Socks and Sandals, Once Forbidden, Are Now a Legitimately Cool Combo

The OG pool slide (and shower slide, and dorm slide) has never really gone out of style. But it's definitely having a moment right now, thanks to the easy on-off, the comfortable footbed, and the classic look.

Don't overthink this one. If you're wearing Adidas slides, you should pair them with sporty Adidas socks. (And remember: While we won't judge you for throwing a Nike swoosh into the mix, there are people out there who will.)

If there's any sandal that screams, "Wear me with socks!" more emphatically than a pair by Birkenstock, we haven't found it yet. Go ahead and give these a shot. You might just love the look (and the feel).

Here's something handy: Birkenstock makes socks, too! Slubby, comfy socks that look like the hand-knit style your hippie hometown friends used to pair with their Arizonas and Bostons. Now that Deadhead-adjacent style (think: tie-dye, trippy graphics, and hemp tees) is squarely a part of the fashion landscape, you can't do much better than socks like these.

Tevas are back, and there's nothing you can do about it. But, honestly, why would you want to fight it? The OG sport sandals are comfortable, functional, and an easy way to try out the socks-and-sandals combo that still feels current.

The trick to Tevas, in this scenario, is pairing them with bright white socks. You can certainly go for the all-white, drugstore variety if you're worried about getting 'em dirty. But for our money, a pair of Stance socks with a few subtle stripes (and some impressively comfortable construction) are even better.

For more Boyd 4 socks from Stance, check out the brand's full lineup of styles.

Suicoke has quietly gone from a cult-status sandal to a more mainstream brand in the U.S. over the last few years, but the look  is still distinctive. Sitting somewhere between outdoorsy and streetwear-y, this pair is undeniably cool.

You've already got the elevated streetwear thing going with the sandals, so why not go all in with some yellow Givenchy socks? The combo of the big logo and the bright color will make it clear that the the whole look is intentional.

Gucci slides are about as big of a flex as you can make in the sandal department. That's double the flex-itude if you're wearing fancy ones with a jacquard monogram logo and leather soles.

And if you go ahead and wear those slides with white cable knit Gucci socks in a complementary colorway? That's going hard on the vibe, plus making a low-key declaration that, Yeah, these expensive white socks are going to get dirty, and no, I don't care. This is peak socks-and-sandals flexing right here.