The new summer shoe is the mesh flat, and we've found 12 pairs from $49

Looking to slip into a pair of mesh flats, here are 12 options to consider. Act fast, these will sell out fast.

By Aaron Kok - 17 Aug 2023

Share this article

Every summer, a new supreme shoe arises. Last summer, it was the leather clog. The year before, it was the square-toed sandal.

In 2023, the summer shoe is the mesh flat.

And thank the fashion gods for that. Unlike some summer shoes of the past, the mesh flat offers a surprisingly wearable option that isn't just pretty, it's also practical.

To be fair, the mesh flat has been around for a couple of years. But thanks to a series of coincidences, 2023 has been primed for its popularity to peak. First, we saw the rise in popularity of quiet luxury, which sets the perfect stage for an unassuming flat such as the mesh flat – without any semblance of logo or branding. Then, in June, Jennifer Lawrence was spotted wearing a pair of Alaïa mesh flats, sending fashion insiders everywhere into a frenzy that led to the flats selling out on the French brand's website.

So if you're looking to join the band of fashion insiders who are slipping on the mesh flat, here are 12 options to consider. Act fast, they're going to sell out fast.

Rina Mesh Ballerina Flats, $85.90, Pedro

1/12

Perfect for your everyday wear, these flats add a bit of sparkle to your dullest looks with its tone-on-tone crystal embellishment.

shop now

Gem Ankle-Strap Knit & Mesh Shoes, $49.90, Charles & Keith

2/12

The crystal ankle strap resembles an anklet, which will pair perfectly with your summer threads.

shop now

Round Toe Mesh Flats, $60, Musinsa

3/12

Korean streetwear brand Musinsa has their own version of the mesh flat. Trimmed with patent synthetic leather, it's a budget-friendly way to try on the trend.

shop now

Love Mesh Ballerinas, $1,195, Jimmy Choo at Farfetch

4/12

Jimmy Choo's design offers a finer mesh fabric that's more akin to tulle, which helps give it a more refined feel.

shop now

Magic Flat ballerina Shoes, $749, Piferi at Farfetch

5/12

A statement cut-out on the front means you can wear this with jeans for a smart casual feel.

shop now

Minette Flat, $US$966 (S$1,300), Christopher Esber

6/12

These emerald soft-mesh flats will offer plenty of attention for your pedicure.

shop now

Sparkle Stretch Lace-Up Flat Sandal, $2,480, Bottega Veneta

7/12

A mesh square-toed sandal? Call this the amalgamation of summer shoes past and present.

shop now

Satin Ballerinas, $2,500, Miu Miu

8/12

Miu Miu's delightfully sweet ballerinas get an atheletic feel with an elastic band, and will look fab when worn with your 9-to-5 tailoring.

shop now

The Marcy Flat, $1,420, Khaite

9/12

On the tail of Alaïa's viral shoe, Khaite saw a spike in ppopularity with their own mesh pointy-toed flats – so much so that it completely sold out and is available upon pre-order.

shop now

Sock Ballet Flats, $905, The Row at Mytheresa

10/12

Embody the mesh flat's minimalist aesthetic with these sleek slip-ons.

shop now

Leather, Mesh and Canvas Ballet Flats, US$415.44 (S$560), JW Anderson at Net-A-Porter

11/12

These ballet flats come with ankle straps embroidered with an Oscar Wilde quote.

shop now

Brionna Cotton Mesh Flat Ballerinas, $54, Rag & CO. at Zalora

12/12

Loosely-woven strips of cotton provide plenty of breathability on hot afternoons, and the silver trimmings add a cool touch of shimmer to these affordable flats.

shop now