Wearing Socks and Sandals: The Definitive Styling Guide

Break the Taboo of Socks and Sandals With These Stylish Combinations

By Adam Mark in Selects

In our excitement to soak up as much of the summer as possible, we tend to overlook the fact that it isn’t always that hot out. So, if you are eager to start freeing your toes with a pair of summery sandals, we are here to tell you this can still be achieved… as long as you have the right pair of socks to go with them.

Having long been considered a fashion faux-pas, the combination of sock and sandal is undeniably perfect. When styled right, you are met with a mix of breathability, comfort, and warmth. And the good thing about this combination (if you need any more convincing), is the fact that all your favorite retailers, including Farfetch, Goodhood, and SSENSE have both items in ample supply.

Browse the best socks and sandals for men below.

Acne Studios and Suicoke

SSENSE Exclusive Banana Socks

$29

Acne Studios

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

Kaw-CAB Sandals

from $141

Suicoke

(Available at 3 Merchants)

Suicoke’s iconic sandals work in all seasons. Although bulky, this recognizable design provides the perfect frame for a pair of simple white socks by Acne Studios. A small embroidered banana design adds a touch of fun to the socks and creates a color-link to the Suicoke sandals.

Carhartt WIP and Birkenstock

Chase Sock

$18

Carhartt WIP

Free Shipping On Orders Over $250

Buy at END.

Milano Sandals

from $135

Birkenstock

(Available at 2 Merchants)

When it comes to sandals, Birkenstock has been a safe bet for centuries, with names like Rick Owens vouching for it. Pair that with the undisputed king of workwear, Carhartt, and you’re looking at a formidable duo.

MAUNA KEA and KEEN

Cotton High Socks

$31

MAUNA KEA

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $500

Buy at Luisaviaroma

Newport H2 Water Shoe

$110

KEEN

Free Shipping On Orders Over $50

Buy at Urban Outfitters

Contrast keeps things interesting. That’s why we’re combining the striking colors of MAUNA KEA’s tie-dye socks with the utilitarian appeal of KEEN’s Newport H2. This combo is set to turn heads, so wear it with gumption.

Kapital and Teva

56 Yarns Rib Heel Smilie Socks

$40

Kapital

Buy at Slam Jam

Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

from $90

Teva

(Available at 2 Merchants)

Legendary Japanese label Kapital takes a break from denim to offer this pair of delightful pastel socks, complete with the season’s cutest smiley. Give smiley room to breathe with Teva’s white Hurricane XLT2 sandals that boast a transparent ‘ice’ outsole.

GR-UNIFORMA and adidas Originals YEEZY

Mixed Textured Socks

from $24

GR-UNIFORMA

(Available at 2 Merchants)

YEEZY Slide Resin

from $219

adidas Originals

(Available at 3 Merchants)

If the military had a standard-issue socks-and-sandal combination, it would look something like this. The streamlined all-in-one construction of the YEEZY slides contrasts perfectly with the geometric block design of the GR-UNIFORMA socks while the two components share a khaki color scheme.

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