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It's Official: Zendaya Is Obsessed with These Shoes—But You Don't Have to Pay $800 to Get the Look

She wore mesh ballet flats yet again

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zendaya mesh bottega veneta flats
Karwai Tang/Getty Images/Nordstrom

My all-time favorite style icon Zendaya has once again stepped out in a pair of oh-so-trendy (and, OK, slightly controversial) mesh ballet flats by Bottega Veneta ($790), and I can't seem to get them off my mind. I never thought I'd see fishnet-style footwear become so popular, but here we are. The Challengers star was also seen sporting the same shoes back in May.

In the most recent pap shots, captured in Notting Hill, London last weekend, the actress paired the shoes with low-rise Studio Nicholson trousers, a simple Agolde tank top and Louis Vuitton bag. Of course, my eyes were drawn straight toward those infamous flats, which tout a textile mesh upper and a cleat-like synthetic sole for comfort and walkability. 

Bottega Veneta

They also boast a way-out-of-my-budget price tag. If you're like me, and are finally ready to give this trend a go—without breaking the bank, that is—look no further, because I found three lookalike pairs of mesh flats that do the designer OGs justice, but start at just $29.

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I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this mesh pick on Amazon for only 60 bucks, and given the pair's high ratings, I have no doubt about the quality. The shoes have a buckled strap that gives them a Mary Jane look, and a wide-netted upper. Reviewers say they're very comfortable, but one suggests sizing up a half size: "They are super cute, trendy and incredibly comfortable. I decided to go a half size up, and I'm glad I did, because they do run a little small. I've worn them all day while walking around multiple times, and they never let me down."

Beloved by PureWow editors, Vivaia shoes are known for their comfort, washability and affordability. Needless to say, it's check, check and check when it comes to this popular mesh version of the brand's Margot flats, which looks super similar to Zendaya's Bottega pair. I love the square toe and flexible fabric outer, as well as the fact that there's a lining at the toe (so your feet aren't *too* exposed). They come with a foam insole for cushy strolling, but if you like extra support, don't worry—they're purportedly designed to offer prime arch and forefoot support, and have a heel rebound to boot, so you can wear these all day without compromising comfort. "I have plantar fasciitis and have to wear custom orthotics, but still have to wear dress shoes to work. Margot 2.0 wide is the only pair of dress shoes I have found that fit my orthotics and I can wear comfortably all day," one customer says.

If you want a more sheer mesh style over a wider weave, opt for this chic pair, which has a sleeker, daintier-looking construction. The top of the shoe has a thick seam to break up the mesh, while the insole is lightly padded for a touch more comfort. These also have low, .25-inch rubber heel, with a non-skid rubber sole to help keep you grounded, even on slick floors. They look good, and the price is right—I don't know about you, but I'm ready to give 'em a Zendaya-inspired whirl.


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Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University

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