Pedis at the Ready: I Think Flip-Flops and Ballet Flats Look Coolest When Styled With This Divisive Sock Trend

If you’re a regular reader of this weekly column, I promise I don’t have a foot fetish—I just like my micro-trends as divisive as they come. And this year, the coolest dressers have deemed their tootsies an accessory worth showing off. Whether they’re bedazzled in toe rings or flapping about in a five-toe sandal, there's something about accentuating the foot that has us in a tizzy. And the latest trend to step into the scene (pardon the pun) is as divisive as the come. Enter: the toeless sock.

Now, just by description alone, a open toe sock does seem a little silly. I mean, when you think of a sock's function (preventing blisters and keeping your feet warm), trin socks almost miss the brief spectacularly. Characterised quite simply by the lack of a toe box, the styles feels a stones through form your tootsie free-ing pilates socks. But its their slightly sporty, slightly orthopaedic finish which has made them riveting to foot-fanatics this year.

Making a splash on the Miu Miu spring/summer 2025 runway, stirrup socks were first picked up by fashion's most formidable commentator and trend forecaster on the “freaky shoe” Mandy Lee, whom in 2025 was quick to champion the style. With their questionable silhouette adding a “What am I even looking at?”( her words, not mine) finish to her already divisive collection of funky footwear, I knew it was only a matter of time before the style was adopted by the masses.

But why now? After a summer fuelled by maximalist prints, vivid colours and toes galore, these footless socks offer an extra layer of comfort (and a healthy dose of high fashion) as autumn creeps ever closer. And if the stylish attendees of Copenhagen Fashion Week are anything to go by, this toe-tally unhinged style is ready to step firmly into the spotlight.

Spotted with everything from ballet flats and layered T-shirts to sculptural two-pieces, these gloriously odd accessories proved surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re playing with colour, texture or simply trying to make a minimalist outfit, well, a little less pared-back open-toe socks are an easy way to do it.

Plus, with the style becoming increasingly popular, they’re an easy DIY (as long as you’re willing to sacrifice a pair of socks). Be it stylist Jordan Kelsey's tootsie-hugging pair or an aggressively micro chop, just close your eyes, pray and cut. They couldn’t be easier to create.

So if you’re sold on the toeless sock trend, scroll down to shop the best pairs below.

Shop the Toeless Sock Trend Below: