Pedis on Standby: I Believe Flip-Flops and Ballet Flats Appear Most Stylish When Paired With This Controversial Sock Trend.
If you regularly follow this weekly column, I assure you that I don’t have a foot fetish; I simply enjoy my microtrends being as controversial as possible. This year, the most stylish individuals have decided to showcase their feet as a fashionable accessory. Whether adorned with toe rings or walking around in five-toe sandals, there’s something captivating about highlighting the foot that has us all in a frenzy. The latest trend to emerge (forgive the pun) is as divisive as they come: the toeless sock.
Just based on its name, an open-toe sock may sound a bit ridiculous. When you think about what a sock is meant to do (keeping your feet warm and stopping blisters), toeless socks almost completely miss the mark. Designed without a toe box, their slightly sporty, somewhat orthopedic vibe has somehow made them appealing to foot enthusiasts this year.
Making waves on the Miu Miu spring/summer 2025 runway, stirrup socks (another term for socks that wrap around the arch and little else) were quickly embraced by Mandy Lee, one of fashion's notable commentators on the "freaky shoe," who was eager to promote the trend in 2025. With their unconventional shape contributing a “What am I even looking at?” (her words, not mine) element to her already controversial shoe collection, I knew it was only a matter of time before this would influence other advocates of provocative fashion. Following a summer filled with bold prints, vibrant colors, and lots of toes, these footless socks provide added comfort (along with a generous dose of high fashion) as autumn approaches. If the stylish attendees at Copenhagen Fashion Week are anything to go by, this completely unconventional style is prepared to step into the limelight.
Spotted with various outfits like ballet flats and layered T-shirts to artistic two-piece ensembles, these wonderfully peculiar accessories showed surprising versatility. Whether you're experimenting with color and texture or want to try something quirky with footwear, open-toe socks are an easy way to do so. You can even make your own (if you're willing to sacrifice a pair of socks). Just decide on your desired length—be it stylist Jordan Kelsey’s snug pair (shown above) or a more extreme micro-cut—and snip away. It’s that simple. So if you’re convinced about the toeless-sock trend, scroll down to discover the best options available.
**Shop the Toeless-Sock Trend**
- Miu Miu: Silk Knee-High Socks
- Calzedonia: Open-Toe Long Socks
- Swedish Stockings x Ssense: Exclusive Long Socks
- Swedish Stockings: Long Socks
- FALKE: Shelina Knee High Socks
- Free People: Lia Stirrup Tights
- Free People: 28" Stirrup Leg Warmers
Other articles
The Who What Wear editors shared their top 21 fashion discoveries for this month.
Browse the selection.
Forget Baby Tees—The Runways Say This Is the Most Stylish Way to Expose Skin This Autumn.
Revealing your shoulders by removing your sleeves is establishing the mood for autumn. Click to discover why the décolletage is becoming the new erogenous zone.
Vibrant Streets, Caribbean Getaways, and Top Local Designers: An Insider’s Guide to Cartagena
Los fundadores de Agua Bendita comparten su guía interna de Cartagena. No querrás perderte sus lugares favoritos para comprar, comer, beber, alojarte y escapar.
Forget Baby Tees—Runway trends indicate that this is the most stylish way to display some skin this autumn.
Removing your sleeves and revealing your shoulders is establishing the vibe for autumn. Click to discover why the décolletage is considered the new sensitive area.
Pedis on Standby: I Believe Flip-Flops and Ballet Flats Appear Most Stylish When Paired With This Controversial Sock Trend.
Get your pedicures, flip-flops, and heels ready to embrace this controversial sock trend. Keep reading to discover the reasons below.