Do you wear socks with barefoot shoes? This is one of the common questions that has been on every beginner’s mind when they start wearing barefoot shoes. The answer is yes and no. You can wear barefoot shoes with socks or without socks. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
Some people believe that you need to wear socks with barefoot shoes while some others don’t think so.
The main reason why some people feel that it is necessary to wear socks is because they want to combat the smelly shoes problem. And socks can provide some level of protection from dirt and moisture in the shoe and can also help prevent blisters.
On the other hand, there are those who don’t think so. They think that socks do not allow them to feel the ground beneath feet. Socks also create friction between foot and the shoe which will make them uncomfortable.
That having said, if you are sock averse or just want to follow the crowd, going sock-free is the way to go.
But if you want to wear socks with barefoot shoes, it’s totally okay, but I would often suggest using lightweight, non-restrictive socks which helps by enhancing the feel of the minimalist feel.
Personally, I recommend you try wearing barefoot shoes with and without socks. That way, you can determine what ways best for you.
If you have problem with smelly shoe odors, check this article.
Here are some options that you may want to consider when it comes to socks.
Going Sock-less
Going sockless is completely ok and is the most common way of wearing barefoot shoes. For those who are not too keen on socks, this option may be for you!
Wearing only toe socks
If you’re worried about your feet sliding around inside of the shoes, or if you don’t want to deal with the issue at all, then one good solution is to wear only toe socks. These are made specifically for barefoot styles and can fit so that they stay on your toes better than regular socks would. You’ll still get a lot of benefits from going sock-less (such as reducing sweat) but this will prevent any sliding of your foot into another shoe size!
If you want to wear barefoot shoes without socks, you can consider these barefoot sock shoes:
Wear Bigger Socks
Rather than going sock-less, some people prefer to wear a larger size of socks. This is because it will help keep their feet from sliding. And for those who are worried about sweat, there’s extra absorption room in the toes area without any added weight on your foot!
They’re also more comfortable if you want to go barefoot at home or just around the house. Things like slippers can be worn with big socks under them so that they don’t slide off while walking through the house. There are plenty of styles available – from crew-cut designs all the way up to knee height. These types of oversized socks come in cotton, wool, and spandex blends as well as different weights depending on what you need.
Riding boot socks
For those who are not completely going sock-less but still want to be able to walk around in their house without shoes, using a riding boot sock is another option. These will go up over the top of your foot and have extra material at the ankle so that they stay on securely. This type can also be used with any kind of footwear (including sneakers) as long as you don’t need them to fit tightly.
Chunky boots socks
For those who are going to be outside all day, or for people with extra sweaty feet, chunky boot socks are another option. These will go over your heel and up the back of your calf so that they stay in place. These can also be used without shoes as well if you want more protection from the elements.
Sock liners
Another suggestion would be sock liners; this type fits under any kind of footwear (including sneakers). But goes on top of certain types like wool or cotton blends. They provide extra cushioning around areas where there’s a lot of motion happening such as arch support or cushy padding along the ball area between toes and footbeds. The liner itself provides some warmth too which is helpful in the winter or if you’re walking outside.
For a complete list, check out our List of Minimalist Barefoot Shoes.