This Controversial Flat-Shoe Trend Is Going to Be Everywhere This Summer, Again
When the mesh shoe trend started picking up steam in the summer of 2024, I wasn't a fan. I shrugged it off and assumed it would be a micro-trend that would quickly hit its peak and then eventually fall out of existence, making room for another controversial shoe trend to take its place. Lo and behold, a whole year later, the trend is still kicking. It's not easy for me to admit when I'm wrong but—I was wrong. Mesh flats are here to stay.
Last year, the style was synonymous with The Row and Alaïa, but this time, there's an increased variety in options to covet on the market. The see-through shoe is now offered in punchy prints and colors and designed with a silhouette for any individual's preference. (Trust me, they even have made a mesh flat sneaker!) Let's not forget the additional embellishments and fabrications. You can find a baby-pink mesh mule at COS, a hardware-adorned pair from Tory Burch that could double as artwork, and a woven style from Madewell that's meant to be brought on a summer vacation.
I originally wasn't on board with the style, because I thought it lacked versatility in the wardrobe, but I'm now realizing how much of a wardrobe staple the shoe actually is in the summer. And as someone who prefers not to wear sandals but feels like her regular footwear feels bulky in the summer, I think I've found my perfect match. I've yet to make the purchase, but if you're in the same boat as me, keep scrolling to see the top-rated mesh flats on the market currently. They are a lot, but these are the best of the best.
After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.
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