your toes but still want to try the trend, this Vagabond pair is just the ticket. It is available in black or white and features a leather cap toe that hides your toes, while the rest of the flat is made of a breathable sheer mesh. It also comes with a leather Mary Jane strap to further add structure to the shoe. Just note, these flats come in whole sizes only.
For the gal who wants something a bit more detailed than the super-minimalist styles above, these ASOS flats are dotted with silver studs and have a thick faux-leather strap across the top of the foot with a matching silver buckle. The studs add a subtle glimmer that’s not quite as attention-grabbing as rhinestones but still feels fun. A note on sizing: These shoes are available only in whole sizes, so if you typically wear a half size, I suggest rounding up to the nearest whole number.
Another fishnet-inspired Mary Jane, these Steve Madden ballet flats are not quite as sheer as those mesh flats with a smaller weave. Reviewers say they’re super-breathable—great for those hot, humid summer afternoons—but seem to run a little narrow, so take that into consideration when deciding which size to add to cart. P.S. They’re also available in black, if that’s more your vibe.
Dear Frances is known for its incredibly comfortable footwear (making it well worth the splurge, in my opinion), and these gauzy mesh flats are no exception. They are available in eight different colors, including basic white and crystal-adorned silver, but the true stand out has to be this bold red option. Add to that a subtle square toe and it’s giving major ballerina vibes, whether you’re more of a Center Stage gal or The Red Shoes.
The fishnet upper on these mesh flats is both super-breathable and surprisingly soft, making these one of the most comfortable takes on the trend I’ve seen yet. They also come up a bit higher on the foot, so although they are sheer, you won’t get any “toe cleavage” if that’s something that typically bothers you.
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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