Summer footwear is heating up with the return of flat shoes that have fashion lovers taking sides. These comfortable yet stylish options are sparking debates across social media platforms about which designs deserve a spot in your closet.
From mesh ballet flats to crystal-embellished beauties, this season’s offerings combine practicality with fashion-forward details that make choosing just one pair nearly impossible.
1. Shopbop Tory Burch Patos Mesh Flats
Fashion powerhouse Tory Burch strikes again with these airy Patos Mesh Flats available on Shopbop. The signature logo adorns these semi-transparent beauties, making them instantly recognizable without being flashy.
Breathable mesh construction keeps feet cool during scorching summer days, while the cushioned footbed ensures you can wear them from brunch to sunset drinks without discomfort. The neutral color options make these versatile enough to pair with everything from sundresses to cropped jeans.
Many fashionistas consider these the perfect entry point into the mesh flat trend – luxurious yet practical enough for everyday wear.
2. LOEFFLER RANDALL Landon Soft Bow-Detailed Mesh Ballet Flats
Romantic souls rejoice! LOEFFLER RANDALL’s Landon flats combine delicate mesh with an oversized soft bow that adds whimsical charm to any outfit. These statement-makers have divided fashion enthusiasts between those who adore their feminine flair and others who find the bow too dramatic.
Crafted with surprising attention to comfort, the padded insole lets you dance all night without regrets. Available in several dreamy colors including blush pink and classic black, they’ve become a favorite for summer weddings and garden parties.
Celebrity fans include Taylor Swift and Zoe Deschanel, who’ve been spotted wearing these feminine flats with vintage-inspired dresses.
3. Tory Burch Patos Mesh Flats
Versatility reigns supreme with the Tory Burch Patos Mesh Flats, which have sparked heated discussions about practicality versus price point. The iconic metal logo disc sits prominently atop these sophisticated mesh beauties, instantly elevating casual outfits.
Surprisingly durable for such delicate-looking shoes, the reinforced toe cap prevents the common mesh tear issues that plague cheaper alternatives. Fashion insiders praise their remarkable comfort during long days of walking, attributing this to the perfectly contoured footbed and flexible sole.
Social media is divided between those who consider these an essential investment piece and others who question spending premium prices on seasonal trends.
4. Black Suede Studio Mika Flats
Minimalists and maximalists clash over the Black Suede Studio Mika Flats, which feature clean lines and understated elegance. Unlike flashier competitors, these mesh marvels rely on exceptional craftsmanship rather than embellishments to make their statement.
Handcrafted in Italy, each pair undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure longevity beyond a single season. The slightly pointed toe elongates the leg while maintaining supreme comfort, making these a hit among fashion editors who require style and function.
Debate rages online between trend-followers who find them too simple and quality-focused shoppers who appreciate their timeless design that will outlast fleeting fashion moments.
5. Mansur Gavriel Dream Mesh Ballerina Flat
Architectural elegance defines the Mansur Gavriel Dream Mesh Ballerina Flat, sparking debates between minimalist devotees and those seeking more dramatic footwear. The sculptural silhouette features an unusually rounded toe and perfectly curved sides that make feet look like they’re floating.
Luxuriously soft mesh hugs the foot without constricting, while the leather trim adds structure and longevity to these investment pieces. Fashion insiders praise the surprising stability of these flats, noting the hidden reinforcement that prevents the common slouching issue found in many ballet styles.
Available in sophisticated neutrals and unexpected pastels, these have divided shoppers between those willing to invest in artisanal quality and trend-followers seeking more affordable options.
6. Mango Animal Print Mesh Ballerina Flat
Wild patterns meet affordable pricing with Mango’s Animal Print Mesh Ballerina Flat, creating a perfect storm of controversy among fashion circles. Bold leopard and zebra prints on delicate mesh foundations have some fashionistas declaring them the statement piece of summer while others argue they’re too loud.
Budget-conscious shoppers celebrate these wallet-friendly alternatives to designer versions, often purchasing multiple patterns for the price of one luxury pair. Surprisingly well-constructed for their price point, they feature a padded insole and flexible outsole that rivals much pricier competitors.
Social media influencers can’t agree whether these are a fun seasonal splurge or an investment that will quickly look dated.
7. H&M Mesh Ballet Flats
Budget-friendly fashion never looked so good! H&M’s entry into the mesh ballet flat trend has created a massive divide between luxury purists and practical fashionistas. Coming in at under $30, these affordable alternatives feature surprisingly sturdy construction with reinforced seams where cheaper versions typically fail.
Available in an impressive array of colors from classic black to trendy pastels, these allow trend-curious shoppers to experiment without major investment. The slightly squared toe offers a modern twist on the traditional ballet silhouette, distinguishing them from pricier counterparts.
TikTok has erupted in debates between those who swear these are indistinguishable from designer versions and luxury shoppers who insist the differences in materials and construction are obvious.
8. COS Sheer Mesh Mules
Architectural minimalism takes center stage with COS Sheer Mesh Mules, breaking away from the ballet flat silhouette that dominates this trend. The open back design has sparked heated debates between traditionalists who prefer classic closed flats and modernists embracing this contemporary twist.
Scandinavian-inspired clean lines and exceptional material quality make these stand out among trendier options. The slightly elevated footbed provides unexpected arch support rarely found in flat styles, making these a favorite among fashion editors who spend long days on their feet.
Fashion forums are divided between those who praise their versatility for office-to-evening transitions and others who question whether the backless design provides enough support for all-day wear.
9. The Row Sock Leather-Trimmed Mesh Flats
Luxury reaches new heights with The Row’s Sock Leather-Trimmed Mesh Flats, which have fashion enthusiasts divided over their ultra-minimalist design and maximalist price tag. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s prestigious label brings unparalleled craftsmanship to these barely-there beauties that feature buttery-soft leather trim.
Engineered to mold to the wearer’s foot over time, these create a custom fit that devotees claim justifies the investment. The deliberately understated design philosophy focuses all attention on materials and construction rather than flashy logos or embellishments.
Celebrity stylists praise their versatility while budget-conscious shoppers question whether the subtle differences from more affordable alternatives merit the significant price difference.
10. Mango Mesh Ballerina Flat
Affordable elegance reaches new heights with Mango’s solid-colored Mesh Ballerina Flat, creating a perfect entry point for trend-curious shoppers. Unlike their animal print counterparts from the same brand, these subdued beauties in solid black, nude, and white offer versatility that transcends seasons.
Smart design elements like the slightly padded heel prevent the dreaded slip-off problem that plagues many ballet flats. Fashion insiders have noted the impressive durability compared to other budget-friendly options, with reinforced stitching at common breakage points.
Social media battles rage between luxury purists who insist on designer versions and practical fashionistas who challenge others to spot the difference between these and pairs costing five times more.
11. Miu Miu Mary Jane Ballet Flat
Retro charm gets a modern update with Miu Miu’s Mary Jane Ballet Flat, which has fashion lovers divided between those embracing their whimsical schoolgirl vibe and others finding them too juvenile. The iconic strap across the foot adds stability rarely found in traditional ballet flats while creating a distinctive silhouette.
Miuccia Prada’s playful approach to luxury shines through in unexpected color combinations and premium mesh that maintains its shape wear after wear. Celebrity fans include Florence Pugh and Zendaya, who’ve styled these statement shoes with everything from feminine dresses to edgy leather pants.
Fashion forums debate whether these represent a short-lived trend or the beginning of a major Mary Jane revival across footwear styles.
12. Khaite Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
Glamour meets daywear with Khaite’s Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats, which have fashion lovers completely divided on mixing bling with casual styles. Scattered Swarovski crystals catch the light with every step, transforming what would be simple mesh flats into conversation-starting statement pieces.
Red carpet stylists have embraced these as the perfect solution for celebrities seeking comfort without sacrificing sparkle at all-day events. The surprisingly sturdy construction includes a reinforced toe box and heel cup that prevent the crystals from dislodging even with regular wear.
Social media debates rage between minimalists who find them excessive and maximalists who celebrate their ability to elevate even the simplest outfits.
13. ALAÏA Patent Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
Architectural genius meets footwear in ALAÏA’s Patent Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats, creating fierce division between minimalist and avant-garde fashion camps. The late Azzedine Alaïa’s legendary attention to structural details shines through in the precisely cut patent leather trim that frames the foot like a work of art.
Museum-worthy craftsmanship includes hand-stitched elements and a perfectly balanced sole that distributes weight evenly for surprising comfort. Fashion historians appreciate the subtle nods to the designer’s architectural background in the geometric precision of every element.
Luxury shoppers debate whether these represent timeless investment pieces that will appreciate in value or statement items too distinctive to justify their considerable price tag.