4. The power to stay down. The blessing of the no-show is also its burden. Make sure your no-show sock truly does not show. Seeing some cotton peer above a loafer’s waterline is like watching a bad magician—the trick is ruined when you can spot the feint.
What type of shoe should you wear with no-show socks?
Loafers and loafer-adjacent shoes like boat shoes are maybe the most obvious companions for your best no-show socks. Same with low-cut dress shoes like derbies, Oxfords, brogues, wing-tips, and the like. (Scope out some of our favorite loafers and dress shoes if you're in the market.) Low-cut sneakers are strong candidates for no-shows, too. Particularly the classics—your Adidas Sambas, Converse Chuck Lows, Common Projects, Nike Blazers, Vans slip-ons. Once you get into higher-cut shoes like boots or high-tops, the best no-show sock becomes anything that sits below the cuff, and you can expand your search into ankle socks. (Yep, we’ve added our favorite ankle sock below, too.)
A word about GQ and no-show socks
Confession time. At GQ, we would never yuck anyone’s sartorial yum, but you should know that zero-point-zero percent of GQ’s staff wears no-show socks. We haven’t put them in a photoshoot in years. We have written the no-show sock’s obituary, even. Yes, we spent the better part of a decade in the aughts espousing the beauty of a seemingly sockless ankle peeking out from suit pants, trousers, jeans, and everything else. We also tailored Jeremy Lin’s suits so tight he could barely bend his knees. Point being, that was then, this is now.
Today, we firmly believe in the Tao of Visible Socks, that the yin of a great shoe can be found in the yang of a well-paired sock rising above it—to the ankle, mid-calf, or beyond. Even with shorts! We didn’t think it would be fair to take you all this way without speaking Our Truth. (Or telling you about our best socks, period.) But know that if you continue down the path of no-shows, we still love you and genuinely respect your willingness to do your thing. Even the President ignores his cabinet’s advice sometimes.
Okay, on to the show. Scroll to get the lowdown on the 17 best no-show socks for men.
The Best No-Show Socks All-Around: Falke Cool 24/7 City No-Show Socks
Doesn't matter if you're slipping into a fresh pair of white sneakers or the worn-in loafers you've had for years: Falke's discreet, ultra-light, low-cut no-shows will stay mercifully out of sight and out of mind. Crafted from a silky cotton-polyamide blend, they go a step above becoming invisible by pulling heat and moisture outward so your sweaty feet get a chance to cool off. Reinforced with non-slip silicone grips at the heel, these socks aren't going anywhere—except out of stock.
The Best Bulk-Buy No-Show Socks: Fruit Of The Loom No-Show Socks
If you like to buy things in bulk (socks included), Fruit of the Loom's 12-pack of cushy, moisture-wicking no-shows won't disappoint—but might enable the worst of your hoarding tendencies. The poly blend makes for a stellar moisture-wicking defense while the extra cushioning in the sole will give your feet a boost when you've been hitting the pavement for hours on end.
The Best No-Show Socks for Hardcore Gym Rats: Ten Thousand No Show Training Socks
Ten Thousand's tech-laden no-shows are made with silver-ion threads to eliminate odor-producing bacteria and compression ribbing to improve circulation on the mat. A breathable mesh upper allows for extra ventilation when you hit your stride, while expertly placed cushioning keeps you standing upright.
The Best No-Show Socks for Dressier Days: Pantherella Footlet Shoe Liners
Pantherella, the storied UK-based hosiery operation, has established a reputation for turning out dress socks in top-shelf fabrics. To no one's surprise, they make a mean pair of no-shows, too. These peds are designed to fit like a second skin, so you'll forget you have them on (and won't be reminded by any untimely slippage).
The Best No-Show Socks for Cooler Weather: Smartwool Everyday Cushion No-Show Socks
Smartwool
Everyday Cushion No Show Socks
A lot of low-profile socks skimp on material for the sake of a lightweight feel, but Smartwool's socks pack extra cushioning where it's needed most for a comfy stride.
Tempted to reserve your burliest wool layers for the sludgy days of winter? Don't be: The naturally temperature-regulating material is designed to help you conquer fall's telltale whirlwind of fluctuating temps. Smartwool's merino wool socks are equipped with a blend of nylon and elastane for a little added stretch, but they don't compromise on the warmth front to do it. They'll keep your feet unbothered and flourishing come rain, shine, or impromptu-trip-to-the-pumpkin-patch.
Plus 12 More No-Shows We Love
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