The case for… Socks with sandals

Photograph by Shaw + Shaw

But why are socks with sandals shorthand for nebbishness? Would we prefer all these feet out in the air, getting grimy? Even in shoes, elder millennials famously love a trainer sock. They thrive off the visual idea their foot might be bare within. Often, their feet are bare within. Not that you’d know – you have to guess what level of disgustingness you’re dealing with in many situations.

You can thank this generation for a welcome return to Victorian values. Not the moral perseverance of the self-made entrepreneur. I’m talking about covering our goddamn ankles. Socks are obviously amazing. Little duvets for your trotters. They soak up sweat, add a pop of colour to an outfit. For many men, socks are the one act of expression they allow themselves. In trench warfare, they literally died for the want of them.

The younger generation embrace a pulled up garter look, especially with sandals. Or rather sliders. Sliders are less ludicrous than gladiator sandals. They’re superior to flip flops, those cheesewire torture claws. They’re basically Birkenstocks without the second home (or the first home).

When sock meets slider? Perfection, ideal for comfort and freshness. You can get a full day out of those feet, you know. They’re day-to-evening. You can’t hold a candle to a sock in a sandal; but trust me, the look is fire.