These midnight navy lattice sneakers look like they walked out of a boutique, but you can make them yourself. Built on a real rubber sole with open mesh sides and a ribbed high-top cuff, they stay breathable and actually wearable. The lattice is just chains and single crochets in a simple repeat—if you can work those stitches, you can make these. Ready to crochet shoes that turn heads?
Why You Will Love Making These Crochet Sneakers
Wearable crochet footwear has been on my mind for years. These high-tops deliver breathable lattice mesh that keeps feet cool, plus a sturdy sole so you can actually walk in them. They look complex, but the mesh is just a straightforward chain-and-single-crochet repeat.
Handmade sneakers make a serious statement. People will stop you to ask where you bought them. The deep navy color pairs with jeans, dresses, or athleisure without trying too hard. Functional and stylish? That’s a rare combo in crochet footwear.
Pattern Details and Skill Level
Skill level sits at intermediate. You need comfort with working in the round, increasing and decreasing, and attaching crochet to a non-fabric base. If you’ve already made slippers, you can handle this.
The sample is shown in women’s US size 8. Adjust by choosing different sole sizes and tweaking stitch counts. Gauge is 16 single crochet stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches. Check it—fit depends on it.
Materials Needed for Your Crochet Sneakers
Gather these:
- Yarn: 250–300 yards of DK weight cotton in midnight navy. Mercerized cotton gives durability and clean stitch definition. Choose yarn with minimal stretch so the shape holds.
- Hooks: 3.5 mm (E/4) for the main body. Optional 3.25 mm (D/3) for a tighter ribbed cuff.
- Extra supplies: Rubber sneaker sole in your size, tapestry needle, stitch markers, awl or leather punch, strong thread or thin cord for the initial attachment, optional fabric glue.
- Laces: Crocheted i-cord or purchased flat cotton laces in matching navy.
That’s the full list. Nothing exotic beyond the sole itself.
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Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Quick cheat sheet:
- Ch – chain
- Sl st – slip stitch
- Sc – single crochet
- Sc2tog – single crochet two together (decrease)
- BLO – back loop only (creates the ribbed texture)
- Ch-sp – chain space
You already know these. The lattice just combines them in a repeating pattern.
How to Prepare Your Sneaker Sole
This step makes or breaks the finished look. Use an awl or leather punch to create evenly spaced holes around the entire perimeter of the sole. Space them about ¼ inch apart and ¼ inch from the edge.
For a women’s size 8 you should end up with roughly 80–90 holes. Count them carefully—your foundation round stitch count will match that number exactly. Mark the center front and center back for reference later.
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Crochet Sneaker Pattern Instructions
Foundation Round (Attaching to Sole)
Hold the sole with the bottom facing you. Insert the hook through the first hole at the center back heel, pull up a loop, and chain 1. Work one single crochet through each hole all the way around. Join with a slip stitch. Place markers at the center front toe and center back heel.
Building the Sole Border
Work two more rounds of single crochet around. These create a neat border that covers the edge of the rubber sole and give you a stable base for the upper.
Toe Cap Section
The toe stays solid for durability. Count 15 stitches to each side of the center front marker (30 stitches total). Work back and forth in single crochet, decreasing at both ends every other row until you have about 20 stitches left. Fasten off. The solid toe cap gives the sneaker that classic structured look.
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Lattice Mesh Body
Rejoin yarn at the side of the toe cap. Work a setup round of single crochet evenly around the entire upper edge, including across the top of the toe cap. Adjust the count so it is divisible by 3 plus 1.
Begin the mesh: chain 4 (counts as single crochet plus chain 3), skip 2 stitches, single crochet in the next, and repeat. On following rounds, work single crochet into each chain space and chain 3 between them. Continue for about 9 rounds of mesh until the body reaches 3–4 inches tall. The open lattice grows fast and looks intentional.
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Lace Panel Construction
Work a separate rectangular panel with evenly spaced chain-2 holes for the laces. Create the holes every other row so you end up with about 8 pairs. Finish the edges with single crochet for a clean border, then sew the panel to the front of the sneaker, centering it over the toe cap and extending up through the mesh.
Ribbed Ankle Cuff
Join yarn at the center back and work single crochet around the top edge of the mesh. Switch to back-loop-only single crochet for 6 rounds to create stretchy ribbing. Finish with a slip-stitch round in the back loops. The cuff gives the high-top its polished, structured finish.
Creating the Crochet Laces
Make matching i-cord laces about 45 inches long, or simply use purchased flat cotton laces in navy. Two laces total. Thread them through the holes and you’re done.
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Tips for Crochet Sneaker Success
Stuff the finished sneakers with tissue paper and give them a light steam so the shape sets. For extra durability, run a thin line of fabric glue along the inside edge where the crochet meets the sole.
Cotton or cotton-blend yarn is non-negotiable—acrylic stretches too much and loses shape. Adjust stitch counts and row numbers proportionally for smaller or larger sizes.
FYI, the mesh section is the most addictive part. Once the rhythm clicks, it grows quickly.
Caring for Your Handmade Crochet Sneakers
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For a deeper clean, hand wash gently in cool water and reshape while damp. Never machine wash or dry—the sole attachment and mesh pattern will suffer. Store them stuffed with tissue paper so they keep their shape between wears.
FAQ’s
Can a confident intermediate crocheter handle this?
Yes. If you’re comfortable working in the round, decreasing, and basic seaming, the lattice mesh is just a simple repeat. The sole attachment is the only new-ish skill, and it is straightforward once the holes are punched.
Do I really need special rubber soles?
Yes. Pre-made rubber soles with punched holes turn these into actual outdoor shoes instead of indoor slippers. They are easy to find online in multiple sizes.
How long does a pair usually take?
Most makers finish in a few evenings once the mesh pattern settles in. The toe cap and cuff are the quickest sections.
Can I change the color?
Absolutely. Midnight navy looks sharp and versatile, but any solid DK cotton works. Just keep the yarn consistent for both shoes.
Will the lattice stretch out?
With cotton and firm tension, the mesh holds its shape well. Avoid acrylic if you want the sneakers to stay structured over time.
Conclusion
These midnight navy lattice sneakers prove that crochet footwear can look modern, stay breathable, and actually get worn outside the house. The solid toe, open mesh, and ribbed cuff come together into a pair that earns compliments every time you lace them up. Grab your sole, pick up that navy cotton, and get ready for the “wait, you made those?” reactions. Happy crocheting!
