Look, if I had to point to the ONE shoe purchase over the last year that has made all of my outfits feel fresh…it’s mesh ballet flats. Sexy enough for date night, yet still grounded enough for day…I have literally worn mesh flats with everything from little black dresses to sweatpants.
my favorite mesh flats (15% off right now!)
Here’s the thing: the best mesh ballet flats are practical, seriously cool, and actually solve problems. The chic, slim silhouette looks freaking amazing with looser, baggier denim styles (in fact, they’re the absolute best shoe option for baggy jeans, I said what I said), yet they’re enough of a statement to not get lost in the fabric. They also work just as well with bare legs, and I’ve worn my mesh flats in every season except winter (too much snow where I am).
This deep dive into mesh flats started almost two years ago. My first round of try-ons was 100% unsuccessful – there wasn’t a single pair I wanted to keep, or even found comfortable enough to mention here.
Fast-forward to today, and now there are a ton of styles to choose from (and much better execution).
This go-around, I expanded my search to include woven leather ballet flats, too. I realized I was comparing mesh pairs against woven leather pairs because they have the same vibe – sexy, breathable, with a peek-of-foot playfulness.
How I Tested (Fit, Comfort, Durability)
After trying on dozens (and dozens!) of mesh and woven ballet flats (over a freaking two year period, haha), I whittled it down to a short list of flats that are comfortable, walkable, and cute. Many flats didn’t make it past the testing right out of the box. If the material or leather was scratchy, itchy, or pinched, they were out. If the sole wasn’t flexible enough to comfortably walk around, they were out. Obviously any fundamental design flaws (like the mesh Reformation flats that simply wouldn’t stay on, regardless of size) were out.
Additionally, because I happen to have one clear, well-tested winner (Freda Salvador Laurel Mesh Flats), any mesh flat that was more than Freda’s $298 price point had to be significantly better or significantly different (and just as good). I mostly wanted to find mesh and woven ballet flats under $500, without losing comfort or walkability (all flats in this list are under $325, most are under $200).
The 7 Best Mesh & Woven Ballet Flats of 2026: A Cheat Sheet
My very top pick, as I mentioned, are the Freda Salvador Laurel Mesh Flats. I’ve been wearing them for a year now – walking the dog, travel, date nights, everything – I highly recommend. That said, there’s several other pairs (at price points from $30 – $325) that are worth a look!
A Cheat Sheet to The Best Mesh & Woven Ballet Flats
- Best Overall: Freda Salvador Laurel Mesh Flats
- Best Woven Leather: Margaux Demi Jane
- Best Under $200: Marc Fisher Evonna Mary Janes
- Best For Travel/Packing in a Suitcase: Vivaia Nelly Mesh Flats (machine washable!)
- Best For Sensitive Heels: Sam Edelman Shira Knotted Flats
- Best Designer Dupe: Mango Ankle Strap Ballet Flat
- Best Budget Pick: Old Navy Mesh Ballet Flats
1. Best Overall: Freda Salvador Laurel Mesh Ballet Flats
Where To Buy: Freda Salvador (15% off right now!)
PRICE: $298
COLORS: Black Net, Natural Net, Crimson Net, Leopard Mesh, Vanilla Jacquard Mesh, Lime Jacquard Mesh
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Padded leather footbed, 100% calf leather strap
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: TTS
I’ve owned Freda Salvador’s Laurel flats in ‘black net’ for a year now, and they are one of the best purchases I have EVER made. I wear these flats walking all over the city (and I’ve even worn them in the rain). I can literally walk miles in these flats! The profile is that of a designer ballet flat, but there’s juuuust enough cushioning to make them more comfortable (without looking like a ‘comfort shoe’). It took me one day to break these flats in and I haven’t stopped wearing them since.
The brand, Freda Salvador, is a female-founded and led small business, and these shoes are handmade at a family-owned factory in Elda, Spain. The quality coming from Freda is consistent (I’ve owned several pairs of their shoes for years) and, quite frankly, unmatched.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring
These Laurel flats are sexy enough to wear out at night, look amazing with bare legs, yet still work for day with a pair of jeans (or trousers or a dress – literally everything).
I also appreciate that these mesh flats are made with a comfortable fabric inside and out. There’s nothing scratchy, or pointed, or pinching – they’re literally perfect.
linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag | ring
I love these flats so much that I reached out to Freda Salvador a few months ago, asking (begging?) them to bring them back in stock (they were already on it, fyi). I also own the ‘natural mesh’ pair as well (the brand was nice enough to send them over), and I’m happy to report that this color also works on bare legs.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace
How to choose between colors? The black are the pair I wear the most often – the airiness of the black mesh makes them incredibly versatile – even in outfits where black shoes can be too heavy visually, these black mesh flats will work.
That said, if you are lighter-skinned and are looking for a summer sandal alternative (with a really long, leggy look)…the ‘natural’ is great for that. And obviously goes with EVERYTHING.
In either color (you won’t go wrong!!) I give these flats my highest possible recommendation.
2. Best Woven Leather Ballet Flat: Margaux Demi Jane
Where To Buy: Margaux
PRICE: $325
COLORS: black, saddle (pictured) or ecru woven (plus a ton of smooth leather options)
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Handwoven leather upper, flexible leather sole, 5 mm of plush foam padding
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium, Narrow, Wide
FIT: Runs big
It took me two rounds with the Margaux Demi Jane flats to get it right, but I’m so glad I hung in there. The first pair I ordered in my usual size, but because I have a really high arch, the Mary Jane strap hit at an awkward spot and pulled uncomfortably when I walked. It was so painful, it was bizarre! I was confused because all of the reviews are off-the-charts good and literally zero people mention this strap issue. So. I returned them for a smaller size and….WOW. It made a huge difference.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace || linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag | ring
Not only are these shoes incredibly comfortable to walk in – cushy underfoot, no weird pulling on the arch strap – but the woven leather itself is easily the softest, most comfortable woven leather I’ve found. And I love the design of these, too – the strap hits at a place that actually looks really sexy on the foot. Highly recommend.
3. Best Mesh Flat Under $200: Marc Fisher Evonna Mary Jane Flat
Where To Buy: Nordstrom (select colors up to 40% off)
PRICE: $170
COLORS: Black, Silver, Natural, Gold, White (the one I’m wearing)
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole, lightly padded insole
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: TTS
The silhouette on these Marc Fisher Evonna Mary Janes are great – so high-end looking and chic – and very TTS (length-wise). The leather is soft and comfortable, and there’s enough cushion to happily walk around. These shoes aren’t a flexible or as cushioned underfoot as the Freda Salvadors, but I like both the feel of the leather and the footbed. There’s nothing that itches, pinches, or pokes. The only issue is that these shoes do run a bit narrow (but the leather does feel like it would stretch with wear).
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace
4. Best For Travel (Can Replace Sandals): Vivaia Nelly Flats
Where To Buy: Vivaia
PRICE: $139
COLORS: Cream Mesh, Ruby Red Mesh
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Knit upper, cushioned sole, rubber outsole
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: TTS
Another pair I’ve owned for a year, the Vivaia Nelly Mesh Flats won’t necessarily be for everyone (but I do really love them). These are…barely-there flats. They almost vibe like a ballet slipper, but with a minimalist sole and slightly padded footbed. If you prefer orthotic-level support, these are not your shoes.
Personally, I find these shoes wildly comfortable: soft and cushiony. Supportive? Nah. But the stretchy fabric upper and adjustable strap means that these shoes fit securely – there’s no slipping off of my heel ever. I can run to catch a train in these.
Damson Madder tee | linen pants (med petite) | sunglasses | necklace
In fact, summer travel is where these shoes really shine. If you happen to be looking for a closed-toe shoe that honestly feels like wearing nothing (even in the 85-90 degree temps in Spain), and packs flat for travel…Vivaia’s Nelly Flats are great. But you’ve gotta be OK with no arch support.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace || linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag
One more note: What happens when they get dirty? You can wash them. Vivaia sells a wash bag for this express purpose, but any fine mesh laundry bag will work – just throw them in the washing machine. (I always wash mine on cold, express cycle.) You can also hand wash, if you prefer.
5. Best For Sensitive Heels: Sam Edelman Shira Knotted Flat
![Sam Edelman Shira knotted mesh ballet flats in [ivory/sand] — best mesh flat for sensitive heels](https://themomedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sam-edelman-crochet-flats-review.jpg)
Where To Buy: Nordstrom
PRICE: $160
COLORS: black, brown, blue, red, ivory
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: TTS
These Sam Edelman Shira Knotted Flats have one key feature I wish ALL brands would copy: they’ve sewn a really soft piece of fabric right on the inside of the heel. It feels almost like a thin microfiber fleece patch, and it’s SUCH a nice touch. If you have sensitive heels (I definitely do), these are great.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace || linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag | ring
That said, the leather on these shoes is not nearly as soft and flexible as I’d like. It’s not bad – it’s certainly not scratchy on the inside, otherwise it wouldn’t have even made this list (*cough*rag&bone*cough*), nor does it fit oddly tight (dammit, Favorite Daughter). While these aren’t my top pick, they are a good price point, cute on, and that back heel covering is genius. The ivory color is a little more sand in person than true ivory, FYI.
6. Most Designer-Looking / Best Splurge Alternative: Mango Ankle Strap Ballet Flat
Where To Buy: Nordstrom
PRICE: $80
COLORS: black or brown
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: Textile and synthetic upper/synthetic lining and sole
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: TTS
I have been eying the much-copied Alaïa fishnet flats for years. I had high hopes for Staud Alba flats or even Reformation’s super similar pair…but neither of those would stay on my foot! Both pairs were too soft and delicate, and they would literally flop off of my foot while walking. So imagine my surprise (and delight!) when this under $100 pair from Mango outperformed both.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace
There is literally nothing sexier than these shoes, even with jeans.
linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag | ring
The biggest downside is that these shoes aren’t *that* comfortable. The ankle strap (and trim) are patent leather and, while surprisingly soft for patent leather, while walking, the shoes sometimes pull funny and were starting to annoy the back of my heel. The bottom of the shoes are really slippery, too – so you’ll want to add a textured grip pad.
I think of these shoes the same way I do my super high heels: for Uber night outs, not walking date nights. 🙂
7. Best Budget Pick: Old Navy Mesh Ballet Flats
Where To Buy: Old Navy (Extra $15 Off $75+, $25 Off $100+)
PRICE: $30
COLORS: black or brown
INSOLE/FOOTBED & OUTSOLE: nylon upper, rubber outsole
AVAILABLE WIDTHS: Medium
FIT: Runs really long (size down)
The Old Navy Mesh Ballet Flats were such a nice surprise!! The mesh is non-scratchy, and there’s some cushion underfoot. Overall, these are a really sexy and comfortable mesh flat! The only thing that drove me absolutely bananas is that the sizing is sooooo inconsistent. I bought my usual size 6.5 and they’re huge. The tag on the bottom says US 6.5 and EU 38…which explains the issue (a US 6.5 is typically an EU 37). So I’m honestly not sure if sizing down one full size or one half size is more appropriate here.
sweater (s) | shorts (m) | bag | ring | necklace || linen tank (s) – also here | jeans (29×27 in ‘sweetest taboo’) | bag | ring
In any case, if you can figure out your size (and for only $30, it might be worth a try)…these are great.
Mesh & Woven Ballet Flats: FAQs
Ohhhh YES. Mesh and woven ballet flats are one of the strongest shoe trends of 2026, and they’ve actually gotten more popular, not less. After Alaïa’s fishnet flats kicked things off, brands at every price point have (finally!!) started to release their own versions. If anything, I’d argue that they’re shifting from a trend to a…modern classic.
This totally depends on the pair! Since brands have now fully embraced the silhouette, you can now find truly comfortable, walkable pairs of mesh flats. We’re no longer stuck choosing between delicate designer pairs and cheap dupes. I’ve walked literal miles in my Freda Salvador’s.
Mesh ballet flats are some of the best travel shoes out there! They pack flat in a carry-on, weigh almost nothing, look cute with everything and are fancy enough for dinners out. The Vivaia Nelly is one I traveled with last summer – it’s machine-washable and feels like wearing nothing – but any of the more cushioned pairs on this list will be great for travel.
Haha I say no. I assumed a fresh pedicure would be required for any sheer or peekaboo style, but I’ve found that either the mesh isn’t as see-through as it looks (in the case of my Freda Salvadors) or the woven pairs are textured enough that even chipped polish disappears into the pattern. There are a couple of pairs below that I’d probably want a pedicure for, but most of these…nah.
Absolutely – if you must. 🙂 But make sure it’s a lighter, frillier sock like this one.
Well…I definitely have. 🙂 The woven or mesh styles aren’t waterproof per se, but they definitely dry out faster than most shoes. That said, while I’ll wear mine in a drizzle, for major downpours maybe try Ancient Greek’s jelly flats. 🙂
I just – gently! – wipe down my Freda Salvador’s with a damp cloth (and a tiny bit of mild soap, if needed), woven leather styles can get the same treatment. Knit styles like the Vivaia Nelly are machine-washable in a fine mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle. Air dry only – never put mesh flats in the dryer (the heat will warp the sole).
Better than expected! The mesh itself is more durable than it looks – none of my pairs have snagged, stretched out, or lost shape.
They can be! I’ve noticed that mesh (or woven) styles naturally have more give than traditional ballet flats, making them more comfortable. That said, the shape of the shoe also matters. The Sam Edelman Shira and Vivaia Nelly both have a slightly rounder, roomier toe box that works for wider feet, and the Margaux’s also come in wide widths. The Marc Fisher Evonna runs narrow.
These are such a delicate-looking shoe (thanks to the mesh and/or woven panels) that I actually love these shoes as a counterpoint to easy, casual clothes: baggy jeans, long denim shorts, overalls, comfy maxi dresses, etc. That said…these shoes are chic enough (and sexy enough) to pair nicely with super short hemlines, too.
Did I miss any of your favorites? Also, if there’s a pair you’ve been curious about, leave me a comment. There’s a REAL chance I’ve tried them on and they just didn’t make the list for one reason or another. Happy to share.
xo,
S
what are your thoughts on the Rothy’s version? I like that the strap isn’t adjustable!