Casual or dressy, every shoe has its sock soulmate.
If you wonder about the best socks for any shoe style, it may depend on who you ask.
Layered, bunched socks were a status symbol of the '80s and early '90s, a la Jamie Lee Curtis in Perfect. Leg warmers, an additional layer of lower leg wear, evolved in case your socks didn't show enough. As a welcome reprieve for modern generations, the aughts debuted sexier, more practical, low-cut and no-show socks. However, in 2024, Gen Z-ers officially declare no-show socks (much like the hair side part) outdated, sparking generational social media wars. As the debates rage on, some millennials are swearing to go to their graves in no-show socks, with comments like, "Ankle socks till my casket drops!"
Alo Yoga Unisex Scrunch Sock
Well, well, well, look who's back.
Despite the brouhaha, if you are anything like us, you simply want your socks to complement your shoes. So, we delved into fashion corners to find the right sock for each shoe type — and hopefully, people of all generations can unite on this hotbed issue.
The consensus is that the current sartorial winner is a mid-crew sock, but anyone can get aboard with the following footwear styles with an open mind. Read on to pair the best socks to wear with every kind of shoe.
The Best Socks for Sandals and Slides
Yet another polarizing issue: socks with sandals. If you do, make it one of these.
J.Crew Sheer Swiss-dot Socks Three-Pack
The sheer Swiss dot design elevates these socks, which look just right with sandals, loafers or booties, making them exceptionally versatile.
Calzedonia Striped Linen Short Socks
A short linen-blend pair lets feet breathe, which is the point of wearing sandals. These are on sale for under two bucks.
Dunkoing Women Open-Toe Half Socks, Cotton Peep-Toe Mule Sandal Sock
Covert sandal socks provide comfort and style if you are of the no-show-forever school.
The Best Socks for Sneakers
Alo Yoga Unisex Throwback Socks
Available in a variety of colors, these Alo Yoga crew socks are considered an ideal mid-calf height to wear pulled up or bunched down.
Lululemon Women's Daily Stride Ribbed Comfort Crew Socks 3-Pack
Reviews say these crew socks are "buttery and soft" and "the cutest socks ever."
Skims Everyday Ankle Sock
Team no-show, Skims sees you.
The Best Socks for Loafers
The best sock for loafers may depend on whether you pair them with pants or a skirt — think ankle-height or knee-high.
Sock Candy Bold Blue Floral Sheer Crew Sock
A colorful, sheer pair can add to your outfit.
Hue Women's Mini Crew Sock 6-Pair Pack
With nearly 15,000 ratings, these versatile cotton-blend socks have a cushioned footbed for comfort.
A New Day Women's Lettuce Edge 6-Pack Ankle Socks
Why not lean into a fun pair with easy-to-wear details?
The Best Socks for Heels
High heels shine in sheer socks, which can have a pretty design to elevate the entire outfit.
Calzedonia 20 Denier Comfort Cuff Knee-Highs
Sydney Sweeney often wears socks with heels, like these sheer knee-highs.
Sock Candy Year of the Dragon Sheer Crew Sock
Sheer, beautiful socks are an unexpected accessory; expect compliments.
Wolford Floral Net Crew Socks
An opaque or lacey ankle sock with summery high heels looks just right.
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