And dare we say it’s pure genius?

Fashion loves nothing more than an eyebrow-raising shoe. The Crocs are inexplicably in the midst of an ongoing renaissance. Margiela’s Tabis’ unconventional split-toe design has become a cult favorite. A few months into 2023, Mschf’s Big Red Boots broke the internet thanks to their confusing cartoonish design and absurd dimensions. And now, a surprising new style has begun to reign supreme in the realm of impractical footwear: mesh ballet flats.

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The closest thing to walking barefoot without giving up protection entirely, mesh flats reveal scrunched toes and feet that seem to stick out of shoes. While strategically concealing and exposing the foot, they are the immediate star of any outfit thanks to their weirdness. The see-through style – which is basically just fashion for tights as pants, but for your feet – has already been dubbed “summer’s most sultry trend” due to its unapologetic commitment to showcasing toes. . Simply put, it takes all the polarizing aspects of the coveted ballerina and doubles them. Insoles that do not support? Probably not great in the rain? A danger of sweat trapping? Yes to all of the above.

Logistically, mesh flats make no sense. But visually, these sleek second skins are the perfect choice for today’s It shoe sensations. These are not the Carrie Bradshaw Manolo Blahniks of yesteryear. In a time of recession, ultra-thin nude ballet flats have become a must-have shoe trend because they’re decidedly under the radar about the whole thing.

Unsurprisingly, The Row was the first to champion the unassuming coolness of see-through style, thanks to their fan-favorite mesh flats. Since then, brands like Sandy Liang, Khaite, Bottega Veneta, Alaïa and many more have given their take on the trend, often selling out quickly and sparking even more curiosity for the not-quite-all shoe. make a shoe.

Over the past few months, mesh flats have taken off among the fashion crowds and trend setters of the day, paired with styles of all kinds, from denim ensembles to maxi skirts. Earlier this month, a casually dressed Jennifer Lawrence was spotted in fishnet Mary Janes by Alaïa, perfectly in line with her burgeoning minimalist fashion prowess. Following this, Chrissy Teigen took a luxury mirror selfie in a pair of The Row slip-ons. Most recently, Sofia Richie wore Alaïa’s bedazzled iteration to “run errands.” (Presumably the expensive kind, like getting a $23 smoothie at Erewhon.) As the ultimate antithesis of traditional high heels, it’s not hard to see the appeal of mesh flats. Sure, they might not be orthopedic or spot-friendly, but there’s something decidedly appealing about them.

In all its impractical glory, the mesh flat is the culmination of understated luxury. It’s understated yet refined; effortless but assembled. It’s the shoe that didn’t bother to commit to being a shoe. It’s a way to take the straightforward, objectively simple design of the ballerina and infuse it with intent. Whether adorned with crystals and floral appliqués or made in simple nets or crocheted styles, the sheer flat is all about adorning the foot in new and absurd ways. And nothing says more than that.

Ready to take the first step to showing your toes? (Sorry.) Styles sell out fast, so below, FASHION has rounded up the best mesh flats on the market right now for summer 2023.

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