You Might Have to Squint to See Summer’s Hottest Shoe

People always ask me how I walk long stretches in sky-high heels—my secret? I don’t. I carry a pair of comfy slides in my purse, ready to book it a few blocks. I’ve mastered the art of flipping my footwear in the most inopportune places (think: a moving escalator or crowded subway), but recently decided it was time to give my trusty slides some rest. 

In my search for a pair of cute and comfortable flats, I came across a confusing photo of Jennifer Lawrence wearing a shoe I had to squint to see. Her barely there mesh flats were just sheer enough to put her whole foot on display. With all ten toes brazenly flashing me, I wondered if she’d dared to roam the streets of New York City completely barefoot. While I’d never considered casting my own toes as the lead of any outfit, there was something oh-so-sexy about this illusion shoe that felt forbidden. 

Countless celebrities are on board with the trend; Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, and Zendaya have all worn the nearly naked style in both fine-mesh and fishnet varieties, making it a clear frontrunner as Hollywood’s favorite summer shoe. In fact, several A-listers have recently reached for Lawrence’s exact Alaïa Mary Jane—including Dua Lipa and Elsa Hosk—so it’s no surprise that the $890 style is often sold out. 

This lookalike Vagabond pair is a fraction of the price, as is this babydoll option from Reformation that also comes in an unexpected bejeweled style. If Mary Janes aren’t quite your speed, many styles are being rendered in mesh this season. These ankle-strap ballerinas from Mango are equal parts sweet and stately. And for an easy-on, easy-off alternative, turn to this Loeffler Randall ballet flat, complete with a dainty bow that offsets its contemporary silhouette.

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat

Mango Ballerina Flat With Mesh Bracelet

Mesh flats are just the start of footwear you have to squint to see; just look to transparent styles as further proof of the trend. Worn by Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Aniston, the invisible upper material vanishes in certain angles and lighting, elongating the legs. Although ironically eye-catching, Houdini heels can serve as a neutral—perhaps why they were the unofficial shoe of the 2024 Met Gala, with Elle Fanning and Kim Kardashian both opting for the clear style.

Stay true to the trend in Schutz’s classic two-strap stiletto, or if you prefer being closer to the ground, the brand’s Victorie sandal offers the same classic effect with a shorter block heel. For those feeling daring, sculptural options like this sphere-heel style from Cult Gaia and edgy Jeffrey Campbell pair scream modern elegance. This vinyl-top Larroudé pair features a flashy metallic footbed and flared transparent heel, combining two major 2024 footwear trends into one ultra-chic shoe.

Cult Gaia Gigi Metallic Sphere-Heel Vinyl Sandal

Schutz Victorie Slide Sandal

One final style worthy of zooming in on is strappy sandals. They have forever been a summer mainstay, but modern renditions feel even more minimal, with teeny tiny asymmetric straps that allow ample skin to show through. Take Kendall Jenner’s Met Gala after-party pair: Her dainty heels grounded not one, but two angelic, all-white looks, proving the versatility of this simple and elegant style. 

This Reformation pair is essentially the kitten-heel counterpart of Kendall’s sky-high party shoe, complete with a square toe and criss-cross side strap. This snakeskin style from Banana Republic gives you the same look with an almond-shaped front. This pointy option would be chic peeking out of wide-leg pants, as would these metallic pairs from Steve Madden and Schutz, which come in four more colors. 

Banana Republic Terzo Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal

Steve Madden Locke Heel

If there’s anything Hollywood’s favorite summer It styles prove, it’s that the future of footwear is nearly naked. So, grab your glasses and shop more of my favorite squint-to-see styles below.

Vagabond Shoemakers Wioletta Mesh Mary Jane Flat

Reformation Rhinestone Mesh Bethany Ballet Flat

Loeffler Randall Landon Soft Ballet Flat

Jeffrey Campbell Bare Slide Sandal

Schutz Ariella Stiletto Sandal

Larroudé Vivi Lucite Hi Mule

Reformation Serenity Bare Sandal

Reformation Daphne Heeled Sandal

Schutz Heloise Slingback Sandal