Do You Need to Wear Socks?

To wear socks, or not to wear socks, that is the question:

Whether ‘tis nobler for the feet to suffer

The stink and hassle of socks that show,

Or to be barefoot in shoes free of buffer...

With this speech, Shakespeare’s Hamlet was asking the most important question of his time. Do I need to wear socks? Okay, so, Shakespeare never actually wrote this, and he probably wore stockings, not socks. Regardless, it’s a question that many people want to know the answer to.

A lot of today’s shoes complement a no-sock look, and it’s common for people to dismiss wearing socks in the first place. Although socks have many benefits, who’s to say not wearing them is a bad thing? Keep reading to learn more about the controversy of wearing socks and how FLAT SOCKS is the perfect solution to this famous debacle.

And don’t worry – we're all done butchering Shakespearean literature. For now.

Why We Wear Socks

From boat shoes to mules, ballet flats to that clear shoe trend, a lot of modern footwear is specifically designed to look better without socks. In some cases, a novelty crew sock completes your outfit while other times, it can totally dismantle it. Despite the possibility of a fashion faux pas, some people still sway from the idea of going sockless, calling it gross, unhealthy, or downright blasphemous.

There are several reasons why we wear socks and most of it has to do with promoting overall foot health. When you wear socks, the fabric provides a soft barrier between your bare foot and the inner lining or sole of the shoe, preventing rubbing, adding light cushion, and keeping your feet warm in colder months. They can even reduce your chances of getting blisters.

Benefits of Wearing Socks

Like shoes, socks come in various styles from knee socks to no-show socks and even toe socks. Because of this, you can still experience the benefits of wearing socks while opting for a style that’s more suitable to your outfit. Before you completely empty out your sock drawer and go commando from heel to toe, consider how socks can:

• Reduce Feet Sweat: On average, your feet produce around a cup of sweat a day. (Insert recipe idea for sweat cookies here.) Moisture-wicking socks absorb sweat to keep your feet dry and cool and help keep foot stink from ruining your shoes.
• Add Warmth: You sweat when you’re cold, too. Socks keep your feet dry, so they don’t get cold. Those made of thicker materials like wool or fur socks can also minimize the risk of frost bite when you’re out in cold weather.
• Cushion Joints: Our feet take on a lot of stress during our daily routines. Well-padded socks or cushioned no-shows like FLAT SOCKS make a huge difference in absorbing some of that impact and reducing foot fatigue.
• Prevent Foot Problems: Let’s go back to middle school gym class when athlete’s foot wreaked havoc in the locker room. Wearing socks keeps your feet dry to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot while soft padding also prevents corns, calluses, and blisters.
• Show Off Your Style: Like to wear socks that match your aesthetic or mood? From showing off your Cheetah Girl love to festive holiday designs, socks let you express yourself in a subtle way.
• Boost Athletic Performance: When working out, socks protect your feet from the inside of your shoe, cushioning your joints and preventing distractions like blisters. Antimicrobial fabrics reduce the chance of fungal infections from sweat, too.

Could Socks Be Bad for Your Feet?

Are there drawbacks to wearing socks? Too much of something good can always be bad. If you wear your socks for more than 12 hours a day or don’t wash them in between, then it could promote an unhealthy, sweaty, and stinky environment for your feet. Also, good luck with your love life, unless you find someone on Tinder that’s into that...

Wearing socks that are too tight keep your feet from breathing which may affect blood circulation and cause unwanted swelling or numbness. If you’re allergic to certain synthetic fabrics used in socks, be sure to look at the materials before purchasing them to avoid an allergic reaction.

In general, socks are not bad for your feet. Wearing shoes without socks can be beneficial, too.

When to Be Sock Free

Quite a few factors determine when to not wear socks. First and foremost, because you don’t want to. The toe seam irritates the tops of your toes, you get sensory overload from wrinkled fabric underfoot, or you just really hate socks. Sock vendettas are totally excusable.

If the weather is too warm, you might want to skip the extra layer of fabric and wear your loafers, summer boat shoes, or Crocs without socks. And if you are wearing sandals or flip flops and think you need socks, just don’t do it. Just...do not. Seriously.

Your choice to wear socks also depends on your style and the type of shoe. Bohemian vibes don’t really scream, “wear those knee-highs,” but a chic academia or grunge look might. White socks are a classic pair for Mary Janes, but they aren’t necessary.

Similarly, a gentlemen’s attire with slim dress socks makes a sir look good, but sockless inserts for Hey Dude shoes and casual loafers get you your hipster get-out-of-socks-free card.

What Happens When You Ditch Socks?

When you stop wearing socks, your life will return to that state of care-free, childhood joy you lost so long ago to homework, paying bills, and adulting. You will discover peace and might even stomp on some Legos just to see how it feels again.

Real talk, though, not wearing socks allows your feet to breathe and lets you feel the inside of your shoe, which could make it easier to determine how comfortable that pair really is.

On the other hand, not wearing socks could ruin your shoes with sweat stains, odor, and worn inner soles. It may result in blisters or sores if you don’t have sufficient padding or some type of protection from friction. You can avoid these sockless problems and keep your bare feet in peace by choosing a sock that’s no show, no stink, and non-slip. In other words: FLAT SOCKS.

The Answer is FLAT SOCKS

FLAT SOCKS are the easiest solution to all your sock problems, whether you hate wearing socks or can’t imagine life without them. These barefoot shoe inserts are better than your no-shows, featuring a grippy bottom texture that doesn’t slip, and a slim profile that stays inside your shoe.

Designed as a sock alternative you can trim to your size, FLAT SOCKS are soft and cushy, providing a padded surface to help relieve foot fatigue. These sockless shoe insoles create a moisture-wicking barrier that pulls sweat away from your feet while odor-controlling technology keeps your feet fresh. Wear them in your gym shoes, dress shoes, flats, and even your socks - yes, you can wear FLAT SOCKS with socks for a boost of cushion and moisture control.

Ready for the best part? FLAT SOCKS are machine washable, meaning you can toss them into your washer and dryer like normal socks. When you shop the site, you’ll discover a range of colorful prints and patterns plus classic neutrals, making it a breeze to find a pair that suits your individual style.

So, is it OK to Not Wear Socks?

Yes, it is okay to not wear socks, but you should be aware of the problems that may result from perpetually naked feet. FLAT SOCKS are a happy medium for people who want the benefits of wearing socks minus actually having to wear them.

References:

How to Get Rid of Foot Odor. (2010, September 20). HowStuffWorks.

Can Wearing Compression Socks Be Harmful? Risks & Best Practices. (2020, May 22). Healthline.

Blisters & Socks: Is There a Connection? (n.d.). Healthcare.utah.edu.