Socks & 'Stocks

The only thing more controversial than whether or not you wear Birkenstocks, is whether or not you wear them with socks.  Some people love to wear Birkenstock sandals with socks, while other people think such a concept is an abomination to the fashion world.  Which side of the fence are you on?  Are you a sock and ‘stocks lover?  Or, are you a Birkenstock purist?  

Some people love to wear Birkenstocks with socks.  Some people love to wear Birkenstocks without socks.  Other people love them both ways: with and without socks.  It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you stand on because it all boils down to loving your Birkenstocks.  

I strongly believe that anyone can wear Birkenstocks.  How you wear them is entirely up to you.  Birkenstock purists would likely never wear their sandals with socks.  If the weather turns cold, purists would either grin and bear it or switch to a closed toe pair of Birks.  Non-purists would just throw on a pair of socks to stay warm.

People in the fashion world might consider the worst faux pas one can make is to wear white gym socks with Birkenstocks.  In their world this is a big no-no. 

Birkenstocks with white gym socks

Fashionistas sometimes label those who wear gym socks with Birkenstocks as being sloppy, lazy or dorky.  Negatively labeling, categorizing and stereotyping other people is just plain wrong.

Maybe someone woke up late and had to rush out of house in their socks and Birkenstocks.  Or perhaps an individual was too lazy to change socks or shoes before leaving the house.  It’s ok to be lazy once and awhile.  Finally, what’s wrong with being dorky?  We are all dorky in some way, whether we want to admit it or not.

Plenty of people who are not sloppy, lazy or dorky wear white socks with Birkenstocks.  Take for example pro-athletes who wear white socks with their flip flops post game.  They are staying warm and giving their feet a break from constricting athletic cleats.  Same can be said for Birkenstock wearers who want to stay warm and slip into their comfy Birks after a long work day on their feet.  Many people who wear socks with Birkenstocks are not trying to make any fashion statement at all.  They simply want their feet to stay warm in a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes.  

It’s not just gym socks that people are wearing with Birkenstocks.  These days it is very on trend to pair wool socks with Birkenstocks.  Birkenstocks with silly designs are all the rage too.  Many people choose to wear bold, colorful socks when wearing neutral color Birkenstocks.  Doing so makes the sandal “pop” and the Birkenstock becomes the focal point of the outfit.

Birkenstock Arizonas with Birkenstock socks

Birkenstock Mayari with Wonder Woman socks

Some people wear socks with Birkenstocks when it is cold outside because they have minimal options.  People who are on a budget or who follow a minimalist lifestyle may have one pair of Birkenstocks that require maximum usability.  Purchasing one pair of socks is less expensive and takes up less space, than buying a new pair of closed toe Birkenstocks for cold days.  

It is also convenient to wear socks with Birkenstocks if you live in an area with microclimates, like the Bay Area.  Around here, one might wake up to dense fog in Berkeley and then travel across the Richmond bridge to be embraced by warm sunny skies in Marin.  For these situations, why not slip on toasty wool socks in the morning?  This person would be able to strip off the socks upon arrival at their warmer destination and be able to enjoy Birkenstocks sock-free.  Bay Area residents are experts when it comes to dressing in layers.  This includes dressing your feet in layers too with socks and ‘stocks.

I know many people who wear socks and Birkenstocks due to medical conditions.  For example, diabetics often wear socks as a protective layer to buffer their feet when wearing sandals.  Others may be required to wear compression stockings for issues related to blood clots, varicose veins, lymphoedema, or skin ulcers.  Certain people may even be required to wear compression stockings post surgery.

Birkenstocks with compression stockings. Photo from runwithpup.com

Although people without medical conditions and Birkenstocks purists may not like wearing Birkenstocks with socks, a large majority of the Birkenstock wearing population does enjoy combining socks with their ‘stocks.  Birkenstock is well aware of this trend and they even have their own line of legwear.  Birkenstock Group’s webpage shows the types of socks available.  They even make socks for Gizehs and Madrid models!  Unfortunately, finding a pair of Birkenstock socks in the US is virtually impossible.

I believe that anyone and everyone can and should wear Birkenstocks…with or without socks.   I like to remain non-judgmental and neutral when it comes to other peoples’ fashion choices.  People should wear Birkenstocks however they feel most comfortable.

Do I know people who wear Birkenstocks with socks?  Absolutely.  Do I mind if other people wear Birkenstocks with socks?  Not at all.

At this point you might be asking, “Gina Mama, which side of the fence are you on?  Are you a socks and ‘stocks lover?  Or, are you a Birkenstock purist?”  I am purist on most fronts.  I don’t add sugar to espresso.  I don’t put coffee in milk.  I prefer a shot of tequila over a margarita.  And I don’t wear socks with my Birkenstocks.

I am a Birkenstock purist and I Love Birkenstocks….without socks.  How do you like to wear your Birkenstocks?