10 Best Shoes To Wear Without Socks (Review) In 2022

- 1. Sanuk Men's Chiba Slip-On
- 2. TOMS Women's Classic Canvas Slip-on
- 3. Adidas Men's Ultraboost Laceless Sneaker
- 4. TOMS Suede Water-Resistant Women Paxton Slip-on
- 5. Sperry Men's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe
- 6. Sperry Women's Angelfish Varsity Boat Shoe
- 7. Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker
- 8. Adidas Equipment Racing 91 Sneaker
- 9. VANS Men's Embossed Suede Slip-on Skate Shoe
- 10. Adidas Men's Ultraboost Uncaged Sneaker
As the winter months come to an end and summer draws ever nearer, the eternal fashion debate rears its ugly head again: Is it okay to wear shoes without socks?
While this debate draws some strong opinions, and I think everyone would agree that there are some shows you should absolutely NEVER wear with socks (sandals or flip-flops come to mind) and some that should never be worn without (hiking boots, for example), there are some grey areas. Below, we’ll list what we think are the best shoes to wear without socks.
The Best Shoe To Wear Without Socks
1. Sanuk Men’s Chiba Slip-On

Made of 80% cotton, 20% Polyurethane
Comfortable rubber sole with molded EVA foam footbed
Huge range of sizes available for all feet
Range of low-key colors available
Sanuk was founded in the late 90s in California with the simple goal of creating footwear that reflects the light-hearted way of life Californians cherish. Part of this ideology included creating stylish men’s shoes without socks needing to be worn, so summer days can be enjoyed properly.
Finding a balance between flip-flops and boat shoes or loafers, Sanuk Men’s Chiba Slip-On benefits from a strong yet comfortable rubber sole and a cloth top that’s soft and comfortable on your feet while allowing plenty of airflows to reduce smelliness. The laid-back look is achieved with frayed seams, yet the shoe is together enough to comfortably wear all day long and offers a distressed-chic style making it one of the best shoes to wear without socks on the market.
Incredibly comfortable
Plenty of foot support
Feels “broken in” right out of the box
No noise when walking
Lightweight
Comfy distressed chic look
Colors aren’t entirely accurate (for example, black is dark grey)
Slightly narrow width but can be broken in easily
Can get sweaty on particularly hot days
Not a lot of grip
2. TOMS Women’s Classic Canvas Slip-on

For every shoe purchased TOMS donates a pair to a child in need
Top of the shoe is made of canvas or nylon (the material will vary depending on the color selected but this will be stated in the design name)
Breathable textile lining
Synthetic sole with a removable molded textile insole and odor-fighting twill liner
Elastic ‘V’ shape to make slipping on/off easy
While Sanuk’s men’s shoes might have caught our attention as the Best Value shoes to wear without socks, TOMS Women’s Classic Canvas Slip-on takes the prize for Best Value shoes to wear without socks. Designed for women, these shoes come with a comfortable synthetic sole and relaxed look perfect for shopping trips, dress-down Fridays, college lectures, or anything else.
The soft, flexible elastic ‘V’ shape on the top of the shoe makes slipping these on/off incredibly smooth. You can easily pop these on to head out in a rush. Meanwhile, the removable molded textile insole has an odor-fighting twill liner to keep your shoes and feet feeling fresh. As if that’s not already enough, for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need!
Incredibly comfortable
Plenty of designs and colors available;
Vegan options available;
Donation to charity with every purchase
Footbed provides some arch support and cushioning
Can be squeaky when walking
Sizes run a little small (checking size guide before buying)
3. Adidas Men’s Ultraboost Laceless Sneaker

Advanced energy-returning properties
Breathable mesh upper
Midfoot overlays
Signature Boost insole cushioning and molded heel counter
Rubber outsole
Who said you can’t wear sneakers without socks?! While you might not fancy wearing your standard sneakers sockless shoes from Adidas such as these Ultraboost Laceless Sneakers let your feet breathe so, you can wear your sneakers without socks when the summer sun beats down but you can’t stay off the track.
Available in a vast range of colors and styles to match your kit, these shoes have been designed with a sock-like construction and a breathable mesh upper, so you can enjoy going sockless in shoes designed to keep you moving. The midfoot overlays, signature Boost cushioning and molded heel counter have all been designed to make every step comfortable. The advanced energy-returning properties make these sneakers ideal for whatever sport, walk, or run you fancy. In case this pair caught your attention, then you should check out our buying guide for barefoot running shoes.
Laceless design
Breathable; comfortable
Easy to put on / take off
Plenty of foot support
Sleek knit-like design
Great shoes to wear without socks
Takes around a week to wear in
Can run a little small
4. TOMS Suede Water-Resistant Women Paxton Slip-on

TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every shoe purchased
Winterized water-resistant suede or canvas upper
Easy slip-on design with back pull loop
Removable cushioned insole and custom molded rubber outsole for comfort
While not all style options in this selection of slip-ons from TOMS will be comfortable shoes to wear without socks, most choices here are perfectly acceptable to wear with no socks. TOMS Suede Water-Resistant Women Paxton Slip-ons are water-resistant and perfect for days on the beach or an unexpected summer shower. They also come with the same TOMS guarantee we mentioned earlier.
For every pair of shoes purchased, another pair will be donated to a children’s charity. The shoes are made from canvas or suede material (stated in the color description) and some even come with a soft felt or faux-fur lining for added comfort. The custom-molded rubber outsole is designed to be put through its paces and will keep you walking comfortably for as long as possible. At the same time, the removable cushioned insole is perfect for underfoot support.
Available in a massive range of colors and styles;
Warm and sturdy for winter months
Water-resistant
Comfortable to wear
Sizes run small
Beware of false sellers!
5. Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe

Genuine hand-sewn leather materials
360′ lacing system with rustproof eyelets and genuine rawhide lace
Razor-cut wave-siping soles that offer ultimate wet/dry traction on any terrain and channels water away from the foot
Beveled heel provides a stable rest to brace against a deck rail or fight up a steep incline
Another option for men’s shoes without socks, these stylish and sophisticated boat shoes by Sperry are the perfect option for lounging in your personal library or pacing the deck of your yacht. Even if you’re not quite the person for a library in your own home or haven’t put down the deposit on your yacht yet, Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe ooze sophistication and are light enough to be worn as sockless shoes if the mood takes you.
There are plenty of style options to choose from so you can find the perfect look for any outfit or occasion and the non-marking rubber outsole with razor-cut wave-siping grip ensures these shoes are perfect no matter where you go. Not just stylish but comfortable too, these shoes feature an intelligent shock-absorbing EVA heel cup that’ll keep you balanced no matter what.
Laces can be tied once and then used as a slip-on shoe
Comfortable even straight out of the box
Non-marking rubber shoe won’t leave stains on your boat deck or newly polished wood flooring
Leather uppers breath to allow you to wear these as sockless shoes
Sperry’s shoes can stretch with use
Insoles can become loose
May need some wearing in
6. Sperry Women’s Angelfish Varsity Boat Shoe

Leather upper and rubber sole
Range of styles to choose from
Textured woven underlay and around-the-collar adjustable 360′ lacing system for a secure fit
Sperry doesn’t just do men’s shoes without socks; their aptly named Angelfish Varsity Boat Shoe is perfect for women who wish to go sockless. These quality women’s boat shoes come in a range of colors and styles to suit your individual taste. They look perfect on the deck of a yacht or just in the club for a few drinks and are definitely comfortable enough to wear with no socks.
These are shoes that “transcend boundaries and span generations,” perfect for any occasion and are designed to last. Paul Sperry actually invented the world’s first boat shoe in 1935, so you know they’re a name to trust when it comes to the perfect footwear for braving the waters.
Incredibly comfortable
Made by boat-shoe specialists
Stylish and feminine; soft interior
Plenty of foot support
Good grip for boating
Need to be broken in
Sizes may run a little narrow
7. Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker

Lightweight and durable canvas upper
Timeless silhouette and Converse Chuck Taylor All Star design
Low profile offers plenty of flexibility for any activity
Medial eyelets enhance airflow and are long-lasting
Unisex design makes them perfect for everyone
A potentially controversial addition to a list of the best shoes to wear without socks, these stylish and ever-popular Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneakers are firm footwear favorites across the board. Whilst you might be tempted to avoid wearing these with no socks shoes from Converse are well-known to be incredibly comfortable and breathable and low-tops, in particular, are made to have your ankles on display!
If you can’t quite bring yourself to go sockless, you can pick up ‘invisible’ socks that leave your ankles on display and are perfect for this type of shoe. These shoes work for everyone thanks to their unisex design and come in a range of colors to match any outfit. They offer plenty of grip for skateboarding or other activities while the fabric upper is lightweight and breathable enough to keep you comfy all day long… with or without socks!
Classic Converse look
Excellent selection of colors
Comfortable for all-day wear
Padded insoles for comfort
Breathable
Stylish yet casual appearance
Very popular sneakers
Sizes run a little large
8. Adidas Equipment Racing 91 Sneaker

Inspired by archived 90s Adidas sneaker designs
Mesh knit and nubuck upper includes cut-outs for air circulation
TORSION technology offers midfoot support
Grippy rubber outsole
Another item of footwear that proves it’s totally possible to wear sneakers without socks is the Adidas Racing 91 sneaker! Taking inspiration from archived 90’s Adidas styles, this shoe has been given a more modern makeover to make it one of the best shoes to wear without socks, whether you’re heading to the shops or the skatepark.
The mesh knit style and nubuck upper offers a textured look that’s awesome when you’re out and about and the cut-outs have been intelligently placed to provide maximum air circulation to keep your feet cool and refreshed when you’re sockless. The shoes also feature TORSION technology to offer plenty of midfoot support and a grippy rubber outsole that is designed to run laps for as long as you can!
Boosted midfoot support
Loads of aeration to keep feet cool
High-quality grip on the rubber sole
Retro Adidas design
Designed to wear with no socks
You’ll need to remember to put sunscreen on your feet to prevent weird tan lines
Can be challenging to get hold of – unavailable at many retailers
9. VANS Men’s Embossed Suede Slip-on Skate Shoe

Signature VANS rubber waffle outsole
Sturdy low-profile silhouette
Quality suede material upper
Easy slip-on/off design
Huge selection of colors and design options available
Designed for skaters who want the freshest look without the limitation of stuffy socks, VANS Men’s Embossed Suede Slip-on Skate Shoes are a great option for anyone who fancies something they can wear with no socks. Skate shoes that are designed and created with the highest quality materials, everyone’s heard of VANS and for good reason!
These slip-ons come in a range of classic colors and styles to suit a huge range of people and despite being marketed as men’s shoes without socks, these classic VANS look just as great on women as long as you take into account the shoe size differences. The canvas upper is great for increasing breathability even when you’ve been on your feet all day. The classic, timeless style of this slip-on shoe can take you effortlessly from the skatepark to your afternoon lessons. They are even smart enough to work as a smart-casual option for your Friday office meeting or a beach wedding!
Classic VANS style and look
Comfortable for all-day wear
Bright colors and striking design options
Suitable to be thrown in the wash
Easy to slip on/off
May be stiff when first worn but should wear in after a few days
Be sure to check the sizing charts to get the correct fit
Not a considerable amount of arch support
10. Adidas Men’s Ultraboost Uncaged Sneaker

Adidas unique Primeknit textile upper offers plenty of breathabilities and a casually stylish look
Continental Rubber outsole provides ultimate traction in wet and dry conditions
Shoes come with a Responsive Boost midsole and Stabilising Torsion System to make them comfortable on the track or cross-country.
Upper wraps the foot in a supportive fit designed to enhance movement and provide plenty of support
Women’s Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged sneaker sizes also available
As the name of these shoes state, you can truly “uncage” your feet in these stylish Adidas Men’s Ultraboost Sneakers. Featuring an awesome textured look with multiple color shades threaded through the shoe to provide a knitwear look, these shoes also help prove our point that you can wear sneakers without socks if you want to!
Inspired by the runners who cut off the cages of their shoes, these sneakers are designed to give you properly free and unrestricted movement with a simplified design and cool, relaxed appearance. The Primeknit upper has been carefully created to wrap the foot. It delivers a fit that’s been engineered to enhance the movement of your foot. You’ll also experience targeted support that allows you to move without feeling like your shoe is about to fall off. The midsole is cleverly responsive to deal with different terrains, while the flexible outsole won’t stop you running whether you’re on track or heading for a cross-country run. If this pair is one of your favorites from our list, then you should check out our buying guide for best cross country shoes that are currently available.
Incredibly comfortable
Designed to improve mobility and encourage speed
Good balance of cushioning without sacrificing the ability to feel the ground beneath you
Easy to slip on/off
Designed to be no sock shoes
Plenty of grip
Lightweight
Upper knit absorbs water easily so can get damp in morning dew, puddles, or light rain
Insoles may require replacing after a few wears
Shoe To Wear Without Socks FAQ
Q: Can I wear shoes without socks?
A: The most common reason people say no to sockless shoes is due to the smell and risk of developing food conditions such as athlete's foot. The combination of the stuffy fabrics used in most shoes plus foot sweat can create the perfect condition for fungus to thrive and infect your feet. These issues can be particularly problematic for men, who tend to have a smaller selection of appropriate no socks shoes.
On average, most people's feet will sweat approximately half a pint per day and socks work to help absorb this to keep you comfortable and reduce the conditions for fungal infections such as athlete's foot to set in. Socks are also useful for harsher shoes as they offer a soft of soft cushion that makes a massive difference if you're wearing a pair of shoes all day – particularly if those shoes are made of cheap material! Anyone who's tried wearing in a new pair of pumps or sneakers without socks will be able to testify that the rubbing and blisters are massively reduced when a pair of socks are involved!
That said, if you prefer to walk around with no socks, shoes that provide plenty of ventilation can be perfectly fine to wear sockless. While you might not want to wear your favorite sneakers without socks, airy shoes such as sandals can be a literal breath of fresh air for your feet as the weather warms up and your toes long for some sunshine.
In the same breath, many women's shoes would look simply strange without socks, particularly when paired with a short skirt making the socks all too visible. However, men's shoes without socks do offer more debate as they tend to cover the bridge of the foot that makes the best shoes to wear without socks.
The "bare ankle" trend is hugely popular for men at the moment, championed by celebs such as Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, and Orlando Bloom and seems to work well for both casual and formal occasions when worn with the right outfit. However, this look does come with risks and men should ideally only take up this trend in shoes that are designed to be worn without socks.
Shoes such as loafers or siders tend to look best without a pesky sock leaving its mark on your ankle, but going sockless can leave you with smelly shoes and uncomfortable rubbing. One solution to this is to pick up a pair of 'invisible' socks. Also known as 'peds,' 'no-show,' or 'loafer' socks, these socks are tiny and give the appearance of sockless shoes so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you can't even deal with these and really want to go all-out with no socks, shoes will need to be carefully selected to both look cool and feel comfortable. Thankfully, we've done this part of the work for you by compiling our buying guide of what we think are the absolute best shoes to wear without socks so you can get your ankles out in style!