Every time I scroll Pinterest lately, I see the same shoe. It is a sheer mesh ballet flat worn with jeans, a slip skirt or wide leg trousers. These Alaia mesh flats alternatives let you try the trend without spending close to $1,000 on one pair of shoes.
Alaia made the fishnet flat a cult favorite, and the look is still everywhere this fall. I rounded up 5 mesh ballet flat look alikes from Amazon and Walmart. They start at $17.99, and several come with the same buckle strap and soft round toe.
Why Everyone Loves the Alaia Mesh Flats
The Alaia mesh flat is a simple shoe with a lot of personality. It feels light and a little bit daring, yet it still works for errands. For reference, the original Alaia mesh ballet flats usually cost around $950 or more.
- Sheer fishnet mesh: A peek of skin (or a fun sock) makes a basic outfit feel styled.
- Slim buckle strap: The thin Mary Jane strap keeps the shoe on and adds a pretty detail.
- Round toe: It feels classic and comfortable, not trendy for the sake of it.
- Neutral colors: Black, brown and cream go with nearly everything in your closet.
- Flat and easy: You can walk all day, which is the real reason they took off.
What to Look for in an Alaia Mesh Flats Alternative
Mesh flats can look cheap fast if the details are off. Here is what matters most.
- Mesh pattern: A tight, even fishnet looks closest to the original. Very loose mesh can stretch out.
- Trim: Look for a clean binding along the edge. Faux leather or suede trim looks the most polished.
- Strap and buckle: A slim strap with a small buckle is the signature detail.
- Sole: A cushioned insole and a rubber sole help with comfort on hard floors.
- Fit and reviews: Mesh has little stretch, so read sizing notes before you order.
The 5 Best Alaia Mesh Flats Alternatives
EMMA NEW YORK Mesh Ballet Flats, $37.99
This is the pair I would grab first. The mesh looks fine and even, and the trim gives it that clean, finished edge.
It has a 4.2 star rating from over 300 reviews. Shoppers like that they feel soft right away. A few reviewers mention they run a little snug, so check the size chart.
Best for: The closest everyday look.
Wnshonzy Mesh Mary Jane Flats with Buckle Strap, $44.99
If the buckle strap is what you love, this one nails it. It has a round toe, a slim strap and a sheer fishnet body.
The listing has a 4.4 star rating from over 180 reviews. It comes in several colors, including beige and black. That makes it easy to match your fall wardrobe.
Best for: The signature strap detail.
No Boundaries Women’s Mesh Ballet Flats, $22.98
Walmart’s No Boundaries line keeps surprising me. These simple mesh flats cost under $25, and they look so much more expensive in photos.
They have a 4.3 star rating from 260 ratings. Also, they come in fun colors like red if you want something bolder than black.
Best for: Trying the trend for less.
No Boundaries Women’s Mesh Mary Jane Flats, $22.98
This is the Mary Jane version of the pair above. It adds a strap across the top, which reads very close to the designer style.
It comes in brown, green, bone and navy. Plus, it has a 4.4 star rating from more than 130 ratings.
Best for: Fall colors.
BERANMEY Mesh Ballet Flats with Crystal Buckle, $17.99
Want a little sparkle? This pair has a small crystal buckle on the strap. It is a fun twist for date night or a holiday party.
It is the lowest price on the list at $17.99, down from $36.99. The rating is 4.1 stars from 64 ratings, so it is a solid budget pick.
Best for: A dressy budget pair.
How to Style Your Mesh Flats
Mesh flats look best when the rest of the outfit stays simple. Here are a few looks I love.
- With straight jeans: Add a white tee and a camel coat. It is easy, and it feels very Paris.
- With a slip skirt: Try a satin midi skirt and a chunky sweater. Then let the mesh peek out at the hem.
- With socks: Thin ankle socks in cream or red make the trend feel playful for fall.
- With trousers: Wide leg pants and a blazer make mesh flats office friendly.
If you love a flat shoe moment, you will also like my Miu Miu ballet flats alternatives and my Bottega Veneta flats look alikes.
How I Picked These Mesh Flats
I looked at dozens of mesh flats for this list. First, I skipped anything with a loose, stretchy weave, since it tends to lose its shape. Then I checked the trim, the strap and the sole on each one.
I also leaned on reviews. Every pick has solid ratings, and I noted the ones with fewer reviews. Finally, I made sure there was a mix of prices, from under $20 to around $45.
One more tip: mesh flats are easy to care for. Spot clean them with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Skip the washing machine, because it can stretch the mesh and loosen the trim.
Which Mesh Flat Should You Buy?
Still deciding? Here is my quick take. If you want a classic black pair for everyday, go with EMMA NEW YORK. If the strap is your favorite part, choose Wnshonzy or the No Boundaries Mary Jane.
Then, if you are on a tight budget, BERANMEY is the one. And if you just want to test the trend, the plain No Boundaries flat is an easy yes at under $25.
Also, think about the color of your socks and pants. Black mesh shows skin the most, so it looks the boldest. Brown and bone feel softer and a little more fall friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to the Alaia mesh flats?
The EMMA NEW YORK Mesh Ballet Flats on Amazon are the closest everyday match. If you want the buckle strap, try the Wnshonzy Mesh Mary Jane Flats.
Does Walmart have an Alaia mesh flats look alike?
Yes! The No Boundaries Mesh Ballet Flats and the No Boundaries Mesh Mary Jane Flats are both under $25. The BERANMEY pair adds a crystal buckle for $17.99.
Are mesh flats comfortable?
Most are very comfortable because the mesh breathes. Still, look for a cushioned insole. Reviewers say the EMMA NEW YORK pair feels soft right out of the box.
Do mesh flats run small?
Many do, since mesh does not stretch much. Read the reviews, and size up a half size if you are between sizes.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick, the No Boundaries Mesh Ballet Flats are the best value. The EMMA NEW YORK pair is the best overall look alike. And the Wnshonzy Mary Jane is the one to get if the buckle strap is what you love most.
Discover more designer look alikes in my guide to the best designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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