THE BEST SOCK SNEAKERS
FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT
Sock sneakers are a simple yet revolutionary concept. The elasticated uppers provide comfort and freedom of movement in athletic and everyday applications.
Since the dawn of shoemaking, designers have been trying to minimize weight while maximizing comfort and protection. It’s a delicate balance and one that has been aided by leaps forward in technology. Nowadays, most footwear brands have proprietary tech, be it Nike Flyknit, adidas Primeknit, or any of the alternatives, each of which promises comfort and protection as well as weights that would have bewildered just ten years ago.
The advances in footwear technology are so prevalent, actually, that luxury players have entered the world of sock sneakers. The Balenciaga sock sneaker—named the Speed Sneaker—is perhaps the most famous, but names like Versace, Balmain, and Moschino have joined the likes of On, Salomon, adidas, and more in exploring the possibilities of knit sneakers.
Along with the obvious benefits of their extremely light weight, the best sock sneakers bring a striking visual element to outfits, too. The modern look of a knitted upper is usually the starting point for highly technical designs; a retro gum sole unit would feel out of place where an ergonomic, seemingly lab-made sole design looks right at home. And so, the arena of sock sneakers is one of otherworldly silhouettes and futuristic detailing.
Featured In This Image: On sneakers
Swiss running specialist On was only founded in 2010. In just over a decade, it’s managed to rise to become one of the first names in tech, comfort, and style; that’s a difficult task in an industry dominated by a handful of big names. Designs like the Cloudaway Suma Sneakers perfectly encapsulate the brand’s talent for advanced engineering like the neoprene sock upper or wildly comfortable CloudTec® foam rubber midsole.
Featured In This Image: Y-3 sneakers
Yohji Yamamoto’s ongoing partnership with adidas has become a central pillar—and founding block—of luxury sneakers. It’s impossible to overstate Y-3’s influence on the current state of high-low sneaker partnerships, and conceptual silhouettes like the Qasa sneaker are a driving force.
Featured In This Image: YEEZY sneakers
After a tumultuous few years, YEEZY has settled back into its stride. The imprint’s legacy is filled with futuristic sock sneakers—so much so that they’re something of a specialty now. The YEEZY Yzy 350 v2 CMPCT leans into that legacy, featuring a thick knit upper with a bungee-style lace-up closure.
Featured In This Image: Balmain sneakers
Balmain sneakers rarely fly under the radar. Case in point: the Balmain Unicorn Sneakers. Set atop a huge 2.5-inch sole split into three interlocking sections, the skintight neoprene sock uppers are far from the most eye-catching feature here. Even finished in an all-black palette—bar gold-tone hardware—there’s no missing the decadent detailing of the aptly named Unicorn.
Featured In This Image: Moschino sneakers
During his tenure at the brand, Jeremy Scott—a designer with a penchant for out-there footwear designed as illustrated by a highly successful line for adidas—led Moschino into new pastures in terms of sneakers. The Teddy Sock Sneakers make the most of the all-black settings with contrasting text to each vamp and a high-top jacquard knit build.
Featured In This Image: Salomon sneakers
One of the major advantages of a knit upper is that, with the right reinforcement, there’s no need for laces or other fastenings. Take the Salmon Pulsar Advanced Sneakers, for example. These knit slip-on sneakers feature a Matryx® mesh upper which holds the foot in place without feeling restrictive. The effect is a minimal, comfortable running sneaker that’s been streamlined for action.
Featured In This Image: Balenciaga sneakers
Balenciaga’s bold footwear designs have positioned the label as an industry leader. One of the major contributors to this accolade has been the Balenciaga sock sneaker. The Speed Sneakers have shocked, confused, and fascinated since they were first introduced in 2016 and their appeal still runs high. This update from adidas doubles down on the sock design with the retro Trefoil logo to the ankle, mimicking classic adidas tube socks.
Featured In This Image: adidas Originals sneakers
In one form or another, the adidas NMD has played a pivotal role since 2015, rising to the top of the brand’s bestsellers. The NMD_S1 constitutes one of the most technologically advanced and visually striking generations of the model with a chunky BOOST® foam rubber midsole working in tandem with a knit upper made from Parley Ocean Plastic® and recycled polyester. In neutral taupe, this pair has a more classic feel than many knit sneakers.
Featured In This Image: Versace Jeans Couture sneakers
Versace Jeans Couture puts a distinctively dramatic, Miami spin on the athletic sock sneaker silhouette. The Speedtrack Sneakers tread the line between advanced sports tooling and in-your-face luxury visuals with a speckled platform sole unit, sleek upper, and detachable gold-tone curb chain across the vamp.
Featured In This Image: CAMPERLAB sneakers
CAMPERLAB’s presence in the luxury sneakers world is growing by the season. Under the direction of Achilles Ion-Gabriel, the Spanish label has pieced together a string of exciting releases, arguably epitomized by the Tossu sneakers. Composed of a water-repellent 3D-knit internal sock and an armor-like TPU cage overlay, Tossu embodies the unique visual identity of Ion-Gabriel’s CAMPERLAB.
- Date: December 4, 2023
