Mesh Sneaker Trend: How to Style & What Socks to Wear with Them

The mesh sneaker, also known as an open weave sneaker or even sheer sneaker is a trend that started in 2024 but continued to gain steam. Now in 2026, it seems every single shoe brand, from “quiet luxury” brands on Net-a-Porter to comfort brands to budget labels have a sneaker this season that gives your feet some extra airflow.

And right now, it's not just one style of sneaker that is incorporating perforated leather, mesh, and open-work styles. Gorpcore chunky sneakers for the trails, sleek retro-inspired styles made with satin and suede, and sneaker classics get a glam-up with breezy open textiles.

The mesh sneaker is lighter in weight, more comfortable in the heat, and even when chunky gives a lighter effect making them great for travel, for looking more dressy than classic trainers, partnering with suits and skirts with plenty of style. I don't see the mesh sneaker trend going anywhere any time soon.

Popular Mesh Sneaker Trends

If you're interested in mesh sneakers, you may be wondering how to style them. I am going to share the most popular styles of mesh and perforated sneakers, how to style them, offer some style inspo from street and celebrity style, and keep reading for tips on what socks to wear with mesh sneakers.

Mesh Sneakers for Now and Into Fall

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It's still Deep Summer, but I know we're all thinking if we buy anything now, hopefully it will transition into fall. No worries, mesh sneakers may be great for hot summer days, but also work well for breezier autumn afternoons. Don't go too bright with the colors, consider more autumnal textiles like suede, and if you go more classic not only will it be more versatile, it will be more likely to look chic come next summer.

Elevated Perforated Sneakers

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Perforated sneakers from leather and suede can actually look more elevated than a solid shoe, making them a great choice for some personal style aesthetics as well as those looking to style sneakers for the workplace.

The sleek low-profile style is popular with perforated sneakers in leather and suede, but you will also see styles with classic soles that are usually a contrast in white or cream. Neutrals and metallics will not only be more versatile, but more elegant.

Gorpcore Mesh Sneakers

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The “gorpcore” trend of chunky sneakers ready for the trail or the track has been gaining steam the past few seasons. I appreciate a trend that is fashionable but also functional, and with mesh insets they're also breathable and lighter weight.

These may feel harder to wear after so many seasons of sneakers getting slimmer and sleeker. If they're not your jam, that's okay. But if they appeal to you, they go well with the athletic-inspired looks right now (track pants, longer shorts, leggings), but also can be a really cool juxtaposition with unexpected items (slip dress, midi and maxi skirts, wide-leg pants in satin or tweed).

Mesh Sneaker Hybrids (Mary Jane Sneakers, Sneakerinas)

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The sneaker hybrid has been a trend for a few seasons now, and it's not going away any time soon. From the Nike Air Rift with the tabi toebox to the incredibly popular Adidas Samba Jane, this is a shoe that naturally offers more airflow. With mesh and perforation, it's a summer winner and the change in texture elevates the shoe making it even better for dressing up.

You will see a lot of these with shaped “barefoot” style soles that have plenty of grip but not a lot of arch support. More low profile, these can often be easier to transition to dressier situations, take up less space in your luggage, and sometimes even double as a water shoe.

What Socks Does One Wear with Mesh Sneakers?

When you research what socks to wear with mesh sneakers, the main advice is go sockless. Yeah, that advice is probably from the same folks who are recommending we wear jelly shoes again. Been there, done that, learned our lesson.

The key is to either have your sock disappear, or make it clearly visible. You want a no-show sock, or a crew sock. Also check out my favorite hack for a no-show sock effect.

If it is a no-show sock, you do not want it to peek out of the opening at your ankle. The whole sock should be within the shoe. Go ultra-low profile with a color close to your skintone, or high enough to fill the whole mesh area. If it is a taller no-show sock, it can be your skintone or a color that complements your shoe. White, black, or have fun with colors, using a shade that pulls from the print of your outfit or a pop of color that adds fun and interest to your ensemble.

Best No-Show Socks for Perforated and Mesh Sneakers:

• Sheec Secret Ultra Low-cut No Show Socks: Available in four sizes so they're less likely to ride down, these come in three skintones and classic black. The seam and terry bottom makes them absorbent and a better fit than many no-show socks.
• Flat Socks: Made from 100% polyester microwool, these are inserts that go over your shoe's insole to absorb moisture and add comfort. Not always the best choice if you're looking for heel and/or toe protection, but a great option for shoes where no-show socks are a no-go.
• Bombas Lightweight No Show Sock: If you're looking for a no-show sock that will hide under the shoe, not slip, and come in some fun colors to peek through the mesh, these are ones I really like.
• ONDO: A personal favorite, ONDO socks come in cotton or merino wool and a range of heights. I love the merino version, which come in four sizes and I find stay up whether it's loafers or sneakers. If you want even lower profile, the low-cut option stays in place and I find hides even under ballet flats.

If it is a crew sock, you want the weight of the sock to complement the style of the shoe. The more low profile and delicate the shoe, the thinner the sock. A thin cotton crew in white is a very on-trend option that works with most any color and style of mesh or perforated sneaker. That being said, socks are a place you can show personality with sheer printed styles, fun pops of color, and even lace and fishnet. A thicker cotton crew goes well with chunkier athletic styles and trail sneakers.

Best Crew Socks for Wearing with Fashion Sneakers:

• HUE: The O.G. for stylish socks for women, HUE continues to offer the current trends without being over the top, or costing an arm and a leg. While HUE is carried at Nordstrom and various online retailers you will find the best selection on the brand website. For dressier styles of mesh sneakers, try the Sleek Sock, Bobby Sock, or the Sheer Anklet. For more athletic styles, the Mini Crew Top Sock doesn't feel try-hard for us grown folk.
• Stems: Another brand found at department stores like Nordstrom, Stems offers high-quality stylish socks that are a bit more elevated and understated while still being completely on-trend. You can't go wrong with any of the styles, but I am a personal fan of the Netted Crew in any color to go with your sneakers, as well as loafers, flats, slingbacks, and Mary Janes.
• Bombas: I am a big Bombas socks fan. Bombas is known for more athletic styles of socks, but in recent seasons has gotten some more trendy yet very wearable styles. The Lightweight Quarter Socks in white is a safe bet for any mesh or perforated sneaker; the Ruffle Rib Half Calf in gray reads fashionable without being a fashion victim (also a great choice for loafers). The Sheer Quarter Socks are a fun but not too wacky option for low-profile open-weave sneakers as well as flats, Mary Janes, and loafers. BTW code WARDROBE20 gets you 20% off your first order at Bombas.
• Hansel from Basel: I learned about this sock brand from my friends at Rise Styling. While I linked above to the brand on Nordstrom, Hansel from Basel also has a website, though it's orders of $75+ for free shipping and returns need to be in the exact condition you received them (hang tags still attached). But cool prints, thin socks that stay up, good quality.
• Sock Candy: If you want fun socks, you want Sock Candy. These are the sheer printed socks you see on a lot of street style and social media fashionistas. Sock Candy also carries a selection of socks over a size 10, which is great for those who feel size range is usually limited to more boring options.

Of course, with all fashion trends, you do not need to embrace the mesh sneaker trend to look stylish. However, if it is a shoe style you wish to incorporate, I hope this guide proves helpful!