Many people enjoy the casual freeing of the feet. Around 60% of people in the U.S. wear flip-flops in general, according to a study by Civic Science. I see it all the time in the summer, with people wearing flip-flops or the occasional Birkenstock Papillio, a popular sandal choice for many. I understand the freeing feeling of not having to wear socks and tennis shoes on a blazing hot summer day, but what I will never understand is why people decide to pair socks and sandals together. 

Wearing socks and sandals is like wearing sunglasses inside — both contradict themselves. Sandals are meant to allow your feet to breathe and feel the breeze of the open air. When you decide to cage the feet with socks while wearing sandals, you quite literally become a walking contradiction. Not only do you look unintelligent, you do not look put together or presentable. 

Summers here in Virginia can be quite hot, with the highest recorded temperature this summer reaching a high of 96°F on Aug. 31 in Richmond, according to a quick Google search. The average human body begins to produce sweat when the surrounding temperatures rise higher than 81°F to 86°F. This means that not only will you become uncomfortably hot wearing socks and sandals, you will also begin sweating, making your socks wetter and slimier than a fish. You begin standing in your own sop. Ew.

If I see someone making the conscious decision to pair socks and sandals together, I always ask myself: Is this a stylistic choice that I’m out of the loop on, or are they a jock with no sense of personal hygiene?  Socks and sandals are the perfect couple for a divorce. Don’t wear them. Or do. I don’t actually care. #freethefeet