Why open-weave crochet shoes are officially summer’s chicest ballet flat and sandal replacement

The ballet flat had its moment. Now, open-weave crochet shoes are quietly eating its lunch—and they're doing it with the kind of effortless elegance that makes you wonder how we ever wore anything else. This isn't your grandmother's macramé moment: we're talking sculptural, architectural weaving that hits the intersection of balletcore, seaside luxury, and directional cool.

The Viral Shoe Nobody Saw Coming

It started quietly on the red carpet and beach clubs of Capri, then exploded across the feeds. Gigi Hadid paired a cream crochet ballet flat with a Jacquemus column dress in Monaco. Hailey Bieber wore the Bottega Veneta version—a woven leather iteration—with low-rise linen trousers. By June, every luxury fashion house had released their own: Hermès, Loro Piana, Aesther Ekme. The consensus was instant and unanimous: open-weave crochet isn't just comfortable, it's the shoe that works from sunrise Pilates to sunset aperitivo.

What makes this footwear so magnetic is its strange duality. At first glance, it reads pure ballet—flat sole, minimal profile, elongating silhouette. But the open weave transforms it into something more sculptural and architectural, less ballet studio and more resort-wear fantasy. The breathability of the crochet means no sweating, no restriction. It's a sandal that doesn't sacrifice structure or polish.

Why It's Actually the Perfect Summer Shoe

The genius lies in versatility without compromise. This shoe works whether you're:

• Heading to a lunch in St. Tropez with linen shorts and a silk tank

• Running weekend errands in elevated basics—think tailored trousers and a crisp button-down

• Dressing down a slip dress for casual elegance

• Pairing with lightweight suiting for an edge

• Layering over sheer socks for a spring fashion moment that'll dominate TikTok

The shoe absorbs the informality of summer while maintaining the sophistication of structured footwear. You get the ease of a sandal with the polish of a ballet flat. And unlike sandals—which can feel sloppy—crochet holds its shape, wraps the foot beautifully, and photographs like a dream.

"The open-weave crochet flat is the shoe that finally bridges the gap between resort wear and real life," a Vogue accessories editor said last month. And honestly, she's not wrong.

The Designer Versions Worth Knowing

Bottega Veneta's leather iteration is the luxury standard—woven nappa in cream, black, and butter yellow. The craftsmanship is immaculate; the interlocking pattern mimics the house's signature design codes. Price: expect to pay.

Hermès has released a crochet version in their signature cotton blend, with the kind of refinement you'd expect. It reads less beachy, more haute couture.

Aesther Ekme—the Copenhagen luxury brand—makes the most architecturally interesting version. Their open weave is almost sculptural, with negative space that catches light beautifully. Photographers love this shoe.

Sportmax offers a slightly more accessible entry point without sacrificing aesthetic. The proportions are spot-on, and the quality is undeniably strong.

How to Style Them Now

The most editorial approach? Pair crochet flats with sheer or textured socks—Margiela mesh socks, thin merino, even delicate fishnet. It sounds niche but reads incredibly current, especially with cropped trousers or midi skirts. Fashion insiders have been doing this since February.

For a more relaxed formula, wear them bare-footed with linen, cotton, or silk. The key is keeping the rest of the outfit intentional. These shoes demand clean lines, quality fabrics, and a coherent color story. Throw them on with resort wear and they elevate instantly. Pair with oversized tailoring and they ground the look with unexpected refinement.

The Bigger Picture

What's interesting about the rise of open-weave crochet shoes is what it signals about where luxury is heading. We're past the era of conspicuous logo branding and heavy statement pieces. Instead, fashion is moving toward tactile sophistication, craft visibility, and shoes that work with your lifestyle rather than against it. This is wearable luxury dressed as ease—and that's where the real power lies.

By August, if you're still in a regular sandal, you'll wonder why. This is the shoe that feels like the obvious choice in hindsight. Summer 2025 isn't about substituting one shoe for another. It's about understanding that sometimes, the most fashion-forward move is also the most practical one.