The MOST Controversial Shoe Style of Spring/Summer 2025
Mesh shoes are dividing fashion enthusiasts this season. Practical yet provocative, they're forcing the question: Can something be both controversial AND cute? Image: iStock
Let’s talk about the footwear causing quite the stir this season: mesh shoes. Yes, those see-through, barely-there creations have fashion enthusiasts divided into passionate camps of love and hate. And no, these are not the jelly shoes of your youth.I first noticed them popping up on runways last fall, but now they’ve infiltrated boutiques and department stores everywhere. And let me tell you, people have OPINIONS. Our managing editor, Alissa Harb, wore a pair at the Panama City Beach UNwineD festival a few weeks ago. Her friend also wore a pair, and they were suddenly double trouble — people could not stop staring and asking questions.
“I cannot overstate the reaction to these shoes at the festival and around town,” says Alissa. “That weekend, these shoes were LOVED by women and men … but we had to wonder if this was a fluke.” She wanted to pose the question to a larger audience, so she conducted an Instagram poll.
Love or hate?
According to the poll, it was 85% hate.PinHere’s the photo where people were asked to vote: cute or not cute? 85% said not cute, but that may be a generational divide … Image: Alissa HarbDon’t worry, I’ve rounded up nine options — just a few scrolls away — so you can decide which side you stand on.
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These shoes will predictably cause a commotion, with expressions ranging from fascination to horror.Here’s the thing about mesh shoes – they’re undeniably practical for the warmer months. They’re lightweight, breathable, and prevent that dreaded summer foot sweat (you know what I’m talking about). But practicality doesn’t automatically translate to style points.The design world has embraced this transparency trend wholeheartedly, giving us everything from barely-there mesh flats that whisper “I’m sophisticated but edgy” to chunky mesh platforms screaming “LOOK AT ME!” Some designers have incorporated delicate embroidery or strategic opacity panels, while others have gone full exhibitionist with crystal-clear meshes that hide absolutely nothing.Speaking of hiding absolutely nothing, I wear closed-toe shoes in the summer to hide my need for a pedicure. With these shoes, that need is on full display.
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No, they are not for everyone. And some people will forever view them as fashion’s equivalent of a bad joke. But that’s precisely why they’re worthy of discussion. Fashion that provokes is part of the fun. Fashion that makes us question our preconceptions about what looks good is why fashion is also an art.If you’re brave enough to try the trend, I’ve curated a selection of mesh options below, ranging from subtly stylish to outrageously bold. Remember, confidence is your best accessory when sporting these conversation-starters. But are they even cute? That’s the million-dollar question that you must answer for yourself. If you decide they are, be prepared for strangers to stare at your feet and comment; it comes with the territory.
Here are nine mesh shoe options to tempt you, or dare you.
This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you purchase after clicking on one of these links.PinI’m easing you into options with this pair. They are more macrame than mesh and made by Larroudé, on sale for $221. Find them HERE in multiple colors. Image: LarroudéPinNow we’re getting into more controversial territory — red mesh shoes! By Loeffler Randall, these are fun, and if you are bold enough to wear them, you will get stares. Hold your head high. Find them HERE for $250. Image: TuckernuckPinFor a barely-there mesh style, these come in a variety of colors from Amazon for $37.98. Image: Amazon
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PinHigh-end designers have also embraced the see-through mesh trend, as seen with these from KHAITE. Find the pair on the left for $790 and the pair on the right for $950 HERE. I have to say, their other styles, embellished with crystals ($1,200), and these above would be pretty fabulous and comfortable with a ball gown. Image: KHAITEPinThese shoes by Vince are very similar to those KHAITE ones above. I found them on Bergdorf Goodman, HERE, for the best price on the internet — $150 ($100 off) in Birch Sand and Black. Image: Bergdorf GoodmanPinWith fully opaque stripes, these shoes from Dolce Vita are an excellent option for those wanting to try this look, but not quite invest fully. Find them HERE for $120. Image: AnthropologiePinAh, here come the big reactions. Mesh, flat, almost-bootie profile with bling. Or are they elf shoes? I have to say, the whole mesh thing is growing on me. Find these HERE for $99.99 by Steve Madden. Image: DillardsPinThese shoes are the best “dip a toe in” option to the mesh craze. Sandals inherently show off your feet, pedicure and all. These slides, by STAUD, have mesh panels, but you don’t feel more exposed than you typically would wearing slides. They’re a great mid-way point to embrace this trend for summer! Plus, they go with everything. Find them HERE for $295. Image: TuckernuckPinAnd, a wildcard option to round out this list: red lace-ups that the longer I stare at, the more I see reasons to add to my wardrobe. Am I nuts? 85% of you may think so. Find them HERE for $158. Image: Free PeopleAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.So, what do you think?
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