Sneakers may have humbly begun as shoes for the tennis courts of the early 20th century, but today, the comfortable shoes have weaseled their way into the hearts and wardrobes of even those who find themselves exercise averse.
Still, a question lingers for those who choose to wear the wardrobe staple: Must you pair them with socks? For some, going without socks is a style statement while for others, sliding into sneakers barefoot feels just plain wrong. But who is right? We consulted a range of experts, sneaker designers, podiatrists, and fashion editors to get to the bottom of it.
Read on to read what each expert had to say; then shop socks and sneakers that can (but don't have to) be worn together!
"We are unable to wash our sneakers every day like our socks; therefore, not only can you develop 'smelly' feet from the moisture going into the sneaker directly, but you could be exposing yourself to a fungal infection." — Dr. Deena Horn, podiatrist
"If you are planning on styling your sneakers with flowy dresses and skirts this season, I would recommend forgoing socks. If you like the comfort socks provide, switch out your regular socks for those little no-show, low-cut footie socks that are undetectable once you have your sneaks on." — Erin Sumwalt, fashion director, StyleWatch
"I love the look of a sheer sock peeking out of a sneaker or boot. I'm obsessed with Nicholas Messina and Darner; they each have such gorgeous socks from embroidered, sheer, and mesh to hand-painted. I also love a hidden sock entirely. It kind of depends on the look I'm going for. I love to mix feminine socks with tough-looking boots or sneakers." — Elana Zajdman, accessories editor, InStyle
"I think sneakers, especially Vans, are all made to be different, so they can be worn both ways! Socks can provide a minimalistic theme by matching them to the same color of the shoe or be expressive with a patterned sock to clash with the shoe." — Angie Dita, head of women's footwear design, Vans
"Socks allow sweat absorption and prevent against micro trauma occurring in our sneakers. The moist, dark, and closed environment in our sneakers can precipitate a fungal infection. Socks provide a protective barrier against micro trauma of toes hitting against the inside of sneakers." — Dr. Sid Sharma, podiatrist
Shop sneakers + socks:
Related: 8 Ways to Wear Sneakers to Work Without Looking Too Casual
Did you choose a team? Either way, check out fresh ideas for wearing sneakers to work!Opening Image: A Love Is Blind
-
If You're as Against Wearing Sneakers With Jeans as I Am, Trust Me—This Outfit Will Change Your MindSpotted on Jennifer Lawrence in NYC.
-
7 Elegant Outfits Well-Dressed People Are Wearing With Sneakers Instead of BootsMore comfortable but just as chic.
-
Fashionable People Would Like These Fall Trends From Shopbop's Surprise SaleSuede! Jeans! Sneakers!
-
Confirmed: Jeans and a T-shirt Are So Much Less Boring When Worn With This Winter Sneaker TrendStep aside, neutral kicks.
-
I Walk Over 5 Miles a Day Working in Manhattan—Here's an Editor-Approved City Girl's Guide to Fall ShoesPlus, how I'd style them.
-
I Hate to Say It, But It's Time to Set Aside These 5 "Dated" Sneaker TrendsThe new guard of It sneakers.
-
Everyone Cool in New York Is Wearing This New Sneaker Instead of Loafers, Ballet Flats, and BootsIt's the hardest-to-source sneaker in fashion right now.
-
These Are the Surprising Shoe Trends Gen Z Is Styling With Everyday Outfits for the Rest of 2025Niche, weird, and unconventional.
