April 25, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Sneakers are comfortable, timeless, and, when paired correctly, can complement almost any outfit. However, if you can’t find the right pair of socks or they frequently slip off your heels, you might be tempted to skip them altogether and wear the shoes barefoot. A study by the British shoe retailer Size? has revealed why you might want to reconsider that choice.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Sneakers Without Socks

Sneakers with or without socks? This is a question we often ask ourselves, especially in spring and summer. A study by the British shoe retailer “Size?” found out why you should avoid doing this, according to “GQ.” Sneakers made from various materials and worn in different situations were examined. For the study, swabs were taken from both the outer and inner soles and tested for germs and bacteria. The resulting cultures were allowed to grow in petri dishes for five days. The result is alarming! In all tests, sneakers worn without socks had significantly more germs than those worn with socks.

Dr. Timm Golüke also confirms this: “It’s not good to wear shoes without socks because, of course, you don’t wash the shoes every day, but you do wash the socks. Additionally, you sweat more without socks, as they ideally absorb foot sweat.”

It’s All About the Material

Different materials were examined. Many people wear canvas sneakers, like those from Converse or Vans, without socks, especially in summer. However, this might soon change, as the study showed that bacteria in such shoes cultivated up to three times faster than in the same models worn with socks. Leather sneakers also didn’t fare well when worn without socks. Models like Nike Air Force, worn without socks, had significantly more germs than those worn with socks. Interestingly, black shoes had more bacteria than white ones—likely because white sneakers are generally cleaned more often.

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In Sports and Everyday Life

This raises the question of whether the situation matters when wearing sneakers with or without socks. Does it make a difference if you go sockless to the gym or work? The surprising result shows that sports shoes, like those worn in the gym or for jogging, accumulate fewer bacteria than classic everyday sneakers. This is likely because sports shoes are more breathable and come into contact with less dirt.

What Can Happen When You Wear Sneakers Without Socks

More sweat and, consequently, more germs and bacteria can have negative effects, according to Dr. Golüke: “Wearing sneakers without socks can lead to inflammation—athlete’s foot and bacterial infections.” However, there is a simple solution, as the dermatologist reveals. “This can be prevented by ideally wearing cotton socks and washing them every day. This can significantly reduce the number of germs.”

Also interesting: 6 Tips Against Sweaty Feet

Regularly Clean Your Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with socks in the future is already half the battle to avoid germs. However, bacteria accumulation is unavoidable due to sweat production and environmental influences in everyday life. Therefore, it’s worth thoroughly cleaning our frequently worn favorite shoes from time to time. This is not only more hygienic but also makes the sneakers look fresh again. After washing your shoes, you should additionally disinfect them with a regular antibacterial household spray. This kills most of the remaining bacteria.

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Sneaker Socks for the “No-Sock Look”

If you like the sockless look, you can opt for sneaker socks or no-show socks. These often don’t extend beyond the edge of the shoe and also have a practical reinforcement at the heel to prevent them from slipping down while wearing. Additionally, the fabric is usually breathable, allowing it to dry quickly in heat and sweat—perfect for the gym or a busy day!