There are all kinds of socks out there. There's everything from ankle socks to over-the-knee socks to socks with crazy patterns. But there are even some things we didn't expect to be considered socks—including a few you may not have seen before. Here's our list of unexpected socks.
Toe Cover Socks
Are these even socks? There's barely anything there! Toe cover socks, or toe toppers, are exactly what they sound like. They're socks that only cover the toes. They're worn with open-heel shoes like clogs. They can add a little coverage inside open-heel shoes, but we can't help but feel sorry for the heels that get left out—literally!
Hockey Socks
Hockey socks come up to the thigh, and they don't even have a place for feet. What—socks without feet? That's crazy talk! Yep, these thick socks cover players' shin pads, but not their feet. The socks are held in place with tape or attached to hockey undergarments designed to keep them up. Now that's some elaborate “non”-footwear!
Leg Warmers
Like hockey socks, leg warmers cover the lower leg but are footless. They're worn by dancers and other athletes. In the 1980s, leg warmers became a fashion trend and were especially popular with aerobics wear. Thanks a lot, Flashdance! Still fashionable today, these tubular sleeves are worn with leggings, jeans, and tights. Combine them with toe covers, and you have a complete sock!
Toe Socks
Toe socks give each and every toe its own compartment. Think of them as gloves for your feet. They not only keep your toes and feet warm but also the space between the toes. We bet you hadn't thought about keeping that part of your body warm before! When one toe slot just isn't enough, toe socks bring you five. If five separate toe slots aren't your thing, you can always stick with a more traditional pair of colorful crew socks instead!
Smart Socks
Of course, that's a thing! In today's technology-filled world, why wouldn't there be smart socks! I mean, we have smart-everything else. Depending on the design, these wearable devices can use built-in sensors to track things like movement, steps, pressure, or other activity data.
Some smart sock systems have even been designed to help keep matching pairs together or track information about the socks themselves, such as how often they've been washed or when to buy new socks. Apparently, even the sock drawer can get a technology upgrade!
Moisturizing Gel Socks
For a strange look and a nice, squishy feeling, gel socks are the socks for you. Just how you want your socks to feel, we're sure! Although they're not the most pleasant-sounding things, gel socks are actually lined with a moisturizing gel designed to help soften dry skin on your feet. Hmm, that actually sounds kind of nice!
Sheer Socks
Yep, we're talking about see-through socks here. Sheer socks can be worn with heels and sandals as a lightweight fashion accessory. They've become an accessory that makes a statement. What statement, exactly? We're thinking cold, sweaty feet—with maybe some blisters.
Slipper Socks
Are they slippers, or are they socks? You decide. Slipper socks are typically thicker and warmer than your average sock, and many of them have grippers on the bottoms to prevent slipping. They're likely way too thick to be comfortably worn in shoes, which makes you wonder about their sock identity. Nonetheless, they're comfy around the house.
Martial Arts Socks
We're not sure if martial arts socks can be considered socks—they're really just foot guards. They only cover the top of the foot. The toes, the heel, and the ball of the foot are all exposed. So, if you're more into kicking things than keeping your feet warm, martial arts foot guards are for you!
Split-Toe Socks
These socks weird us out the most. What did the big toe do to deserve being separated from the rest? And, they look like elephants. Traditionally known as tabi in Japan, split-toe socks have a long history in Japanese clothing and footwear. But that's not all—they've allowed people to wear socks with flip flops. We can't help but shake our heads at that fashion faux pas.
Perhaps Not So Unexpected
Now that you've seen some of the weird things that we call socks, you can either rest assured that you're not as weird as you thought, or you can embrace your weird ways. The choice is yours.
Stick with Fun and Colorful Socks
Toe socks, smart socks, and split-toe socks may be interesting, but our hearts are with colorful patterns on classic crew socks. Explore coordinating styles in men's, women's, and kids' sizes.