I Spot New Trends for a Living, But This "Freaky" Trainer Style Took Even Me by Surprise

The mesh trainer trend is on the rise, and with it, it’s bringing a whole new devotion to the concept of everyday luxury. If there’s one thing to be gleaned from the key fashion trends prevailing in 2025, it’s that there’s never been a better time to focus on the finer things.

Whilst silhouettes have remained quite austere, accessories like suede bags, scarf belts and pendant necklaces provide an opportunity to inject playfulness into pared-back looks. These small but mighty details carry more weight than ever before, with "blink and you’ll miss them" styling inclusions crucial to elevating muted ensembles. So, it should come as no surprise that the latest addition to pique the interest of style insiders is none other than the mesh trainer trend.

This year’s most popular shoes have already demonstrated a collective penchant for eclectic—or "freaky", as fashion consultant, writer and trend forecaster Mandy Lee, known by her social media handle @oldloserinbrooklyn, puts it—shapes. From Tory Burch’s pierced mules to Ancient Greek Sandals’ jelly flip-flops, designers are taking a page out of the Dries Van Noten school of clashing to create hybrid designs that combine two footwear styles. As the name suggests, the mesh trainer trend does exactly that, fusing the sheer elegance of mesh flats with the function and utility of trainers.

Don’t think for a second that this is just another in the line of sport variants that make up the leading trainer trends of 2025. Rather, mesh trainers carry an air of softness and intimacy, acting like an extension of the sheer clothing trend we saw dominate during the warmer months. Naked dressing but for your feet? We’ll bite.

What Is the Mesh Trainer Trend?

If you’ve participated in any fashion-skewed conversations lately, you’ll know that many discussions have focused on one surprising part of our anatomy: toes. The New York Times espoused that it’s a great time to be a toe. I’d have to agree, considering these digits’ publicists have worked tirelessly this summer to make a case for getting our pedicures out. But where the act of showcasing these oft-concealed body parts is complementary to warm weather, the mesh trainer trend is a polished alternative primed for transeasonal dressing.

Pamela Anderson made this apparent whilst out in New York promoting her latest project, a remake of 1980s police comedy The Naked Gun. Tending to various promotional requirements, the 58-year-old wore a butter-yellow argyle sweater, a matching maxi skirt and a pair of mesh trainers from Jacquemus.

The sneaker, inspired by track-and-field styles, features a suede upper and contrasting mesh panel that exposes the side of the foot. Whilst the French designer is known for his skin-baring cuts inspired by blissful locales like Mariselle, Provence and Paris, he’s not the only one embracing this revealing silhouette.

Elsewhere in Europe, Dear Frances is rendering its beloved Balla mesh slipper into this more athletic feel, introducing its first-ever mesh trainer as part of its recent "transition capsule". Dear Frances's co-founder and creative director, Jane Frances, tells me that this expansion was a natural evolution. "Translating our Italian mesh in this way offers an unexpected counterpoint to a traditionally sporty silhouette," she says. "It’s a focused choice of transparency in a quiet, sensual way."

How to Style Mesh Trainers

The mesh trainer trend does, however, come with its own styling bugbear. Trainers' durability, stability and unwavering arch support make them the most suitable choice for commuting around town or walking upward of 20,000. Plus, they also act as a barrier between your soles and the grimy city streets. So, how to wear shoes that ultimately rebel against these characteristics?

You must first acknowledge that mesh trainers aren’t your typical trainers, especially the more sophisticated ones. They’re not going to supply the same levels as traditional exercise-ready sneakers. Regarding them as akin to a sportier ballet flat will help you unlock further styling possibilities. Lean into the shoe’s practicality and prettiness by wearing them with trousers and windbreakers or satin shorts and an airy blouse, respectively.

Though it might seem counterintuitive to invest in a pair of trainers that isn’t particularly nimble, the mesh trainer trend shows no sign of waning. Already this month, Chemana Kamali introduced her first trainer design for Chloé, with the mesh trainer trend appearing in this boxing-boot-ballet-slipper mash-up. Of course, there are also classic brands like Salomon and Asics incorporating mesh elements into their signature designs. Simply put, the mesh trainer trend is the simplest and most stylish way to put your best foot forward.

Shop the Mesh Trainer Trend

How Long Do Mesh Trainers Last?

When taken care of, mesh trainers will certainly last you a few years. If you're opting for a sportier style, you won't need to take as much care as you would with the sleeker styles.

However, if you're looking to invest in a pair from The Row or Dear Frances, Frances says, "A simple water wipe will keep mesh in top condition. And store them in their dust bag when not worn. The beauty of mesh is that it’s straightforward to take care of, as well as versatile to wear."

Are Mesh Trainers Good for Your Feet?

Mesh trainers are both lightweight and breathable, which offers several podiatry benefits. However, they won't offer as much support as other trainers would, meaning that you should bookend wearing mesh trainers with styles that are more cushioned.

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