If you happen to be a fashion lover who spends (way too much) time scrolling through TikTok for chic outfit ideas, you've likely spotted the viral mesh maryjane flats on your For You page. Available for just $50 on Amazon in classic shades like black, white, light brown, and red, the affordable shoe is a formidable dupe for the luxe Alaïa Mesh Ballet Flats, which is, by comparison, a total splurge at $950.
As far as FashionTok is concerned, the buzzy mesh flats are worth every penny as they're surprisingly comfortable, aligned with the current trends, and are all but made for the total "it girl."
In the name of journalism, I've decided to wear the flats non-stop for a week to see if they live up to the hype. Spoiler: I was pleasantly surprised.
And for more of our rigorously tested shoe coverage, see our articles on the best flats and the best ballet flats. We even have a roundup of the best ballet sneakers, our other favorite quirky shoe trend.
The mesh flat trend
In case you haven't heard, mesh ballet flats have quietly become one of fashion's most consistent shoe trends. And though it might have been easy to write them off as a one-off fad a couple of years ago, it seems like they're here to stay.
We can thank Alaïa—a French fashion house beloved by celebrities—for launching the crystal-studded ballerina flats that quickly reached cult status. Since then, they've dropped countless iterations of the beloved shoe, including a more minimalistic Mary Jane sans any sparkle.
A few celebs have rocked the iconic Alaïa shoe, including Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sofia Richie Grainge. Elsa Hosk and Kourtney Kardashian Barker are a few other fashion-forward celebs who've worn similar mesh styles in recent months, cementing the low-key silhouette as one to watch.
The viral Amazon mesh flats
Although I'm obsessed with Sofia Richie Grainge's chic style, I personally can't seem to swipe my card for flats worth nearly $1,000. That's where Amazon comes in with a near-exact dupe from Amazon brand DOEYG that's priced at just $49.99. But are they worth the coin?
If you live in a metropolitan area, you can get them on Prime with one-day shipping, which is a total plus. And straight out of the box, I'm pretty impressed.
Not only are the shoes well-packaged, but they seem pretty high-quality at first glance. To the touch, the mesh seems to be made from a sturdier cord, while the patent black leather isn't too "plasticy" or cheap-looking and is backed with a smooth faux leather. What's more, the brown sole is slightly cushioned and flexible, which seems promising for comfort.
How they feel over a week of non-stop wear
As a newly post-partum mom, comfort is key — though at the same time, I still want to feel put-together when I'm out and about. Over the last week, my stomping grounds weren't all that exciting: the grocery store, Target, and going on family walks with our dog. But these flats were seamlessly incorporated into my more understated wardrobe.
The backs of the mesh flats (that usually make my ankles cut open) were soft and flexible, so I didn't experience any issues there. Typically, I wear a size 7.5 shoe, and while the size does fit, I do wish I had purchased an 8 for a slightly more comfortable fit.
Those with wide feet should be especially wary as the shoe is on the narrow side. That being said, after consistent wear, I did notice that they've begun to loosen and "break in" a bit, making me content with my initial size.
As for tips on styling the total closet staple, I've noticed that they are commonly paired with oversized denim for an effortless, cool girl vibe. Throughout the summer months, however, I'll mostly be wearing them with a breezy sundress or a linen midi skirt to tap the still-rising "old money" aesthetic.
The verdict: Are they worth it?
Overall, the viral mesh flats are certifiably comfortable for chill strolls and made for casual (yet slightly elevated) wear. While I didn't have any issues throughout the week, I will say that I likely wouldn't reach for them for long days of walking as the cushion can feel a bit hard after a while — but I think the same can be said about most flats as they tend to have little-to-no support in the soles.
I'm definitely happy with the $50 spent and can see myself wearing them throughout summer and the upcoming fall months. And even if they do completely wear out within that time (I mean, it is an inexpensive Amazon dupe), I wouldn't mind repurchasing come next summer — though I haven't seen any alarming wear-and-tear just yet.
The bottom line
If you, like me, can't justify spending nearly a thousand dollars on flats, I highly recommend picking up a pair of these shoes for your summertime wardrobe. Not only are they affordable by comparison, but they are comfortable for everyday wear and an eye-catching choice that fits both understated and dressy outfits.
As for my recommendations? While they may be closer to true-to-size for those who have narrow feet, if you are a bit wider, sizing up a half or full size should do the trick. What's more, I may think twice before wearing them ahead of any hours-long walking tours in a bustling city on unforgiving concrete.
To be honest, dupes have their place and will (usually) never beat out the original before it. However, in this economy, I'm all for the girlies experimenting with their looks on the low.
After a brief hiatus, ballet flats are back with a vengeance. This simple — yet seriously stylish — shoe is the perfect excuse to explore your ever-evolving style. Personally, I'll be wearing these all summer long, and even as my wardrobe transitions into my fave fall season.
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