Showing off your socks may be all the rage among Gen Z, but there are plenty of occasions when you might prefer that your socks are hidden from plain sight.
For instance, the combo of socks and shorts is almost always a faux pas for men. White sneakers, whether worn with long or short pans, have a certain charm when you can’t see any socks beneath them. And if you’re jogging around, you’ll certainly have a more streamlined outfit if your socks aren’t poking out over your running shoes.
This is where no-show socks come into the picture.
No-show socks let you achieve a sock-less look without sacrificing the comfort and protection of socks. They also help keep your shoes and feet cleaner, as bare feet can easily lead to stinky and sweaty shoes (just a casual reminder for any guy who likes wearing loafers without socks).
Below you can shop our picks for the best men’s no-show socks. You’ll find options that work for a range of budgets and that include some of the most popular brands, such as Bombas, Smartwool, Falke and more.
Stance socks are extremely popular with skateboarders, who are familiar with destroying their shoes and socks, because of how durable and comfortable they are. These no-show socks are made with the same soft cotton blend as Stance’s crew socks, have a seamless toe, provide arch support and offer a blend of breathability and protection with their lightweight cushioning on the bottom. These hold up exceptionally well over time, and they’re available in a bunch of fun colors and designs.
At less than $3 per pair and with over 44,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, these no-show socks are an amazing value. They have mesh ventilation to release heat, they’re made of moisture-wicking polyester and they have a cushioned sole for impact protection. Plus, they’re available in over a dozen colors.
Falke may be better known for their Airport socks, which are some of the highest-quality dress socks a guy can buy. No surprise: their no-show socks are also total winners. Made from a blend of polyester, nylon and spandex, they keep your feet cool and have a built-in grip system on the back and bottom of the heel to prevent them from slipping down. That makes these no-show socks perform better than others and makes them worth the splurge.
Made primarily from Supima cotton and with a cushioned footbed, these no-show socks are noticeably thicker and warmer than others we found. They have grippy material on the inside of the heel to prevent slippage, and the edge around the opening is a bit thicker, making them easier to grab and pull on.
While compression socks are taller so they can apply pressure to your calves, these no-show socks work by offering compression around your heels. They’re designed to help anyone dealing with swelling, both as a standalone condition and as a symptom of illnesses such as diabetes, and according to the brand’s website, these socks offer “medical grade compression.”
Smartwool is known for their high-performance shirts, gloves and underwear, and their no-show socks are just as stellar as everything they make. These are made mostly with soft and breathable merino wool, and they have Shred Shield technology on the front to prevent your toenails from causing any rips. They also have a supportive arch brace that comes in handy when you’re exercising.
All of Darn Tough’s socks are exceptionally strong, and that includes their no-show socks. These socks are made with merino wool, have True Seamless Toe technology to prevent tears at the front and have a fit that’s designed to stay out of sight without slipping off. Plus, if you’re unhappy with them, Darn Tough will give you a replacement pair for free.
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