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Sneakers are among the most comfortable shoes available, coming in various styles, allowing wearers to express their personality and specific fashion sense. Unfortunately, the warmer months present a unique obstacle when pairing sneakers and socks. Spring and summer bring shorts, skirts, and other three-quarter leg styles back from their cold, winter slumber, meaning those custom printed socks you bought now have a chance to shine.
However, picking the appropriate paring is not always a simple choice, and the trends and fads seem to change with each passing season. Therefore, when selecting socks to pair with your sneakers, it is best to stick with lasting trends than rely on temporary fads.
No-Show Socks
The safest option when wearing short length bottoms and sneakers is to choose no-show socks. These socks rest below the ankle and will not distract or detract from your ensemble or shoe choice.
Unfortunately, the no-show option is also the least affecting, meaning that you will not hear any “Oohs” or “Ahhs” applauding your fashion sense. Remember that fashion is about boldness and confidence, not playing it safe.
However, sometimes, safe is the best option, especially if wearing a bold pair of socks would distract from the outfit’s focal point or detract from a situation. Make no mistake; clothing choices can be loud, disrupting even the busiest affairs.
Ankle Socks
Ankle socks are a limit more risqué when worn with sneakers. The sock appears just at or above the ankle, making it visible. The visibility of the sock means that it contributes to the outfit.
Selecting an ankle sock that matches your ensemble is crucial because a clashing custom printed sock or color choice can, again, deter from the appreciation others have for your style. While wearing white or black ankle socks will go with most wardrobe choices, selecting a bold color for a pair of ankle socks can significantly impact the outfit, calling attention to the shoes or tying into a greater overall color scheme.
Crew Socks
Crew socks provide the boldest opportunity to showcase your style with your sneakers. These socks extend about six inches past the ankle, revealing more material than any other listed option. The amount of fabric that extends past the shoe means you have an opportunity to show patterns, colors or maintain control with retro throwbacks.
Crew socks are not subtle. Embrace the obviousness by choosing to be bold. However, make sure that your socks fit correctly, or run the risk of having the socks bunch at the ankle, taking away from the clean and stylish look you want.
No Socks, No Go
Many people struggle to find socks to pair with sneakers, often leading to the temptation to go without them. Never wear sneakers, or any shoe, without socks.
Socks are not only a fashion accessory; they are an essential part of foot protection, hygiene, and health. Without socks, your foot sweat will absorb into your shoes, leading to odor and bacteria; without the protective barrier between your feet and your shoe interior, you will experience friction, leading to blisters. Because of the bacteria and sweat, blisters and the skin of your foot can experience infections.
Socks are not optional. The only footwear you can wear without socks are sandals or other types of open-toed shoes.
Pairing socks with sneakers primarily comes down to personal preference. You can go with a safe choice in the summer months of a no-show sock or decide to go bolder with crew socks or custom printed socks. As it is with any piece of fashion, the main goal is to choose the option that best complements your outfit and personality. Choose socks and clothes that reflect who you are and allow you to enter a room with confidence.