Fashion moves almost as quickly as a track star. The never-ending cycle of new shoe trends can make keeping up with the ever-changing algorithm feel like a marathon. It’s normal then to forget what footwear was in fashion over the last few months, much less last season. But allow us to jog your memory about two “divisive” shoe trends that made major waves last year: mesh flats and jelly sandals. If you can recall, there was a period in which you couldn’t scroll through social media without spotting transparent footwear made from netted mesh, opaque organza, and perforated plastic. Although seemingly “impractical,” the shoe styles suddenly went viral overnight thanks to the buzz-worthy options released from Alaïa, Dear Frances, and The Row. While we don’t doubt that these two trends will still be around this spring, there’s another style trailing behind as the successor: woven leather shoes. Similar to mesh flats or jelly sandals, this shoe trend features the same level of translucency.
However, the style is distinct from its predecessors because they’re made from an entirely different textile. While that might not necessarily seem all that “revolutionary,” it’s the next step in the evolution of this shoe trend that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Hear us out: woven leather shoes make wearing “sheer” footwear something that doesn’t have to be confined to being worn during the warmer seasons. Although we’ve seen the most examples of these shoes in spring/summer 2025 runway shows, the style’s versatility makes it a trend that’s likely to stick around for the long haul. But if you’re still not convinced that woven leather shoes will be the next big thing, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’ve curated examples of this footwear on the runway and in the wild, plus we’ve rounded up the best woven leather shoes to buy for spring (and beyond).
On the Runway
Gabriela Hearst SS25
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Gabriela Hearst S/S 25)
Gabriela Hearst’s spring show gave the classic slingback flat an upgrade through a luxe leather weaving technique.
Fendi SS25
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Fendi S/S 25)
Fendi’s spring summer 2025 runway show played up the footwear’s opacity by styling them with sheer separates.
Stella McCartney SS25
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Stella McCartney S/S 25)
While mesh flats and jelly sandals may have run the runways last season, designers took the trend to new heights (quite literally). We saw leather woven intricately together to create a cage-like mule at Stella McCartney, showcasing that this trend can be adapted into so many different types of footwear.
Jacquemus SS25
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Jacquemus S/S 25)
One of the cheekier takes on this shoe came in the form of yellow slingback woven leather heels that resembled the appearance of a banana peel in Jacquemus’s spring show.
Bottega Veneta SS25
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Bottega Veneta S/S 25)
While many of the spring collections showcased woven leather shoes with an open weave, Bottega Veneta’s show gave us a glimpse into the potential future of the style’s evolution with a pair of intrecciato weave white pumps.
In the Wild
It’s not just runway collections that feature woven leather shoes, as we’ve already seen the fashion set flock to this trend.
Often, we see the shoe style worn with oversized denim, studded belts, and simple boat-neck shirts to make them stand out a bit more.
But baggy jeans are the only bottom that pairs well with woven leather flats—relaxed trousers do, too!
Beyond bottoms, we’ve seen several fashion people style woven ballerina shoes with simple white dresses for a simple yet sophisticated warm-weather ensemble.
Although the open-weave on this particular shoe trend makes it ideal for wearing during the spring and summer, it can be transitioned into the fall (see above as proof). We doubt woven leather shoes will go anywhere anytime soon, so you might as well run (don’t walk) to get your hands on this trend.
Shop the Trend
Madewell
The Ophelia Slingback Flats
These slingbacks are sure to become the backbone of your spring wardrobe.
Fendi
Woven Slingback Pump
Oh, Fendi… You get us every time.
The price-point? The pale blue color? The pretty leather weave? Perfection all-around.
H&M
Leather Slingback Pumps
No one will guess that these aren’t designer.
Gabriela Hearst
Milos Woven Leather Ballet Flats
Prediction: these ballet flats will be one of spring’s most popular designer options.
Not your typical pair of black mules.
Larroudé
Verona Macrame Ballet Flat
The dark navy hue makes the style all the more decadent.
Jacquemus
Les Cubisto Banane B Slingbacks
NGL, we’ve spent an almost egregious amount of time staring at these slingbacks since their debut on the S/S 25 runway.
Alaïa
Leather Net Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
If you didn’t get a chance to buy Alaïa’s buzzy mesh ballerinas last spring, you have a second chance now.
Finally, footwear you can wear to the office during the summer!
Le Monde Béryl
Woven Leather Ballet Flats
These babies are beggin’ for a trip to Paris, amrite?
Of course, Jil Sander would make a pair of woven sandals that would make our stomach knots simply because they’re that stunning.
Staud
Nell Woven Leather Ballet Flats
Staud never fails the assignment.
SourceUnknown
Weave Slingback Heels
Dear Frances
Balla Weave Flat
If you thought that Dear Frances wouldn’t take part in making this trend happen, think again.
Bottega Veneta
Frog Knotted Leather Stiletto Mules
It’s the little gold frog detail for us…
Miista
Yeida Butter Ballerinas
We won’t judge if you just drooled a little bit over these butter-yellow ballet flats.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Woven Mule
Simkhai
Eden Woven Leather Ballerina Flats
We’d pair these with linen trousers and a Benton striped sweater.
Stella McCartney
Spur Woven Alter-Mat Pumps
Proenza Schouler
Tee Perforated Ballet Flat
Although these Proenza Schouler are perforated (not woven), they’re too good not to be included.
Loeffler Randall
Maeve Woven Pointed Toe Pump
Calling all workin’ girls!
Freda Salvador
Riley Open Weave Ballet Flat
You won’t regret packing these flats for that upcoming vacation.
Aeyde
Helit Patent Leather Slingbacks
Black heels don’t have to be boring (proof above).
Vince
Vivian Woven Mary Janes
There’s nothing we love more than a black-and-white ballet flat. But a woven leather one? Well, that’s even better.
You can’t be French, but these flats will get you closer to it.
Anthropologie
Bibi Lou Woven Moto Ballet Flats
The olive green hue of these woven flats will make them transition effortlessly into your fall wardrobe.