Crochet flats have gone from a niche, handmade curiosity to one of the most pinned shoe trends of the past two seasons. They sit somewhere between a classic ballet flat and a summer sandal: you get the clean, closed-toe shape that looks polished with a dress or trousers, but the open, looped texture lets air move around your feet in a way leather never could. Fashion editors have noted that the craze really took off when the Merezhyvni flats from the Ukrainian brand Hvóya went viral, and since then nearly every retailer, from luxury boutiques to Walmart, has released its own version.
The problem is that crochet flats vary hugely in how they feel on your feet. Some are built on a real cushioned footbed with a supportive sole, while others are little more than a pretty knit stretched over a paper-thin base. Fit is also trickier than with regular flats, because crochet stretches, relaxes, and sometimes runs small. In this guide, we walk through the best crochet flats to buy right now, what each pair is genuinely good (and not so good) at, and how to choose the right size and style for your feet so you can enjoy the trend without sore arches or blisters.
What Makes a Crochet Flat Comfortable?
Before getting into the picks, it helps to understand what separates a comfortable crochet flat from one that ends up at the back of your closet. The crochet upper is mostly about looks and breathability, while comfort lives almost entirely in the parts you don’t see at first glance: the insole, the sole, and how the shoe holds your heel.
The insole matters most. A flat with a padded or memory foam insole will feel dramatically different after a few hours of walking compared to one with a thin, unpadded footbed. Because ballet flats have little to no heel and very little arch structure, the insole is doing nearly all of the shock absorption. If a product listing does not mention any cushioning at all, assume it is minimal.
The sole should bend, but not fold in half. A good flat flexes at the ball of the foot where your toes bend as you walk, but stays reasonably firm through the middle. A sole that you can roll up like a sock offers almost no support and tends to leave your feet aching on hard pavement. A rubber outsole also gives you better grip than a smooth synthetic bottom, which is useful on tile floors and wet sidewalks.
Heel hold prevents slipping and rubbing. Crochet stretches as you wear it, so a slip-on style that feels snug on day one can start slipping off your heel by week three. Flats with an elastic topline, a Mary Jane strap, or a lace-up ankle tie hold the shoe on your foot more securely, which also reduces the friction that causes blisters at the back of the heel.
Fiber content changes the feel. Cotton and linen crochet feels soft, natural, and breathable, and it molds gently to your foot over time. Synthetic or PVC “crochet-look” flats are more durable in rain and easier to wipe clean, but they breathe less and can feel stiffer, especially at first.
Quick Comparison: Our Top Crochet Flat Picks
Prices below were checked at the time of writing and can change with sales and seasonal restocks, so always confirm on the retailer’s site before buying.
| Crochet Flat | Best For | Approx. Price | Key Comfort Feature | Fit Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hvóya Merezhyvni Flats | The original splurge | ~$440 | Handmade cotton-linen crochet that molds to the foot | Size up if between sizes |
| Simon Miller Crochet Riad Flat | Designer look on sale | ~$315 (often discounted) | Cotton-rich crochet upper | Size up if between sizes |
| J.Crew Square-Toe Crochet Ballet Flats | Polished mid-range pick | ~$160 (often on sale) | Small 25mm heel lift | Runs slightly small |
| Reformation Crochet-Look Knit Flats | City walking | Mid-range | Netted knit that holds up to long walks | True to size for most |
| Charles & Keith Crochet Mary Jane Flats | Year-round wear | Mid-range | Strap for a secure hold | Check brand size chart |
| Cushionaire Weavy Woven Flats | All-day comfort on a budget | Budget | Memory foam footbed | Square toe gives room |
| No Boundaries Crochet Mary Jane Flats | Budget Mary Jane | ~$29 | Memory foam insole, buckle strap | Medium width |
| Scoop Crochet Knot Ballet Flats | Budget trend test | Budget | Light cushioning | Some reviewers report rubbing |
| Charles Albert Crochet Lace Ballet Flat | Hot-weather breathability | Budget | Open mesh for airflow | No half sizes |
The Best Crochet Flats to Buy, Reviewed
1. Hvóya Merezhyvni Flats — Best Overall Splurge
If you want the pair that started the whole trend, this is it. The Merezhyvni is designed and produced in Ukraine, and retailers describe each pair as handmade for more than 20 hours using a blend of cotton, viscose, and linen. That natural fiber mix is the reason so many owners say the shoe feels like a soft glove: it relaxes and shapes itself to your foot over the first few wears instead of pressing against it.
The trade-off is price and practicality. At around $440, this is an investment shoe, and natural crochet is more delicate than leather, so it is better suited to dry summer days, travel, and dinners out than to rainy commutes. Retailers recommend sizing up if you are between sizes, since the fitted, sock-like construction leaves little extra room in the toe box. Some colorways and versions are also sold as final sale, so read the return policy carefully before ordering.
Pros: Beautiful handmade craftsmanship, soft natural fibers, molds to your foot over time. Cons: Very expensive, delicate in wet weather, limited stock and some final-sale versions.
2. Simon Miller Crochet Riad Flat — Best Designer Look on Sale
The Simon Miller Riad gives you a fashion-forward crochet flat with a slightly more modern, sculptural feel. Its upper is about 70% cotton and 30% polyester, which is a smart blend: the cotton keeps it breathable and soft, while the polyester adds a bit of strength so the shape holds up better than pure cotton crochet.
Its full price sits around $315, but it is frequently marked down heavily during end-of-season sales, which makes it one of the easier ways to get a designer crochet flat for less. Like the Hvóya, the brand recommends sizing up if you are between sizes. Sale items can be final sale and popular sizes sell out quickly, so this is a pair to grab when you see your size rather than wait on.
Pros: Designer styling, durable cotton-poly blend, big discounts during sales. Cons: Sale pairs may be non-returnable, sizes sell out fast.
3. J.Crew Square-Toe Crochet Ballet Flats — Best Mid-Range Pick
For many women, this is the sweet spot between quality and price. The J.Crew version has a modern square toe and a small 25mm heel, which matters more than it sounds: that slight lift takes some pressure off your heel compared to a completely flat sole, making it more comfortable for longer days. The square toe also gives your toes a little more space than a narrow pointed or round shape.
Customer reviews frequently describe these flats as lightweight, well made, and comfortable, and the black colorway is especially versatile because it dresses up for the office and down for weekends. The most important tip here is fit: the brand’s own review data shows they run slightly small, and at least one reviewer who sized up by half still found them tight. If you are between sizes or have wider feet, go up a full size, and check whether your color is final sale before ordering.
Pros: Polished square-toe shape, small heel lift for comfort, versatile colors, frequently on sale. Cons: Runs small, some colors are final sale.
4. Reformation Crochet-Look Knit Flats — Best for City Walking
Reformation’s take uses a netted knit fabric that closely mimics a crochet texture, giving you the look of the trend in a shoe that is a bit more structured. A Who What Wear editor who tested several crochet flats reported walking miles in this style and being surprised by how durable and comfortable it felt, which makes it a strong option if you plan to explore a city on foot.
Because the netting is a knit rather than true hand crochet, it tends to hold its shape a little better over time and is less likely to stretch out loosely. It pairs especially well with relaxed denim and simple tops for an easy weekend look. If you have very sensitive feet, consider adding a thin cushioned insole for long walking days, as with most ballet flats.
Pros: Tested for long walks, holds its shape, easy to style casually. Cons: Not true handmade crochet, mid-range price.
5. Charles & Keith Crochet Mary Jane Flats — Best for Year-Round Wear
Most crochet flats feel strictly like summer shoes, but Charles & Keith designed its crochet Mary Janes and crochet mules to work with cardigans, ribbed knit dresses, denim, and tailoring, which helps stretch them into spring and fall. The Mary Jane strap is the real comfort win here: it keeps the shoe firmly on your foot, so you don’t have to grip with your toes to stop it from slipping, which is a common cause of foot fatigue in slip-on flats.
These are a great pick if you want a crochet flat that feels a little more grown-up and structured. Pair them with tights or thin socks in cooler months for a cozy, textured look. Check the brand’s size chart carefully, since sizing can vary between regions.
Pros: Secure Mary Jane strap, works across seasons, polished design. Cons: Less breathable than open crochet styles, sizing varies by region.
6. Cushionaire Weavy Squared-Toe Woven Flats — Best All-Day Comfort on a Budget
Technically a woven flat rather than a true crochet one, the Cushionaire Weavy has the same open, textured look and has been named a best-overall pick for comfort and versatility in summer flat roundups. The big reason is its memory foam footbed, which gives you noticeably more cushioning underfoot than many crochet flats at any price.
The squared toe offers a bit more room for toes to spread naturally, which many women with wider forefeet will appreciate. This is the pair to choose if comfort is your top priority and you want the crochet-inspired look without a high price tag. As with any budget shoe, expect the upper to show wear sooner than a premium pair if you wear them daily.
Pros: Memory foam footbed, roomy square toe, affordable. Cons: Woven rather than true crochet, may wear faster with heavy use.
7. No Boundaries Crochet Mary Jane Flats — Best Budget Mary Jane
At around $29 at Walmart, this is one of the most affordable ways to try a crochet Mary Jane. It includes a memory foam insole, a lightweight and flexible build, and an adjustable buckle strap, which is a genuinely useful feature: you can tighten it as the crochet relaxes so the shoe keeps fitting well over time.
It comes in a medium width, so women with very wide or very narrow feet may want to try it on or order with a return option in mind. Many reviews praise the cushioning and light feel, though it’s worth noting that several reviews on the listing are marked as incentivized, so treat the star rating as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Pros: Very affordable, memory foam insole, adjustable buckle strap. Cons: Medium width only, budget materials.
8. Scoop Crochet Knot Ballet Flats — Best Budget Trend Test
If you are not sure you’ll wear crochet flats often, Scoop’s knot-detail ballet flats are a low-risk way to test the trend. The knot detail adds a sweet, feminine touch, and some reviewers note there is a bit of cushioning, so it doesn’t feel completely flat when you stand and walk.
Comfort reviews are mixed, though. One reviewer mentioned mild heel soreness despite loving the shoe overall, and another said the pair rubbed along the top and back of the foot. If you buy these, wear them around the house for a few days first, and keep blister patches or a heel grip handy for the break-in period.
Pros: Cute knot detail, low price, light cushioning. Cons: Mixed comfort reviews, possible rubbing during break-in.
9. Charles Albert Breathable Crochet Lace Ballet Flat — Best for Hot Weather
This style leans into a lacy, open crochet mesh designed for maximum airflow, which helps keep feet cooler and less sweaty on hot days. It is a lovely choice for beach towns, summer weddings, and humid climates where closed leather shoes feel stuffy.
Shoppers say it holds up well, with one reviewer reporting it was still going strong after four months of wear. The biggest complaint is sizing: the style doesn’t come in half sizes, so if you are a half size, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer a slightly snug or slightly roomy fit. Most women find going up and adding a thin insole is more comfortable than squeezing into a smaller size.
Pros: Very breathable, durable for the price, pretty lace look. Cons: No half sizes, minimal arch support.
How to Find the Right Fit in Crochet Flats
Fit is where most crochet-flat disappointments happen, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes before you click “buy.”
Check whether the brand runs small. Several popular crochet flats, including the J.Crew, Hvóya, and Simon Miller styles, are known to run small or recommend sizing up when you’re between sizes. The fitted, sock-like crochet construction simply leaves less room than a structured leather flat. Always read the brand’s fit notes and scan recent reviews for comments like “runs small” or “size up.”
Remember that crochet stretches. Natural cotton and linen crochet will relax by roughly a small amount with wear. A pair that is snug but not painful on day one usually loosens into a comfortable fit. A pair that already feels roomy will likely end up slipping off your heel. The exception is toe length: if your toes are pressed against the front, that will not improve, so size up.
Measure your feet in the afternoon. Feet naturally swell a little throughout the day, especially in warm weather. Measuring or trying on shoes in the late afternoon gives you a more realistic idea of how they’ll feel during a full day out.
Consider your foot shape. If you have wide feet or bunions, look for square or almond-toe shapes and soft, stretchy crochet that won’t press on the side of the foot. If you have narrow feet or low-volume feet, choose styles with a Mary Jane strap, buckle, or lace tie so you can tighten the fit and stop your heel from slipping.
Check the return policy first. Many trendy crochet flats, especially sale pairs, are final sale. If you’re unsure about sizing, choose a retailer with free or easy returns, or buy from a brand you already know fits you well.
Comfort Tips for Wearing Crochet Flats All Day
Even the best crochet flats are still ballet flats, which means they offer limited arch support and very little shock absorption compared to sneakers. These simple habits will help your feet stay comfortable.
Add a thin cushioned or arch-support insole. A slim gel or foam insole can make a dramatic difference on long walking days, especially if your flats came with a thin footbed. If you deal with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or regular arch pain, look for a low-profile insole with gentle arch support, and talk to a podiatrist if foot pain is persistent.
Break them in at home first. Wear new crochet flats around the house for an hour or two at a time over several days. This lets the crochet relax to your foot shape and shows you where any hot spots are before you’re stuck walking around the city.
Protect blister-prone areas. Apply blister patches or anti-friction balm to the back of your heel and the top of your toes during the first few wears. These are the areas where crochet edges and seams most often rub.
Choose no-show socks for warmer days. Thin, breathable no-show socks or toe liners reduce friction, absorb sweat, and help keep the inside of the shoe fresher. Choose a neutral or nude shade so they don’t peek through the crochet holes.
Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same flats every day doesn’t give the materials time to recover or dry out. Rotating between two pairs, or alternating with sneakers on heavy walking days, keeps both your shoes and your feet happier.
How to Style Crochet Flats
Crochet flats work best when you balance their soft, handmade texture with smoother or more structured fabrics, which keeps the look polished rather than costume-like.
With denim: Pair ivory or butter-yellow crochet flats with straight-leg or baggy jeans and a crisp white tee or a simple tank. This is the easiest everyday outfit and works for errands, brunch, or casual travel days.
With maxi and midi dresses: Crochet flats look especially pretty with flowing linen or cotton dresses. A matching crochet top or bag can tie the look together, but keep the rest of the outfit simple so the textures don’t compete.
With tailored pieces: Black or neutral square-toe crochet flats look surprisingly professional with cropped trousers, a poplin shirt, or a structured blazer, making them a smart choice for summer office days.
In cooler months: Wear Mary Jane crochet flats with sheer tights or ribbed socks, a knit midi skirt, and a chunky cardigan for a cozy, textured fall look.
How to Care for Crochet Flats
Crochet is more delicate than leather, so a little care goes a long way in keeping your flats looking fresh.
Spot-clean gently. For most fabric crochet flats, use a soft brush to remove dust, then dab marks with a cloth dipped in cool water and a drop of mild soap. Avoid scrubbing, which can fuzz or loosen the loops. Always check the brand’s care label first, since some handmade pairs should not be washed at all.
Never machine-dry them. Heat can shrink natural fibers, warp the sole, and weaken glue. Let your flats air-dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper towels or tissue so they keep their shape.
Avoid heavy rain. Natural cotton and linen crochet absorbs water and can stretch or stain when soaked. Save premium pairs for dry days, or choose a PVC or synthetic crochet-look style if you need something weather-friendly.
Store them with support. Keep your flats in a breathable cotton dust bag or box, lightly stuffed to hold their shape. Avoid stacking heavy shoes on top, which can flatten the crochet texture.
Snip, don’t pull, loose threads. If you notice a loose yarn end, carefully trim it with small scissors rather than pulling, which can unravel a section of the crochet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crochet flats comfortable for walking all day? They can be, but it depends heavily on the specific pair. Styles with a memory foam or padded insole, a rubber outsole, and a secure strap or elastic topline are the most comfortable for long days. Very thin, unpadded crochet flats are better for short outings, and almost any pair will feel better with a thin cushioned insole added.
Do crochet flats stretch out? Yes, especially natural cotton and linen crochet. Expect a slight relaxing of the fit over the first few weeks. That’s why a snug, but not painful, fit at first is usually ideal, and why adjustable straps are so useful.
Should I size up in crochet flats? Many popular styles run small or recommend sizing up if you are between sizes, but not all. Read the brand’s fit notes and recent reviews for each pair. If your toes are touching the front of the shoe, size up, because toe length will not stretch.
Are crochet flats good for wide feet? They can be one of the better flat options for wide feet, because soft crochet tends to give more than stiff leather. Look for square or almond toes, stretchy uppers, and brands that offer wide widths or roomier fits.
Can I wear crochet flats in the rain? It’s best to avoid it with natural fiber pairs, which can absorb water, stretch, and stain. PVC or jelly-style crochet-look flats are a better choice for unpredictable weather.
Are crochet flats still in style? Yes. Crochet flats have remained a strong part of the ballet flat trend, appearing in fashion editors’ summer roundups, retailer collections, and even fall and winter footwear lines styled with knits and tights.
Final Thoughts
The best crochet flats combine a pretty, breathable upper with the less glamorous features that actually keep your feet comfortable: a cushioned insole, a flexible but supportive sole, and a fit that holds your heel securely. If you want the original and love handmade craftsmanship, the Hvóya Merezhyvni is worth the splurge. For a polished everyday option, the J.Crew square-toe pair is a strong mid-range choice, especially on sale. And if comfort and budget come first, the Cushionaire Weavy and No Boundaries Mary Janes give you cushioned footbeds for a fraction of the price.
Whichever pair you choose, check the sizing notes carefully, break them in gently at home, and keep a slim insole on hand for long walking days. With the right fit, crochet flats are one of the easiest ways to add a soft, feminine, handmade touch to your wardrobe, without sacrificing comfort.
