Is Vans the ultimate sneaker? So West Coast. So American. We have all owned a pair once. Maybe even more …. And if you are reading this now, you probably have a pair of boxfresh Vans sitting next to you now. All you need to know is: what socks go best with Vans?
The brand has quite a heritage. Launched in the 1960s, it quickly became popular with skateboarders - they loved the chunky design and sticky soles of the Authentic shoe. And to this day the shoes combine sports performance with unbeatable comfort, across the product range.
Spanning both high-top and low-top designs, Vans can be sported across a truly vast array of possible looks - pair them with shorts, jeans, chinos… the possibilities for casualwear are almost endless.
But, we hear you ask, which socks should you pair with your brand new Vans?
Choosing socks to wear with Vans
Now, the socks you choose to wear with your Vans depends on the look that you are going for and the design of the Vans that you’ve bought.
If you’re going for a classic pairing with shorts, you’ll probably want to minimise the look of your socks. Therefore, if you’re wearing high-tops, opt for a pair of ankle socks and they’ll be hidden, yet functional. As for low-tops, the same effect can be achieved by pairing them with some no-show socks.
Although for both types of sneaker a chunky pair of sports socks can also look very stylish.
Of course, if you want to pair your vans with trousers such as jeans or chinos, you may want to wear trouser socks - and this is where your personal sense of style can truly shine. You can go understated, plain, or truly bold, brash.
As Vans are almost exclusively worn casually, you have virtually no restrictions on what socks you can wear with them - just wear what looks and feels best to you. Convention need not apply!
Best socks to wear with vans
Let’s take a look at some of our personal favourite socks to pair with Vans, starting with some ankles and no-shows for more classic looks:
1. BOSS Men’s Invisible Socks
These Invisible socks by BOSS are the perfect place to start if you’ve just bought some low-top Vans.
They’re trimmed with silicone on their interior for enhanced grip, so you won’t have to worry about the socks slipping, while the combed cotton provides the gold-standard in comfort and breathability for your feet. Meanwhile, the yarn is certified sustainable, for those among you who are environmentally conscious.
2. Tommy Hilfiger Iconic Socks
The perfect socks if you’ve got some high-top Vans and want your socks to stay under the radar. With their sports-inspired design and Global stripe in the welt, these are the perfect match for Vans’ heritage and will look great in the event that a sneak peek of the socks creeps over the rim of the shoe.
They’re comfy too - with a cushioned sole and hand-linked toe stitching, they’re built to last and promise the same for your feet!
(And you can pick these socks up in a crew-length cut as well - perfect for that more preppy look if you want your socks on show)
3. Calvin Klein Eric Men’s Socks
If you’re looking for a simple pair of trouser socks that are versatile enough to be paired with virtually any trousers, then CK’s Eric socks are your new best friends. The combed cotton is soft and breathable, while the simple yet stylish design is incredibly versatile and perfect to pair with almost any pair of shoes - Vans included.
These are some of our favourite go-to socks. If you can’t decide what to wear, keep it simple and choose these.
4. Gant Men’s Sports Socks
An essential styling detail for any sportswear look, these socks by GANT feature a ribbed texture and a retro GANT flag logo on the ankle. They add a fresh pop of white that brings any outfit together - and the sporting design pairs perfectly with the sporting heritage of Vans. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of fresh, white socks… you’ve found them.
5. Happy Socks
You want something a little more ‘out there’? Look no further.
Happy Socks combine high-quality with good vibes. Anyone who catches a glimpse of these vibrant socks will find a smile creeping across their face. Perfect for a casual look and to accentuate your vibrant personality, take your pick of their vast collection of patterns and colours to find the perfect pair for you and set your outfit ablaze with fun!
Happy Socks are one of our favourite brands for exactly that reason.
What socks will you wear?
Vans are super versatile and the perfect choice for a casual day out. Fortunately, this versatility lends itself well to almost any pair of socks, so really it’s up to you to find your favourites and pair away.
If you’re going with shorts, pair no-show socks with low-top Vans and ankle socks with high-tops if you want that invisible look. For each of these, BOSS and Tommy Hilfiger will have you covered.
If you want trouser socks that are dependable and perfect when you simply can’t make a choice in time, Calvin Klein’s Eric socks should be in your drawer. If you want fresh, white socks - take a look at GANT socks, which also pair perfectly with Vans’ sporting heritage.
And if you want something that’s completely unique, out there and fun, Happy Socks should be next on your hit list.
So, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to get out there and choose your perfect socks for your new Vans. Take a look at our full collection of mens’ socks for more inspiration, and don’t forget to keep up to date with our Below the Belt Blog for more tips, tricks and helpful advice on everything pants and socks.