A sock boot is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a boot that slips on like a shoe, replicating the silhouette of socks at the shaft of the boots.
You can find sock boots at every height, with the most popular being mid-calf high, similar to the length of long socks.
Some streetwear options on the market play up the sock motif, while others are more subtle, with minimal contrast between the sock and boot portion of the designs.
Keke Palmer, Chrissy Teigen, and Gigi Hadid wearing sock boots (Credit: WENN / TNYF / star.press)
One remarkable feature of sock boots is their perfect balance between comfort and style. No longer will you struggle with zippers on your favorite boots; slip them on and go about your day with ease.
Crystal-embellished and sheer lace sock boots from Dolce & Gabbana
These shoes give you the comfort of sports socks with the style of traditional ankle or knee-high boots. The most popular sock boots are similar to ankle boots, with the top of the sock ending around the mid-calf.
Sergio Rossi Kit sock boots and Fendi Colibrì FF motif sock boots
This silhouette is the easiest to style in your daily wardrobe and the one you’ll most likely spot on the runway or the feed of your streetwear muse.
Once you know how to style sock boots, you’re probably ready to hit ‘add to cart’ and bring a few pairs into your closet. These shoes are a closet staple that you can wear all year round.
Top Picks: Sock Boots for Every Budget and Style
With the right fabric and height, you can wear them as a transitional piece between seasons and keep them at the front of your closet to grab and go. We’re rounding up a few of our favorite sock shoes with a pair to fit every budget and aesthetic.
1. Balenciaga Knife Sock Boots, $950
We primarily hail Balenciaga for bringing the sock boots into the mainstream, creating a similar silhouette with their sneakers. The classic boots have a minimalistic ‘Balenciaga’ logo below the toe box.
This style has quickly become a staple within Balenciaga’s catalog, with a razor-sharp silhouette and a black stretch jersey that makes them easy to slip on. We’ve spotted them on Lily Aldridge, Salma Hayek, Kylie Jenner, Pixie Lott, and many other celebrities.
A fashion favorite since 2017, Balenciaga’s Knife boots continue to fascinate with their exaggerated point toes and razor-sharp profile
You can pick up this style in an acid green for a statement shoe that will turn heads. If you’re a fan of sock boots, these shoes are worth a splurge!
2. Aldo Deludith Stretch Sock Boot, $130
For a style that doesn’t hide the socks, try these boots by Aldo. The cuffs recreate the ribbed edging of sporting socks, while the slim heel and pointed toe give these boots a more professional feel.
A sock-like upper with a ribbed collar made from recycled materials creates stylish comfort in this pointy-toe bootie set on a lofty heel
These are the perfect earth-tone sock boots for anyone experimenting with the trend.
3. Miu Miu Sock Boots, £645
Do you like the Balenciaga sock boots but want more fun with the heel? Try this style by Miu Miu. These boots have a ribbed texture with a silver metallic Miu Miu logo appearing around the top of the socks.
This Italian-made design exudes sleek modernity with a clean silhouette finished with a ribbed texture and silver-toned metallic fibers that depict the brand’s logo running around the ankle
With their pointed-toe and kitten heels, these sock boots are ideal for wearing with a midi skirt in spring or autumn.
4. & Other Stories Heeled Leather Sock Boots, $179
This style gives you the appearance of ankle boots with the comfort of socks. Instead of a ribbed texture, these boots have a seamless leather-inspired finish.
Leather sock boots with a pointed square toe, cubic block heel, and topstitch detailing
The square-toe and cubic block heel make these the perfect autumn and winter sock boots for the office or with your favorite flared jeans.
5. Vetements Stretch Knit Sock Boots, $735
While other styles take their inspiration from ankle socks, this silhouette from Vetements replicates the look of knee-high football socks.
These stretch-knit boots take the form of a stiletto heel and reach the knee as though they are that of a football player
These bold boots take their inspiration from the German football team, with a stiletto heel to juxtapose the athleisure against the structure of the heel.
6. Dolce & Gabbana 90mm Stretch Lace Sock Boots, $764
For a formal pair of sock boots that you could wear with a little black dress, try this option from Dolce & Gabbana.
These shoes give you the appearance of traditional court heels with a lace sock finish, making them look and feel more like boots. These are some of the most unique styles on the market and are perfect for wearing for your next night out.
Always a Sicilian and feminine icon for Dolce & Gabbana, this boot is made from timeless soft stretch lace
Sock boots are a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Their versatility is quickly turning them into a closet essential.
If you’re unsure where to experiment with this trend, pick a classic neutral-tone pair and style them with your favorite jeans. It couldn’t be easier!