Nobody Wants to See Your Toes—Here’s What Cool Girls Are Wearing Instead of Mesh Flats

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I know many netizens will hate me for this opinion, but here goes nothing: Mesh flats are not it. There, I said it. Wear what you want, of course, but if you’re racking your brain over why mesh flats are so trendy, same. It’s always jarring to glance down at someone’s “shoes” on the subway, and all you actually see is their toes. You might as well just go barefoot at that point. Nobody wants to see your toes! Or just get real shoes!

I could preach about my hot take all day long, but what’s the use of hot take if it doesn’t have an actionable (in this case, shoppable) solution? So, as a passionate mesh (and jelly) flat hater, I’ve gathered a handful of shoes that I’ve been seeing all over my social media feeds and am saving to my Pinterest boards.

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Mesh Flat Alternatives at a Glance

• Editor-Approved: Puma Mostro Fey Satin Sneakers, $110
• For the Minimalist: Quince Italian Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flat, $70
• For the Sporty Girl: Puma Speedcat Ballet Suede, $80
• For the Platform Obsessed: Melissa Farah Jelly Platform Mary Jane, $72 (originally $110)
• For the Trendsetter: Adidas Japan H Sneakers, $106 (originally $127)

Experiment with ballet flat sneakers, which are currently gaining traction, or test out boxing shoes, which I predict are on the rise. Or maybe even ditch having your dogs out by putting on regular Mary Jane flats, sans evenly spaced holes everywhere (again, why are we wearing nets on our feet?!).

I’m wholeheartedly obsessed with shoes and would be thrilled to own any of the following mesh flat alternatives. In fact, I actually do own some of these shoes or similar styles. And I bet they’ll earn you way more compliments than a mainstream (translation: basic) pair of mesh flats.

Mesh Flat Alternatives You Can Buy Online Right Now

Ballet Flat Sneakers

If you’ve been saving Instagram posts of fashion girlies rocking Nike Air Rifts or Puma Speedcat Ballet flats, join the club. Ballet flat sneakers are my top shoe trend because they blend style with comfort. Not all ballet flats offer support. In fact, most are just, well, flat. Give your arches a little cushion with a ballet flat sneaker like the ones below.

Puma Mostro Fey Satin Sneakers

$110 Buy Now on Nordstrom

$110 Buy Now on Free People

$110 Buy Now on Anthropologie

$110 Buy Now on Puma

I’ve been dying to add a pair of trendy ballet flat sneakers to my shoe collection, and I finally did! Puma’s Mostro Fey Satin Sneakers have gotten me soooo many compliments, and I only just started wearing them. They’re part ballet flat, part sneaker, and part weapon (peep the fun rubber spikes). They’re a little bit of everything, and I just love how they bring a sporty flair to my outfits. I’d definitely call them my shoe of the summer! This Puma style is super comfy, thanks to its Ortholite insoles. I could genuinely walk all day in these shoes; however, I do wish they were made from a more water-friendly material because I’ve been trying my best not to spill anything on the shiny satin material. For sizing, I’d recommend going up if you’re between two numbers. That’s what I gathered from shopper reviews, and I’m glad I did because my Mostro Feys fit perfectly. And don’t forget to check them out in the blush pink colorway, too!

Sizes: 5.5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 2

Puma Speedcat Ballet Suede

$80 Buy Now on Puma

$80 Buy Now on Foot Locker

Twin with Dua Lipa in Puma’s Speedcat Ballet flats. They feature a more streamlined silhouette (rather than a chunky one) and couldn’t be cuter. You could go the more literal route and style them with cropped leggings or leg warmers, or you could contrast these more feminine kicks with baggy jeans or pants. But honestly, why choose when you can do both!

Sizes: 5.5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 2

ECCO Biom C-Trail Women’s Leather Lace-Up Sneaker

$150 Buy Now

Next up on my ballet sneaker wishlist is the ECCO Biom C-Trail sneaker. Instagram keeps feeding me photos of them, so my next shoe purchase might be closer than expected. Just look at their lace up detail! Designed in collaboration with fashion icon Natacha Ramsay-Levi, these kicks will elevate any casual or dressier look. They’ll also last for seasons to come and prevent any foot aches, since they’re made from premium leather and house an ECCO Phorene midsole that helps absorb shock. Not to mention the BIOM NATUAL MOTION technology copies the shape of your feet so that every step is a comfortable. These shoes are perfect and nobody can convince my otherwise.

Sizes: 4-10.5, including half sizes
Colorways: 1

Mary Jane Flats

Let’s be clear, the shape of mesh flats are fine. That’s not what I have a problem with. I just wish they were made from a material that offers more coverage so your toes aren’t the main attraction. The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else. Just anything but netting, I beg. My favorite ballet flat design, by far, is the classic Mary Jane. As someone with more narrow feet, I love how the strap(s) are both functional and stylish.

Vagabond Hillary Ballet Flats

$100 Buy Now on Vagabond

My trusty Vagabond Jolin Mary Jane flats are sadly out of stock, but the brand’s Hillary style is a close second. They both have stretchy elastic straps, which is a bonus if you prefer a little extra room in your shoes. My favorite ways to style flats like these are with jorts, baggy jeans or trousers, or a babydoll mini dress.

Sizes: 5-12, no half sizes
Colorways: 2

Margaux The Phoebe

$325 Buy Now

I got back into ballet flats with a square-toe design from Jeffrey Campbell back in 2019. If my shoe doesn’t have a rounded toe, I’ll opt for a square toe. There’s something so effortlessly chic and unique about this shape, especially in a flat like The Phoebe. This pair is handmade in Spain and constructed with a soft Italian nappa leather. These two factors alone make The Phoebe worth the investment. Also, how stunning is this burgundy colorway?

Sizes: 3.5-14, including half sizes
Colorways: 8

Quince Italian Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flat

$70 Buy Now on Quince

Round-toe ballet flats that have an elastic strap and a tiny little bow on top remind me of the pair I sported to dance lessons as a little girl. That’s why I think I’ll always have a soft spot for this silhouette, though I have yet to buy a pair. Perhaps I’d start with this simple yet chic option from Quince. They’re made from quality Italian leather but somehow only cost $70. Sign me up!

Sizes: 5-10, no half sizes
Colorways: 2

Boxing Shoes

Take a quick scroll through my Pinterest pins and the majority feature boxing shoe outfit inspo. I’m completely and utterly hooked on this style, and I wish more people hopped on board. They’re boots and sneakers all in one, but I like how they’re sleeker than a biker boot. If you’re tired of your feet sweating nonstop in bulky, leather, knee-high boots during the summer, give boxing shoes a go. My original pair from Steve Madden is no longer available, but the following options are more than ready to jump into your shoe rotation.

Adidas Japan H Sneakers

On Sale 17% off

$106 Buy Now on Farfetch

$117 Buy Now on SSENSE

This pair of Adidas boxing shoes is most similar to my Steve Maddens. You can’t go wrong with a simple black and white colorway, especially when you’re styling a more unique silhouette and design. I like wearing mine with jorts and midi skirts, though I’m tempted to try them with mini skirts and micro shorts next.

Sizes: 4.5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 1

Larroudé x Jonathan Cohen Flat Lo Sneaker Boot

On Sale 50% off

$265 Buy Now on Larroudé

If you don’t mind a heftier price tag, Larroudé joined forces with New York-based designer Jonathan Cohen to design this sporty sneaker boot made from a napa leather outer and featuring a memory foam insole. This shoe ticks off all of my boxes in terms of look, comfort, and durability. Plus, it comes in seven colorways, some of which can help add pops of color to your ‘fits.

Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 7

Free People Boxing Day Lace Up Boots

$178 Buy Now on Free People

I haven’t seen boxing shoes that are only made from leather (unless they’re secondhand or vintage on Depop or Poshmark), but I’m digging the look of these lace up boots. They crop in the middle of your calf and flaunt a round toe. If you’re going for a sporty aesthetic but with a little more of a sophisticated flair, this pair will do the trick. They resemble true boots more than a sneaker boot crossover, like the other two pairs in this roundup. Dress them up with a frock or skirt, or keep it casual with distressed jean shorts.

Sizes: 6-11, no half sizes
Colorways: 2

Platforms

Most people guess I’m 5 feet 6 inches or taller (I’m 5 feet 5 inches rounded up), and I have a feeling it’s because you’ll rarely catch me in shoes that don’t give me a little lift. There’s just something about a platform sneaker, flat, or boot, especially if it’s chunky and can provide contrast to a more feminine dress or top. Whether you’re trying to add a couple inches to your height or just love the feeling of stomping around in platform shoes, here are a couple of pairs to slip into.

Melissa Farah Jelly Platform Mary Jane

$109 Buy Now on Urban Outfitters

$72 Buy Now on SSENSE

I have a pair of Olivia Rodrigo-worn platform Mary Janes from Steve Madden, but they’re sadly no longer available. However, this pair from Melissa comes pretty darn close with the two straps across the top. Get ready to tower above the rest, since the platform measures 1.75 inches and the heel is 2.25 inches.

Sizes: 5-10, no half sizes
Colorways: 4

Steve Madden Bass

$100 Buy Now on Steve Madden

I’ve been eyeing fisherman sandals for quite a while now, but not the completely flat pairs. Per usual, I need a chunkier design that adds a couple inches. The Bass platform fisherman sandals are exactly what I’d buy if I want to wear sandals but don’t want my toes to be on full display. Bonus: They’re made from vegan leather! Peep their 2-inch heel and 1.25 inch platform, as well.

Sizes: 5-12, including half sizes
Colorways: 1

Prologue Shoes Linley Platform Loafer

$90 Buy Now on nordstrom

It’s no secret black Mary Jane platforms are timeless and trending, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, try this single strap, brown leather option. The under-$100 platform loafer also comes in cool navy, burgundy, and black colorways if you’re down to strap into something new.

Sizes: 5.5-9, including half sizes
Colorways: 4