Previously, we introduced some classic sockless pairings as a way of staying cool while looking effortlessly stylish. This week we’ll teach you how to execute these looks while avoiding all the common downsides of going sockless including sweaty feet, odor and ruined shoes. 

Unless you’re one of the genetically chosen ones who can walk blocks upon blocks in the 90+ degree summer heat without shedding an ounce of sweat, going sockless is probably not without its share of less-than-fresh complications. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways, regardless of your sweating propensities, to go sockless while staying fresh.

Here’s how you can keep your feet and shoes as fresh as the look itself: 

1. Use foot powders like Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder. They contain talcum and baking soda which not only absorbs sweat but deodorizes – a must for going sans socks in the summer heat.

2. Wash your feet with anti-bacterial soap.  The cause of foot odor can be as nasty as the smell itself. The odor is a by-product of the gas expelled by bacteria when eating and digesting the dead skin cells off your feet. Now if that doesn’t make you want to wash your feet a hundred times and dunk them in alcohol, we don’t know what will. So wash thoroughly not just for your own sake, but for those around you as well.

3. Give your shoes a break and use cedar shoe trees. Just as your suits need a break from the rotation once in a while, your shoes should also get some bench time to dry up and deodorize. Cedar shoe trees will not only maintain the shape of the shoe, but deodorize and absorb moisture. No shoe trees? Buy some. Waiting for the shipment to arrive? Try crumpled up newspaper as a makeshift alternative that’ll work fairly well to the same effect. 

4. Use porous leather or cotton Terry cloth insoles. Insert them into any pair of shoes for a bit of extra cushioning and to wisk moisture from your feet. The cotton insoles are easily washable but the leather insoles gets our pick on style.

5. Keep them clean: if your shoes are made of canvas, cotton or other synthetic, washable material, a gentle cycle in the washer will keep them clean. In between washes and for leather and suede, try an anti-microbial spray. Letting them bake in the hot summer sun (without your feet in them) will help too.

6. Low-cut, loafer liners

Want the sockless look without actually going sockless? You can pull a fast one on all the street photographers and people watchers by using a pair of low-cut invisible socks, aka loafer liners. Loafer liners are cut well below the ankle to give off the illusion that you’re not wearing any socks, while keeping your ankles cool and absorbing moisture just as any normal pair of socks would. Yes, we’re indeed wearing a pair in the photo above. Sharp eyes will note a peek of green near the heel of the left foot.

Where to get them:

1. MS & Co loafer socks

2. hook + albert loafer liners – they’re colorful and fun

Going sockless is a great way to mix up your looks and elevate your sartorial game during the warm weather days. Now’s the perfect time, so try it out! Whether you choose no-show socks or like to go complete sockless with your next outfit, we hope these tips have been helpful. Feel free to leave your comments below (and share some of your own tips) and email us at concierge@blacklapel.com at anytime if you have any questions or simply would like to talk about the weather forecast in New York City.