What Kind of Men Who Wear Shoes Without Socks

Your girlfriend has it easy. Summer comes around and all she has to do to accommodate the rising mercury is throw on a dress and slip into some sandals. You, on the other hand, probably aren't looking to do that or you'd be reading a completely different site.

Instead, for you, summer brings with it annual footwear frustrations over how to stay stylish but also stay cool. Sandals look faintly ridiculous on all but the most sartorially advanced men. Thongs are too adolescent for your grown-up tastes. Peep-toe pumps are definitely out of the question. So you're left wondering how to wear shoes without socks.

Liberation is the answer. The kind of liberation that exposes your ankles and calves to the elements and lets them enjoy the seasonal sun alongside the rest of you. More and more men are going sockless for summer, but do it without taking precautions and not only will you look foolish, you'll likely have a biohazard on your hands.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before you decide to rock no socks with shoes.

In This Story…

Suitable Occasions For Shoes Without Socks
Choosing The Right Footwear
Sockless Styling Advice
Know Your Accessories
Need More Inspiration?
Shoes Without Socks FAQ

Suitable Occasions For Shoes Without Socks

The classic sockless look comes with an occasion already built in: boat shoes on the deck of your spectacular Wolf of Wall Street yacht. If you're not there yet, don't worry – the yacht can wait and the boat shoes can be worn elsewhere in the meantime.

Besides, boat shoes aren't your only option for socklessess. From Oxfords to Vans, you can free your feet in all kinds of footwear. The resulting impression can either be care-free and casual, or sophisticated and slightly daring, depending on the rest of the look. Most anything can work – including denim, shorts, and even lightweight summer suits – but it must be appropriate for the occasion. Going sans-socks is a Don't with business attire and formalwear. Beyond that, feel free to experiment.

With no socks to share the spotlight, your shoes need to stand on their own. Beginners can't go wrong with a classic loafer. It's the easiest shoe to sport sockless, and it'll look stylish in plenty of situations. Other slip-ons, like driving shoes and moccasins, and low-cut sneakers are also easy to wear.

On the less casual side of things, try Oxfords, bucks, brogues or…pretty much anything you want, actually. Almost any dress shoe is fair game, as long as it isn't too formal for the rest of your look. Since you don't have any socks to show off, now is a good time to get a little experimental with your shoes.

Keep in mind that a little extra maintenance may be required if you plan to have consistent foot-to-shoe contact. Allow each pair a 24-48 hour resting period before slipping into them again. In the interim, use cedar shoe trees to help them properly dry out. If odour is an issue, invest in a foot antiperspirant to stop any unsavoury smells.

Sockless Styling Advice

You're free to try this look with a variety of garments on your lower half. Jeans, trousers and shorts are all viable options, but the classic is a slim-cut chino. Avoid elasticated or skinny cuffs, but keep your hems close. Aim for the base of the trouser, whether cropped or cuffed, to hit about two inches above your shoe and expose the bottom of the ankle. If you go any higher than that, you'll look like you're wearing capri pants and that's a definite no.

Know Your Accessories

You could rock no-socks without any supporting materials, but we wouldn't recommend it. It's tough on your feet and on your shoes, and both could use a little extra TLC. Eliminate the unpleasantries that can come with sporting bare ankles with these accessories:

No-show Socks: Is there anything worse than the squelchy sensation that comes from a day of going barefoot in leather shoes? Then there's the smell. And let's not even talk about what might be growing down there. Going sockless doesn't have to mean going totally sockless. Invest in the low-cut invisible kind that'll keep you fresh and won't ruin your look.

Cedar Shoe Trees: As previously mentioned, this handy accessory soaks up sweat, helps prevent bacterial growth and deodorises. Win-win-win.

Stench-neutralising Spray: For obvious reasons.

Powder: Sprinkled in small doses, the right powder has a cooling effect on your feet and helps absorb moisture.

Insoles: Terry cloth or leather insoles also aid in absorbing sweat and eliminate odours.

Moleskin Patches: Apply in places of friction to avoid blisters.

Need More Inspiration?

Hit the gallery to see how every type of suit can be worn with no socks or alternatively, check out our pick of the best dress shoes for men and how to correctly wear them. Or if youreally prefer to wear socks (why are you even here?) we've also got you covered with the coolest sock brands for men today.

Shoes Without Socks FAQ

Can I go sockless in a business meeting or formal event?

No. Going sockless during a board meeting or formal event is a big no. Reserve this look for barbeques and summer weddings, even business-casual offices.

Should I wear invisible socks?

Definitely. Wearing invisible socks will prevent athlete's foot, blisters and potential fungal nail infections. Look for versions with rubber grips on the heel so they will not slip off.

How long do cedar shoe trees last?

Cedar shoe trees need sanding to reinvigorate the cedar and refresh the scent. Do this yearly by using grit sandpaper to open the grain. Using cedar oil also helps.

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