It’s been over two years since we began publishing this blog. This was our very first post back in June 2008. Now that the summer is here it’s seems relevant.
When it gets this hot it’s tempting to wear your shoes without socks. I’m not talking about sandals or sneakers. I’m talking about “shoes” like the Church’s Grafton.
I tried it on Saturday, and didn’t get very far. For me relief came in a small box of Band Aid Brand, Blister Block strips.
Sure powder helps absorb perspiration but in this heat, not very much. What’s your secret to wearing shoes barefoot comfortably?
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Though it’s not barefoot, I’m a huge fan of terrycloth socks.
Not so much with shorts…
(Came by the shop for the first time this weekend, loved it!)
Glad I stopped by last Sat too. Gorgeous and serene place you got there. Definitely my favorite corner in my neighborhood
I gotta stop by the shop. I think i’m the only fan of the store that lives above 96th street. Umm…I try my best not to wear shoes without socks. I have sensitive feet and they get cut easy. Loafers are a different store. Are you guys going to be carrying any John Lobb’s?
not wearing socks with your shoes is ultimately un-hygenic.
I use Johnston and Murphy no-show socks. They work great.
use a non grease lotion to avoid sweating. Works great and leave shoes dry
I would generally wear socks with any kind of lace-up shoe, with the excpetion of a moccasin or boat shoe. I stick to soft-calf, or well-worn loafers.
After a few seasons of wear, the G&G Antibes with a pair of linen pants might do the trick.
Edit – forgot the word “not”
I would generally NOT wear socks with any kind of lace-up shoe, with the excpetion of a moccasin or boat shoe. I stick to soft-calf, or well-worn loafers.
After a few seasons of wear, the G&G Antibes with a pair of linen pants might do the trick.
A few days ago I happened across a mention on the GQ website of ‘loafer socks’ by Banana Republic that are meant for affecting a sockless look whilst wearing proper shoes, I picked up some over the weekend and they do the trick.
The no show socks never seem to protect my heels. This is the one area that gets ripped up with shoes and no socks. I’ve tried putting on a bandaid but that just rubs off my skin after walking a little bit
Steve:
Are your Church’s shoes from the Royal line that has been much talked about lately on AskAndy website?
Joe,
These Church’s are from the classic collection. The Royal line is available to us. If you are interested in them please let me know.
Steve,
Thanks your reply. What’s the difference between the Classic collection and the Royal from Church’s?
The Royal is getting a lot of play on the web.
No-sho socks and a bit suffering for fashion.
H&M of all places has excellent no-show socks in black or white that are better than Banana Republic’s and cost half as much. They seem to sit just below the top of the shoe on my heel, and I haven’t had any unfortunate rubbing problems. Best of all, they come in two sizes! So they won’t bunch up if your feet are on the small side and won’t slip under your heel if you have bigger feet. They are the best thing I have found all summer. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.
That is all.
Steven,
I believe the previous posts covered this but the Banana Republic loafer socks are the way to go. Have tried other brands but they are the best, although more expensive. I wear the Shannon from Church’s with the loafer socks during summer nights.
Great advice and lots of options. Thanks guys.
I’ve been wearing Falke’s ‘Invisible Socks’ for this look, pretty sure they were recommended in GQ / Esquire and on Mr.Hare’s shoe blog. Don’t know where you can get them in the states but I’d imagine they’d be pretty easy to get hold of. They’re better quality than your average no-show sock and have gel strips in the heel which help with grip and solve the blister issue (esp. if you plan on going for the barefoot look with more rigid leathers such as the binder-finish on the ‘Grafton’) healthier for your shoes than going totally barefoot too. They’re about £7 over here.
Nice choice with the Sandalwood Grafton’s by the way!
Is there a name for this style of shoe (wingtip with a sort of longwing type perf going towards the rear of the shoe)? I have a pair of Aldens that are exactly this style and I thought they were an anomaly until I saw this pair.
Not aware of a specific name for these other than full brogue, or possibly short wing.
SmartWool makes a “loafer” sock for men that is a very fine merino wool. It sits quite low, so it doesn’t show w/ most shoes. I love them, though they can slip a little (though not so much that I’ve had any blistering issues). the wool is not too hot–in fact they are incredibly comfortable even it pretty high temps (though I’ve not worn them in full on NYC summer swelter….)
I find, as long as the shoes are well broken in, wearing them without socks isn’t a problem. I have a pair of almost all the loafer socks mentioned here but a lot of them still show with some shoes.
I understood that leather shoes with a leather lining would naturally wick away perspiration.
I’ve gone bareback with quoddy, visvim and trickers and excuse the detail, the shoes and my feet smell of leather at the end of even the hottest day.
But then i’m english, and while you Americans sweat and Frenchmen perspire, we simply glow!
Gold Toe Loafer Sock. Three pair for $13.50
a good fit is all you need for going sockless.
hey steven…any chance you could post/send me some pics that include a variety of pants/denim that you wear with these pair? Also, i’d love to get more info on the upcoming wolverine 1000 mile boots that u are planning to get this fall. thanks!