What Socks To Wear In Converse High Tops? [Problem Solved!]
Finding the perfect socks to pair with your Converse high tops can be tricky. You want a style that complements the iconic look of the shoes while also being comfortable enough to wear all day long.
The wrong socks can throw off your outfit or leave your feet aching after just a few hours on your feet. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when choosing socks for high top Chucks, from material and length to color and style.
We’ll provide sock recommendations for versatile looks, whether you’re going for casual cool, sporty chic, or a more polished vibe. With the tips in this article, you’ll be able to find the ideal socks to complete your Converse high top outfit with ease.
So, what socks to wear with Converse high tops? For Converse high tops, crew or quarter socks reaching the shoe top without going higher are recommended. Black, white, or gray socks pair well. Make sure socks aren’t visible above the high tops. Specific brands like Hanes or Carhartt provide an ideal fit. For low tops, go with no-show socks or invisible liners to avoid socks showing. Consider comfort and personal style when choosing sock height.
Also Read: Why do socks slide down in shoes
Table of Contents
Crew vs Ankle Socks for Converse High-Tops
When it comes to wearing Converse Chuck Taylor high-top shoes, one of the most common style debates is whether to wear crew socks that come up just above the top of the shoe, or lower ankle socks that sit right at the ankle bone.
There are arguments on both sides of this sock showdown. Let’s break it down so you can determine what’s best for your personal style.
The Clean, Retro Crew Crew
For a lot folks, crew socks that come just above the high-top line are the way to go for a sharp, clean look. This covers any awkward gaps between shoe and leg, and gives a kind of retro vibe that many dig.
Some see crew socks as looking particularly fly with more patterned or colorful outfits, as they complement the rest of the style. And you avoid looking like a silly goose with socks sticking out all willy-nilly above your Chucks.
So if you’re looking for a timeless, pulled-together style, matching some solid colored crew socks with your high-tops can be just the ticket.
In short, here are the pros and cons of wearing crew socks with high tops Chuck Taylors:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Crew socks can keep your feet and ankles warm and cozy, especially in colder weather or seasons. | Crew socks can make your legs look shorter or thicker, especially if you wear shorts or skirts with converse high-tops. |
Crew socks can prevent chafing and blisters on your ankles from rubbing against the shoe’s edge or tongue. | Crew socks can be too hot or sweaty for your feet in warmer weather or seasons. They can also trap moisture and bacteria, leading to odor or infection. |
Crew socks can add some flair and personality to your outfit, depending on the color, pattern, or design you choose. You can match them with your shirt, pants, or accessories, or go for a bold and funky look with bright or mismatched socks. | Crew socks can clash with your outfit if you don’t coordinate them well. They can also look too casual or childish for some occasions or settings. |
Crew socks can create a retro or vintage vibe with your converse high-tops, as they were popular in the 80s and 90s. You can channel your inner rock star, punk, or hip-hop artist with crew socks and converse high-tops. | – |
Ankles Add Mobility
But hey, crew socks aren’t for everyone. Some prefer the lower profile and greater ankle mobility of ankle socks with their trusty Chucks.
Ankle socks work well for more athletic outfits, letting you move freely while adding a casual flair. If you’re wearing long pants or jeans, a hint of ankle sock poking out can also look pretty chill.
Lower ankle socks can gel well with casual athletic outfits involving shorts, joggers, track pants, etc. Ankle socks give off more of a sporty, laid-back vibe compared to proper crew lengths.
In short, here are the pros and cons of wearing ankle socks with high tops Chuck Taylors:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Ankle socks can make your legs look longer or slimmer, as they create more space between the shoe and the sock. They can also make your feet look smaller or lighter. | Ankle socks can expose your ankles to cold or injury, especially in colder weather or seasons. They can also allow dirt or dust to enter your shoes more easily. |
Ankle socks can keep your feet cool and dry in warmer weather or seasons. They can also reduce moisture and odor buildup in your shoes. | Ankle socks can cause irritation or discomfort on your ankles from rubbing against the shoe’s edge or tongue. They can also slip off your heels or bunch up in your shoes. |
Ankle socks can work with different outfits and styles, from pants and jeans to skirts and dresses. They can also suit different occasions and settings, from casual to formal. | Ankle socks can be too plain or boring for your outfit if you don’t spice them up with some details or accessories. They can also look too sporty or informal for some occasions or settings. |
Ankle socks can create a modern or minimalist look with your converse high-tops, as they are more subtle and sleek than crew socks. You can go for a simple and elegant look with neutral or solid colors, or a trendy and edgy look with prints or logos. |
Consider the Occasion for Crew vs Ankle Socks With Converse High Tops
As with most styling choices, the occasion you plan on wearing your high-tops to should influence your sock selection.
Going sockless or wearing ankle socks with shorts is likely fine for kicking around on the weekend. But for a dressier night out, crews offer a more polished, intentional look.
Crews also make more sense function-wise in colder weather since they’ll keep your ankles warmer.
It Ultimately Comes Down to Personal Style
If you dig a 90s urban street style, mid-calf socks could be your jam. Wanna go full 1980s with some neon leg warmers pulled up high? You do you! Or maybe even go sockless in your Chucks when it’s hot out.
There’s no high-top police who will bust you for ankle socks if it works for your personal taste and style goals. As long as you avoid the awkward tiny bit of visible sock, you really can’t go wrong.
There are a few guidelines that seem pretty universal:
- Avoid socks that poke out awkwardly – keep them low with no-shows or high with crews
- Consider sock color too – be careful mixing loud hues and patterns
- Don’t wear long black dress socks unless you really know what you’re doing!
Matching Sock Style to Pants Length
Here’s some tips on matching sock style to different pants lengths and shoes.
Wearing Shorts? Go for Crew or High Socks
If you’re wearing shorts, you generally want to opt for crew or high socks that go up the calf rather than ankle socks.
The reason is that too much visible bare leg between your shoe and the hem of your shorts can end up looking a bit awkward. Crew or high socks that meet the bottom of the shorts provide a more clean, continuous line.
An exception is with loafers or boat shoes, where no-show socks that are hidden work better with shorts than full crew socks which might look too preppy. But for sneakers, boots, etc. crew or high socks help shorten the expanse of leg on display.
Ankle Socks Only If Wearing Long Pants
Ankle socks are really best reserved for wearing under longer pants. Jeans, chinos, trousers – ankle socks don’t peek out from under the hem so they don’t interrupt the vertical line of an outfit like they can with shorts.
With pants long enough to cover your ankles, those few inches of sock fabric between your shoes and hem aren’t visible so they don’t mess up the flow of your look. Just stick to socks short enough not to bunch around your shoes.
No Socks or No-Shows for Rolled/Cuffed Pants
When you roll or cuff your pants up above the ankle, you want to go sockless or wear no-shows that stay hidden. Any sock that is exposed when you cuff pants will ruin the clean silhouette you’re trying to create.
No-show socks come in low-cut styles specifically made to be invisible when wearing cropped, rolled or cuffed pants. If your feet don’t sweat too much, skipping socks entirely can also look great with a casual rolled pant outfit.
Match Sock Height to the Shoe
Beyond pants length, it’s important to consider the height of the shoes themselves.
With low top Chuck Taylors and other sneakers, you want to stick with no-show or ankle socks which won’t be visible.
But for high top Converse, socks at or above the ankle are necessary to fill in the gap.
Crew length socks that hit right at the shoe’s opening are recommended for high tops. You want some contact between sock and leg to hold them in place. No-show socks can also work with high tops, but may slip more easily.
Proper Sock Fit Prevents Slipping and Discomfort
Whether crew, ankle or no-show, make sure your socks fit well. Too loose and they’ll slip down. Too tight and they’ll cut off circulation or dig in uncomfortably. Try different brands and materials to find the right balance of snug but not squeezing.
Matching Sock Color to Your Outfit As Well
When it comes to socks, you want to coordinate the color and length to pull together your full outfit. Here are some tips on getting the sock look just right with your Chucks.
Go With Basics: Black, White or Grey
Black, white and grey socks are versatile neutrals that will match most any color pants or shorts you pair with your Converse.
- Black crew socks are a safe choice with black high top Chucks that creates a streamlined monochromatic look. Black also works well with darker denim or grey pants.
- Crisp white socks add a retro vibe to lighter denims or khakis. Keep the cuff folded just above the high top.
- Heathered grey socks are an alternative that works with black, blue or khaki pants.
Sticking with these basic sock colors means you likely already have options in your sock drawer to coordinate with your high tops.
Match Sock Color to Your Converse Sneaker
Coordinating your sock color to match or complement the main shade of your high tops is another foolproof approach.
- With black high top Chucks, black socks are most seamless. White creates contrast.
- For white Converse sneakers, white socks blend in most. Black or grey both pop against the white shoe canvas.
- Pair socks in shades of red, blue, green or yellow with the same bold high top colorway. Matching the sock color to the accent creates a unified look.
Matching sock and shoe color helps extend the look of the sneaker through your entire outfit for visual flow.
Beyond Black and White Socks With Converse High Tops
When you want to get more adventurous with your sock choices, there are options beyond basic black and white. Gray, navy and other neutrals can work nicely too.
Matching the sock color to your Chuck color is one approach. Like navy socks with navy shoes. This creates a streamlined, monochromatic look.
Complementary colors like orange socks with blue sneakers can make your feet a fun accent. Contrasting colors in moderation can be eye-catching.
Getting Retro Vibes By Wearing Patterned Socks With Converse High Tops
For more of a retro, 90s inspired vibe, go for some patterned socks with your high top Chucks. We’re talking stripes, argyle, polka dots. This creates a youthful, carefree outfit with the socks adding personality.
Black and white patterns pair well with basic colored Chucks. Bolder patterns and colors work better with neutrals like white sneakers so it’s not too busy.
Crew vs No-Show: Choose Based on High or Low Top
For high top Converse, crew length socks that come right up to the ankle are recommended. Ankle socks can create an awkward gap between the sock and bottom of the pants. Crew socks continue the color story up the leg.
With low top Chuck Taylors, no-show or footie socks that disappear inside the shoe are ideal. Ankle socks sticking out above low tops can cut off the leg line unflatteringly. No-show socks streamline the look.
Sock Brands and Styles that Work Best With Converse High Tops
The key features that make socks ideal for high-top Chucks are having the perfect length, staying in place, and providing cushioning and breathability.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting socks for Converse high tops:
- Thickness: Converse high tops are not very cushioned, especially the Chuck Taylor All-Star model. Therefore, you might want to wear socks that have some thickness to provide extra support and comfort to your feet. Cushioned socks prevent blisters from Chuck’s flat insole, However, you don’t want socks that are too thick, as they might make your feet too hot or cause your shoes to fit too tightly.
- Breathability: Converse high tops are made of canvas, which is not very breathable. This means that your feet might get sweaty or smelly after wearing them for a long time. To prevent this, you should wear socks that are breathable and have good moisture-wicking properties. This will help keep your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.
- Fit: Converse high tops have a unique cut that exposes the ankle bone. This means that you need socks that fit well and stay in place, without slipping down or bunching up. You also want socks that are not too long or too short, as they might look awkward or uncomfortable with your shoes.
- Style: Converse high tops are versatile shoes that can match with different outfits and occasions. However, you might want to choose socks that complement or contrast with your shoes, depending on the look you are going for. You can also experiment with different patterns, colors, and textures to add some flair to your outfit.
Top Socks Brands To Wear With Converse High Tops
- IDEGG No Show Low Cut Socks: These socks have a curved ankle that conforms to the shape of your shoes, making them virtually undetectable. They also have silicone strips at the heel to keep them in place. They come in various colors and sizes to suit your preferences.
- Saucony Performance No Show Socks: These socks are made of a blend of polyester, cotton, spandex, and rubber, which makes them soft, stretchy, durable, and breathable. They have a cushioned sole for extra comfort and a ribbed arch support for stability. They also have a seamless toe for smoothness and a heel tab for easy on and off.
- Hue Mini Crew Socks: These socks are made of a blend of cotton, nylon, spandex, and rubber, which makes them soft, cozy, durable, and flexible. They have a smooth toe seam for comfort and a reinforced heel and toe for durability. They also come in various colors and patterns to match your style.
- Kikiya Socks Patterned Crew Socks: These socks are made of a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, which makes them soft, stretchy, durable, and breathable. They have a ribbed cuff for a snug fit and a smooth toe seam for comfort. They also come in various fun and colorful patterns to spice up your outfit.
- Nike Everyday Cushion Crew Socks: These socks are made of a blend of cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex, which makes them plush, supportive, resilient, and flexible. They have a cushioned sole for impact protection and a ribbed arch band for a secure fit. They also have a Dri-FIT technology that helps keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Puma Low Cut Socks: These socks are made of a blend of polyester, cotton, spandex, and rubber, which makes them lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and comfortable. They have a cushioned sole for shock absorption and a mesh top for ventilation. They also have a heel tab for easy on and off and an arch support for stability.
Caring for Your Socks With Converse High Tops
When wearing Converse high top sneakers, especially in warm weather, it’s important to take steps to keep your feet fresh and prevent foot odor. There are a few simple things you can do:
Rotate Your Shoes
If you go sockless with your Chucks, let the shoes air out a full 24 hours before wearing them again. This allows sweat to dry out and prevents bacteria buildup that causes odor. Alternate between at least two pairs regularly.
Use Moisture Absorbers
Sprinkle some baking soda or baby powder inside your Converses after wearing. These absorb moisture and perspiration, reducing odor-causing bacteria growth.
Wash Socks Before Wearing
Brand new socks tend to slide around more until they’ve been washed. Washing your socks in advance allows them to better grip your feet and stay in place with your high tops.
Air Dry Your Shoes
After wearing your Chucks, take out the laces and inserts and let the shoes fully air dry before putting them away. This evaporates sweat and moisture that contribute to odors.
What Socks to Wear in Converse High Tops: FAQs
Can I wear patterned socks with Converse high tops?
Yes, you can definitely wear patterned socks with Converse high tops! It can add a fun and unique touch to your outfit. Just make sure the patterns complement your overall look and enhance your personal style.
Is it necessary to wear socks with Converse high tops?
While it is a personal preference, wearing socks with Converse high tops is generally recommended. Socks help absorb sweat, prevent odor, and provide a barrier between your feet and the shoe, reducing the risk of discomfort or blisters.
Should I wear thick or thin socks with Converse high tops?
The choice between thick or thin socks for Converse high tops depends on your personal comfort preferences and the weather conditions. Thicker socks provide more cushioning and warmth, while thinner socks offer a lightweight and breathable option.
Can I wear knee-high socks with Converse high tops?
While it is possible to wear knee-high socks with Converse high tops, it may not be the most common or preferred choice. Knee-high socks tend to be more suitable for other shoe styles, such as boots or sandals.
Are there any specific materials that are best for socks with Converse high tops?
Socks made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo are ideal for wearing with Converse high tops as they help to prevent excessive sweating and keep your feet comfortable.
Should I match the color of my socks to my Converse high tops?
The choice of sock color is primarily a matter of personal preference. You can match the color of your socks to your Converse high tops for a coordinated look, or opt for contrasting colors to make a fashion statement.