Curated Cool by Keith Edwards Part 2
by on 2012-07-16

Ah, summer! That special time of year when skin is everyone's favorite accessory. Arms and chests come alive in tank-tops as legs glow in the sun, springing from the latest chambray shorts. But what about your poor feet? Sandals are an option, sure, but they never give off that cool-casual needed by many to easily blend from day to night. And tennis shoes are surely your best bet, but the smart man knows that socks are needed to keep your shoes fresh and clean, but in the process ruin the clean lines from thighs, to calves, to feet. A contentious war begins to rage within. Do you give up comfort for style, or do you allow your silhouette to dampen in order for your shoes to stay dry?

I love the way most shoes look with shorts and no socks-- a sexy, clean line from calf, to ankle, to shoe. But after a couple of weeks in the heat and humidity of a New York City summer, my feet and shoes would always start to give off a less than attractive smell. But I kind of always thought that was the trade off for having a clean silhouette. Well, I'm here to tell you that you can have the best of both worlds. Dry feet and a uninterrupted silhouette. How is this possible? No show socks.

Now, I know that this isn't necessarily the newest concept, but I certainly have never heard about it until a couple weeks ago and ever since nabbing my first pair, I've been forever converted. Suddenly, whether I'm in Vans or Mark McNairy shoes, I can show off as much ankle as I want, but without having to give up comfort or style. I bought my pair from Urban Outfitters for $12 for two pair. They come in a variety of styles and colors, but what does it matter? No one will see them.

One small caveat: the socks do an excellent job at hiding. Such a good job, in fact, that the socks can have trouble staying on the ankle. I find, though, that there's a sweet spot in wearing them and after a few tries, I can get them to stay on for the long haul, but perhaps this might be too much trouble for you. Just keep it in mind!

So no longer concede to stinky feet or terrible white socks covering your beautiful ankles. Get no show socks! And be sure to come back here next week!