Go Ahead, Show Off Those Sexy Ankles With the Best No-Show Socks for Men
Gone are the days of stealing and folding down your dad’s white crew socks; you know, the ones with the grey toe and heel patches? You’re an adult, and luckily for you, sock trends have come a long way since the mid-90s. Socks have been slowly getting shorter over time. After the crew, there was the quarter and then the ever-popular ankle sock. Even though we kept, and arguably repopularized the crew sock in recent years, we now know that no-show socks are what we’ve needed all along.
Let’s face it — ankles are in right now. And for shoes like the Vans Slip-On, the Common Projects Original Achilles Low and basically any loafer or boat shoe, the no-show sock adds a clean, refined look to a casual or dressed up outfit without adding visual distractions.
Aside from fashion, no-show socks help protect feet while increasing the life of your shoes. Prior to this trend, some people wouldn’t even wear socks with low-cut shoes. Skipping the sock can lead to bacteria build-up, blisters, horrible odors and accelerated deterioration of the shoe’s innersole.
However, if you already wear no-show socks, you know these accessories have a major problem: slippage. Low-quality no-show socks have a tendency to fall down inside a shoe. There’s no polite way to pick your sock out of your shoe in public, which is why this can be a major nuisance. If that sounds like you, it’s time to look for new brands and new sock tech. After scraping the net, here are nine of the best no-show socks you need to know to find the silver lining of your sock game.
1. Bombas Cushion No-Show Socks
SOCKS THAT GIVE BACK
Bombas has been disrupting the sock industry since their founding in 2013 and got their first huge boost after a 2014 appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank. Bombas socks are constructed with cushion in the footbed and a seamless toe, which means better support and superior comfort all day long. Each no-show sock also includes Bombas’ stay-put heel grips, to ensure they don’t fall down when walking around. We can tell you that when they wash and dry, they feel brand new again. As if that isn’t wonderful enough, Bombas’ mission is to help those experiencing homelessness. For each item sold, be that a sock or shirt, the company donates an item to organizations that help the homeless. To date, they’ve donated nearly 35 million items. Their new three-pack is available in four different colors.
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
2. Stance Gamut 2 Invisible Socks
THINNEST SOCKS
In some shoes, normal no-show socks can feel bulky and uncomfortable as you continue to walk throughout the day. Sneakers like Greats or Common Projects, for example, are constructed with a smooth, cushioned leather lining. The best no-show socks for these types of shoes are very thin, like these ones made by Stance. The Gamut 2 Invisible Socks are so thin you’ll hardly even feel them inside your shoes. They’re made of a lightweight, somewhat stretchy cotton-knit blend. This particular style is available in five different colors to match your favorite leather sneakers.
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
3. Nordstrom Men’s Shop Loafer Liner Socks
BEST SOCKS FOR LOAFERS
A common problem with no-show socks today is peeking above the vamp of a loafer. It looks untidy and there isn’t any type of sock that necessarily matches leather. The only solution is to find a sock that is low enough to protect your foot while not showing at the same time. Nordstrom designed these liners specifically for loafers. They’re cut a hair lower than typical liners but still have an elastic trim and a rubber grip in the heel for fall-down security. This multi-pack features various colors that look great with black and brown loafers should occasional peeking occur while in stride.
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
4. Calvin Klein Micro Cushion No-Show Socks
BEST STARTER PACK
For those who are still wearing crew socks, here are the best no-show socks to start your journey with. Calvin Klein, an American institution for all things undergarment-related, makes some of the softest, most satisfying socks on the market today. These socks are designed with a sub-ankle elastic band, rubber heel grip and added cushion for long-lasting comfort. These are best worn with casual sneakers, like a Nike Air Force One or Adidas Stan Smith as opposed to something lower cut like a Sperry A/O Boat Shoe or a Converse All-Star low top. This multi-park is available in all white, black or a tri-color with grey.
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
5. On Running No-Show Socks
BEST RUNNING SOCKS
Officially breaking into the mainstream footwear spotlight is a Swiss brand called On. Their “Cloud” series running shoes are beginning to take sales away from brands like Nike and Adidas as people opt for technological improvements in lightweight running over fashion. The socks are no different. On’s no-show socks are engineered with optimal arch support and ventilation to keep feet cool while running. These help prevent injuries and blisters that may occur otherwise. Each sock is anatomically designed, meaning you get one left sock and one right sock.
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6. Thieves Gold Kayak No-Show Socks
COOLEST DESIGNS
Thieves Gold is a brand under SoCal-based Pair of Thieves, who makes super comfortable men’s basics and loungewear. Thieves Gold is an artistically driven line, and the socks are proof. Each pair shows the fun side of graphic design, and arguably why the three founders of the brand began creating socks in the first place. This pair of no-shows was developed with a no-shift grip panel, all-day ventilation and comfortable four-way stretch. The designs are perfect for a wacky pair of Vans, Converse All-Stars or even a plain white sneaker you want to juice up.
Image Courtesy of Nordstrom
7. Jurgen K No Show Socks for Men
BEST VALUE
With six pairs included in the pack, and black, white and mixed colors available, the Jurgen K No Show Socks for Men are a solid choice. For comfort, they sport a breathable fabric and soft cotton fabric while the non-slip heel ensures the socks stay in place during use. Their versatility also makes them great for a range of activities including mountain climbing, cycling, traveling and general day-to-day use.
Image courtesy of Amazon
8. Under Armour Run 2.0 No Show Tab Socks for Men
BEST FOR SPORTS
The Under Armour Run 2.0 No Show Tab Socks for Men are a comfortable and stylish answer for sports players who prefer no-show socks. They are constructed from a mix of nylon and elastane to provide a secure fit and remain in place on your feet even during the most rigorous activities. The socks also include anti-odor technology, and the advanced material helps to wick away sweat quickly, preventing any discomfort during physical activity. These foot coverings come in a range of attractive colors, including red, pink and green.
Image courtesy of Amazon
9. WANDER No Show Socks
BEST FOR KIDS
Sharks, flamingos, bikini-clad women and chickens. Did we spike your interest? If we did, these WANDER No Show Socks could be the choice for you. Each set has a different theme, but there are plain color options, too. The material is made from cotton, polyester and spandex for a comfortable and secure fit. The socks also have an anti-slip cuff and a Y-shaped heel to make sure they stay where you want them to. These foot coverings are great for almost every kind of shoe, although they will show a little if used with low-cut boating shoes.
Image courtesy of Amazon