Socks’n’sandals for men? I googled it and saw endless attacks. But I’m a defender, willing to go against the Lightweights.
But I’m also willing to listen. Sometimes fashion makes sense, after all. Again, I’m thinking of the menfolk here, but maybe some angles include the ladies.
I say that when a shoe gets a hole in it by design that’s just no reason to jettison a wonderful thing like the sock. Ventilation is not the sock killer.
Why is there a rule that once you CAN see a toe that you SHOULD show it off? The rule should be that it’s fine to wear a sock that GOES WITH a sandal. What’s so hard about that? Same as with any shoe.
There’s a saying that if it’s warm enough for sandals it’s too warm for socks. That overlooks the idea that socks can be cooling — and cushioning, and prevents friction. That rule is just too blunt. Sometimes it’s too hot for socks, sometimes not.
Bare skin on leather deep inside a loafer or boatshoe is what seems a bit odd, clammy, and perhaps unhygenic in humidity. It can work, but only in boatwear. Preppy bare ankle loafers in midwinter are far sillier than socks’n’sandals. (Side issue: Bare ankles in long pants? Again, only in boating.)
Then there’s the fact that some folks have handsome feet, others don’t. Some have the dread toenail bungus. You don’t want to see that picture.
So if the shoe fits, and the sock does too, go for it. …That’s my take.
