Ranked: the 284 highest rated mesh running shoe families (2024) (page 12)
Mesh, sometimes referred to as a mesh upper, is a lightweight woven fabric used as the main fabric of shoes because of its breathability; the ability to allow sweat to escape. This can aid in the reduction of friction, which can lead to blisters, as well as bad odour and heat build-up. It falls into a similar category to knit however they differ in several ways: knit is water repellent, warmer and slightly stretchy whereas mesh is not water repellent but is breathable and keeps its form more.
