I Spot Trends for a Living, But This "Freaky" New Trainer Style Took Even Me by Surprise

The mesh trainer trend is on the rise, and with it, it’s bringing a whole new devotion to the concept of everyday luxury. If there’s one thing to be gleaned from the key fashion trends prevailing in 2025, it’s that there’s never been a better time to focus on the finer things.

While silhouettes have remained quite austere, accessories like suede bags, scarf belts and pendant necklaces provide an opportunity to inject playfulness into pared-back looks.

These small but mighty details carry more weight than ever before, with "blink and you’ll miss them" styling inclusions crucial to elevating muted ensembles. So, it should come as no surprise that the latest addition to pique the interest of style insiders is none other than the mesh trainer trend.

This year’s most popular shoes have already demonstrated a collective penchant for eclectic—or “freaky”, as fashion consultant, writer and trend forecaster Mandy Lee, known by her social media handle @oldloserinbrooklyn to her combined 783,000 followers, puts it—shapes.

From Tory Burch’s pierced mules to Ancient Greek Sandals’s jelly flip-flops, designers are taking a page from the Dries Van Noten school of cerebral clashing and creating hybrid styles that combine two footwear styles. As the name suggests, the mesh trainer trend does exactly that, fusing the sheer elegance of mesh flats with the function and utility of trainers.

Don’t think for a second that this is just another in the line of sport variants that make up the leading trainer trends of 2025. The mesh trainers carry an air of softness and intimacy, actually acting like an extension of the sheer clothing trend we saw dominate during the warmer months. Naked dressing but for your feet? We’ll bite.

What is the Mesh Trainer Trend?

If you’ve participated in any fashion-skewed conversations lately, you’ll know that discussions have focused on one surprising part of our anatomy: toes. The New York Times espoused that it’s a great time to be a toe. I’d have to agree, considering these digits’ publicists have worked tirelessly this summer to make a case for getting your pedicures out. But where the act of showcasing this often concealed part of our body is complementary to warm weather, the mesh trainer trend is a polished alternative primed for transeasonal attire.

Pamela Anderson made this apparent while out in New York promoting her latest project, a remake of the 1980s police comedy, The Naked Gun. Tending to various promotional requirements, the 58-year-old wore a butter yellow argyle sweater, a matching maxi skirt and a pair of mesh trainers from Jacquemus.

The sneaker, inspired by track and field styles, features a suede upper and contrasting mesh panel that exposes the side of your foot. While the French designer is known for his skin-baring cuts inspired by blissful locales like Mariselle, Provence and Paris, he’s not the only one embracing this revealing silhouette.

Elsewhere in Europe, Dear Frances is rendering their beloved Balla mesh slipper into this more athletic feel, introducing its first-ever mesh trainer as part of its recent “transition capsule”. Speaking to Dear Frances's co-founder and creative director, Jane Frances, she told me that this expansion was a natural evolution. “Translating our Italian mesh in this way offers an unexpected counterpoint to a traditionally sporty silhouette,” she said. “It’s a focused choice of transparency in a quiet, sensual way.”

How to Style Mesh Trainers?

The mesh trainer trend does, however, come with its own styling bugbear. Trainer’s durability, stability and unwavering arch support make them the most suitable choice for commuting around town or walking upward of 20,000. Plus, they also act as a barrier between your soles and the grimy city streets. So, how to wear shoes that ultimately rebel against these characteristics?

You must first acknowledge that mesh trainers aren’t your typical trainers, especially the more sophisticated ones. They’re not going to supply the same levels as traditional exercise-ready sneakers. Regarding them akin to a sporty ballet flat will help you unlock further style possibilities. Lean into the shoe’s practicality and prettiness by styling them with trousers and windbreakers or satin shorts and an airy blouse, respectively.

Though it might seem counterintuitive to invest in a pair that isn’t as nimble, the mesh trainer trend shows no sign of waning. Already this month, Chemana Kamali introduced her first sneaker design for Chloé, with the mesh trainer trend appearing in this boxing shoe and ballet slipper mash-up. Of course, there are also classic brands like Salomon and Asics incorporating mesh elements in their signature cuts. Simply put, the mesh trainer trend is the simplest and most stylish way to put your best foot forward.

Shop the Mesh Trainer Trend

How Long Do Mesh Trainers Last?

When taken care of, mesh trainers will certainly last you a few years. If you're opting for a sportier style, you won't need to take as much care as you would with the sleeker styles.

However, if you're looking to invest in a pair from The Row or Dear Frances, Frances recommends the following: "A simple water wipe will keep mesh in top condition. And store them in their dust bag when not worn. The beauty of mesh is that it’s straightforward to take care of, as well as versatile to wear."

Are Mesh Trainers Good for Your Feet?

Mesh trainers are both lightweight and breathable, which offers several podiatry benefits. However, they won't offer as much support as other trainers would, meaning that you should bookend wearing mesh trainers with styles that are more cushioned.

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