Come summer, when closed shoes feel like walking swamps and flip-flops aren’t fit for long strolls on city streets, mesh ballet flats are a happy medium. These airy shoes are a fresh take on traditional ballet flats, fusing the classic silhouette with sheer uppers that let your feet breathe—a hard yes in swelter weather.
Most, if not all, mesh ballet flats have one thing in common: a see-through upper to offer the breathability of a sandal without fully exposing your feet. Still, there are tons of different styles for every look, budget, and occasion. Whether you’re looking for something that’s timeless or trendy, there’s a pair of flats with your name on it. Scroll to shop our faves.
In This Article
The best mesh ballet flats, at a glance
What to look for in mesh ballet flats
Comfort and support
Above all else, you’ll want your flats to feel good. As Brad Schaeffer, DPM, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry in New York City, previously told W+G, a ballet flat will ideally offer arch support, or at the very least, have enough space to accommodate insoles that provide ample cushioning and support. A pair with a roomy toe box is also helpful in combating pain, (sayonara, blisters!) which becomes all the more important if you plan on walking miles in your shoes.
Materials
Keep an eye on the materials you choose, as some aren’t as breezy as they look. Angela Denae, a New York-based personal stylist and owner of Angela Denae Style Studio, suggests avoiding materials polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics. “It’ll be uncomfortable when you sweat, and it can rub against your feet and cause blisters,” she explains. Most popular stocking-style mesh flats use cotton, nylon, or synthetics. “The stocking style is ideal for a dressier moment when you’re looking for more softness,” she adds.
Design
Bows, beads, sequins, buckles—you’ll find mesh ballet flats with all sorts of details. Your ideal option is largely a matter of personal preference and what will fit most seamlessly into your wardrobe. If you want a versatile option, heed New York-based style expert Noelle Gaetano‘s advice: “Choose a neutral-colored pair that you can style with multiple outfits, such as black or tan, or a pop of color that matches with most items in your wardrobe.”
Shop the mesh ballet flats under $150
Best overall: Everlane The Day Ballet Flat — $148.00
A sheer spin on classic ballet flats, Everlane’s Day Ballet Flat is made with smooth Nappa leather and a mesh upper for breathability. Denae recommends these for their structured simplicity and square-toe shape that make it a wardrobe fail-safe. Plus, they’re comfy—when you slip into the shoes, you’ll find cushioned insoles to pad your every step. There are also the bow ties: the finishing touch to the stylish silhouette.
Sizes: women’s 5-11
Colors: 1
- Versatile
- Made from Nappa Leather
- Cushioned
- Available in only one color
- Select sizes sold out
Best budget: The Drop Pepper Ballet Flat — $45.00
The Drop’s Pepper Ballet Flat is similar to the pair from Everlane, only it’s a fraction of the cost. It isn’t made from leather like its pricier counterpart, but Amazon reviewers have attested that it’s comfortable. One shopper writes, “I walked two miles in [the shoes] and my feet were tired but not in pain.” Another mentioned that the pair offers memory foam-like cushioning. Note: Some mentioned the pair stretches over time, so you may want to size up.
Sizes: women’s 5-13
Colors: 1
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Inclusive sizing
- Only available in one color
- Some shoppers have mentioned that it runs small
Most supportive: Birdies The Hummingbird — $150.00
Birdies has its own take on mesh ballet flats, and they’re so comfy. Like other Birdies styles, it comes with comfortable arch support that leaves your feet feeling great, even after hours on your feet. Specifically, it offers seven layers of cloud-like cushioning and a flexible footbed, and thanks to the cotton mesh uppers, optimal airflow. Plus, the Mary Jane-style flats come in two neutral colors—white and black—for versatility.
Sizes: women’s 5-12
Colors: 2
- Seven layers of cushioning
- Flexible footbed for comfort
- 30-day return window—no questions asked
- According to some shoppers, the shoes are too narrow for wider feet
- Require some breaking in
Most sustainable: Vivaia Margot Walker — $97.00
The Vivaia Margot Walker combines style with practicality. It features a roomy toe box and cushioned footbed with arch support, along with a heel pad to prevent blisters. Plus, the odor-resistant insoles promise to keep away stink (and are machine washable when they inevitably do get funky). Best of all, they’re made with sustainable materials, including a sugarcane outsole and recycled plastic. They ship in recyclable boxes with 100 percent recycled fillers, too.
Sizes: women’s 5-11
Colors: 2
- Roomy toe box and cushioned footbed
- Made from sustainable materials
- Machine washable
- Some reviewers have mentioned that the shoes run wide
- Insoles contain a material (Artemisia argyi) that some people may be allergic to
Best minimalist: Anthropologie Mesh Ballet Flat — $140.00
With five colors, ranging from cream to gold, Anthropologie’s simple mesh ballet flats come in the most options featured on the list. Aside from the breathable mesh upper, it features a leather insole and a rubber outsole to prevent accidental slips. The silhouette also looks similar to that of a standard ballet flat, which means it’s easy to slip on and off when you’re ready to kick up your feet.
Sizes: women’s 6-11
Colors: 5
- Easy to slip on and off
- Made with a sturdy leather insole
- Available in five colors
- Less supportive features compared to other options featured on the list
- Limited size options
Best maximalist: Sam Edelman Michaela Shine Mary Jane Flat — $140.00
Sam Edelman’s mesh Mary Jane-style flats will put some shine into your step. The mesh upper is bedazzled with crystals to dress up even the most simple of outfits. Plus, the shoes come with convenient adjustable straps that secure to the feet with buckles. You can select from two colors: pale pink and ever-classic black.
Sizes: women’s 5-11
Colors: 2
- According to some reviewers, it has a roomy toe box
- Secures to feet with adjustable buckle closure
- Makes a statement in and of itself
- According to some reviewers, the shoes run large
- It does not have as much built-in support as other picks
Best mesh Mary Jane: Vagabond Wioletta Mesh Flat — $130.00
Vagabond’s Wioletta Mesh Mary Janes comes with an edge. The shoes are punctuated with silver-toned buckles, and the leather toe caps offer a nice juxtaposition to the fishnet mesh uppers, making the pair look far from dainty. Additionally, the straps are adjustable so you can customize the fit to your liking, and you can select from two colors—cream and black—to match your aesthetic.
Sizes: women’s 36-40
Colors: 2
- Offers breathability without fully exposing toes
- Features a leather upper and lining
- Easy-to-adjust straps
- Some reviewers mentioned it runs narrow
- Limited size options
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