How to pull off the sockless look (without the blisters)
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Today’s style question comes from Craig P. He asks:
“I like the sockless look but my feet always end up with painful blisters. Any tips?”
Ok Craig, here’s the secret: Many stylish guys you see walking around bare ankle are still wearing socks. No-show socks!
What you actually want to do is go for a sockless LOOK without actually going sockless. That’s where no-show socks come in.
No-show socks are cropped and designed to be invisible when worn.
They’re great when the weather gets warm for several reasons: Going bare around your ankles surprisingly cools you off a lot. The added barrier between you and your shoes helps absorb some of the sweat and friction, which is the main cause of nasty blisters.
Brands like Bombas (a styling client fav!) have no-show socks in different heights depending on the shoe you’re going to wear with it. You’ll want to make sure you pair the right no-show sock cut to the right shoe.
Here are my recs and looks you can steal from one of my former styling clients Lekan!
Look 1: Business casual loafers
Steal the look: Sports coat & Trousers: SuitSupply | White tee: Save Khaki United | Men's Low-Cut No Show Socks: Bombas | Loafers: Blackstock & Weber | Hat: Saturdays NYC | Jewelry: Miansai
Peter’s notes:
Tip #1: For loafers or any type of slip on shoe, I recommend a low cut style sock, like Bombas’ Low-cut no-shows.
Because loafers have a larger opening, traditional no-show socks won’t work. Low-cut styles are designed to cover just the toes and heels. Perfect for any type of slip-on shoe with a large opening.
Tip #2: Match the color of your sock to your shoe
Since Bombas’ low-cut socks are cut quite low, you most likely won’t have to worry about them peeking through. But if you want some added assurance on stealth, I recommend matching your sock color to your shoes, or as close as you can.
Look 2: Spring Prints
Steal the look: Printed camp collar shirt: Saturdays NYC | White tee & drawstring chinos: Save Khaki United | Men's Cushioned No Show Socks: Bombas | Sneakers: Koio | Sunglasses: Persol: | Jewelry: Miansai
Peter’s notes:
Tip #1: For sneakers, I recommend a neutral colored no-show sock
For a casual sneaker, I love Bombas cushioned no-show sock. The added cushioning is super comfortable when I’m running around the city with a client for hours. When the weather gets hotter, Bombas’ Lightweight No-show sock’s are my pick to reduce swampy feet thanks fo their ultrafine gauge knit construction.
Similar to the loafer look, match your sock color to the lining of your sneaker for added invisibility.
Most sneakers have either a white, black, or beige colored lining, so I recommend picking up Bombas’ multi-pack in heather or mixed to cover your bases.
Reserve your fun colors for more casual occasions, like working out. In this case, Bombas’ Performance Cushioned no-shows are perfect as their performance yarn is extra moisture wicking.
Final thoughts
Don’t make the mistake of actually going sockless if you want the sockless look. You’ll want the barrier a no-show sock provides to reduce friction if you want to avoid blisters.
Special thanks to Bombas for sponsoring this post!
