Picking the right gear to help you beat the heat can be tricky. The summer sun can be unforgiving — quite literally limiting options in our rotation. Thankfully the Highsnobiety Summer Style Guide is here to help you keep cool during the warmest months of the year. From the latest trends to season staples, you'll find lightweight pieces that still result in heavyweight looks.
Summer is nearly here and it feels like the whole world (read: Northern Hemisphere) is buzzing at the prospect of finally enjoying some quality time outdoors. Retailers have put their leftover winter gear on sale and into storage, making room for the usual hot-ticket summer items such as tie-dye T-shirts, short shorts, and accessories.
And while finding shorts and a tee that match or a pair of ultra-breathable sneakers is hugely important in the summer, there’s one combination of clothing you shouldn’t be sleeping on this year: socks with sandals.
The oft-ridiculed footwear style has taken a turn over the past few seasons, becoming an absolute must-have, and it doesn’t look like summer 2022 will be any different. Last year saw another Birkenstock x Stüssy collaboration, the resurrection of Crocs, and not to mention Yeezy Slides being crowned the hottest item in menswear in Lyst's quarterly report.
It’s clear that freeing the toe is a prerequisite during the hotter months of the year, however, pairing socks with sandals gives you a further level of flexibility — both aesthetically and functionally. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be spending every free minute this summer outside, which means you’ll often be out all day and into the evening. Summer nights can get quite cool. Wearing socks with sandals can help combat that.
Though the style has been long considered a fashion faux-pas and the trademark “German on vacation” look, wearing socks with sandals — when styled right — opens a myriad of opportunities, while offering increased comfort and warmth. To prove that the style is here to stay, we’ve rounded up the best sandals with socks combinations.
Browse the best socks with sandals for men below.
Suicoke Sandals and Highsnobiety Not In Paris Socks
DEPA-V2 Sandals
Suicoke
Not In Paris 4 Eiffel Tower Socks
Highsnobiety
Suicoke has built a devout following for its sandal selection, of which the Depa is a prominent model. Outfitted with a treaded rubber outsole and three adjustable straps, you need not worry about slipping out from these.
Jil Sander Everything
Calfskin Leather Sandal
Jil Sander
Cotton Patch Socks
Jil Sander
Jil Sander is an OG when it comes to minimalism and combining a pair of socks and sandals from the label creates the refined look that you would expect. Made for summer and beyond, the calfskin leather footwear is equally as luxurious as it is stealthy and practical.
Birkenstock x ADER Error Sandals and Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Socks
Milano Tech
Birkenstock x Ader Error
Logo Socks
Comme des Garçons Homme Plus
Birkenstock is one of the undisputed G.O.A.T.s of the sandal world. They are comfortable, made to last, and the go-to for many sandal/slipper lovers. Get a pair from the label's ADER Error collaboration for a hi-tech take on a classic shoe.
Churchs Sandals With WTAPS Socks
Fisherman Sandals
Church's
Skivvies Socks
WTAPS
Socks and sandals is a combination that works on the formal side as well. This pairing, for example, could even work for a summer wedding if you style it right.
Nike Air Rift Sneakers and Maharishi Socks
Air Rift Breathe
Nike
9349 Miltype Tabi Socks
Maharishi
You can get the comfort of a pair of sneakers with the breathable properties of sandals with the Nike Air Rift Breathe. However, you will have to invest in a new selection of cleft-toe socks to fit into them comfortably, which is where this three-pack of tabi socks from Maharishi comes into play.
KEEN Zerraport II sandals and Stray Rats Socks
Zerraport II
KEEN
Logo-Intarsia Cotton-Blend Socks
Stray Rats
KEEN shoes are made for the great outdoors and its sandals are no different. No matter what adventures you find yourself on this summer, these sandals are primed and ready for it.
Dries Sandals and Socksss Socks
Double Strap Sandals
Dries Van Noten
It's Not Blue Cotton-Blend Socks
Socksss
"My Dries sandals" sounds like a flex — in the same vein as Gucci Flip Flops. Regardless if you are doing it for the gram or yourself, these multi-season sandals will serve you well. They are made from a breathable mesh and have two comfortably thick straps to secure your feet. Socksss baby blue socks pair very well with these.
The North Face Sandals and Palm Angels Socks
Hedgehog Sandal 3
The North Face
Gothic Logo Socks
Palm Angels
The North Face knows a thing or two about making practical outdoor gear and it shows in these sandals. Made with a dual-density injection-molded EVA midsole and PU-molded footbed insert, pair these with Palm Angels logo socks to be the envy of all hiking dads.
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