Fashion trends constantly change, but some even go back to ancient times. Socks and sandals are not just fashionable now but were worn in ancient Rome and Japan. In Rome, they wore socks or ‘udones’ to keep their feet warm. The Japanese wore socks with sandals to complement their kimonos, a traditional clothing item. From socks and sandals being a bad fashion choice in the past, they’ve recently had a comeback. Not only do people not like having their feet out but with the warmth socks give they can still be worn in the winter.

Olivia Piwowarczyk, a sophomore at Sandburg, likes the easy access to socks and sandals. She enjoys how easy they are to slip on and off between dance and gym. ‘I also feel like it’s an easy shoe to pair with outfits, plus they’re comfortable!’ she says. With people wearing them for comfort, they have gained popularity.

Piwoweczyk also said that she got her sandals for cheap. “ I found them out by seeing a bunch of others wearing them, and I saw a bunch for cheap at Marshall’s.”

With a surplus of shoes in stores, most people are bound to own sandals. Olivia also wears socks and sandals when she’s feeling lazy and has to dance.

Aeris Danet, a freshman, said she only wears socks and sandals outside of school. When she leaves the house she enjoys just having to slip on sandals. Although she first saw socks and sandals trending in her middle school she does not wear them at school. “It was trending in my middle school and I wanted to fit in,” she said when asked what made her start wearing socks and sandals. 

Sophomore student Sarah Makhlouf says that she just prefers her toes not to be out throughout the day. Although she doesn’t wear them as often as others she would still wear them about once a week. Her outfit of the day does impact what shoes she wears. “This depends on my vibes of the day. I usually wear slippers now, but before I wore my Crocs or sandals at least once a week.” 

Ms. Roti, a math teacher at Sandburg, said she likes how free sandals make her feel. “I like wearing sandals because they make me feel free—like we are in the summer.” Sandals make her feel comfortable when she wears them. Recently, she has found a pair that is tailored specifically for her feet. They also come in multiple colors to match her outfit that day. 

With how easily available and comfortable they are, it is no surprise that sandals have become a staple in many people’s wardrobes. When fashion sometimes clashes with comfort socks and sandals can be a simple but easy way to make your outfit look better. If you see yourself reaching for a pair of sandals because everyone else does – try to expand your style and remember to be yourself. Wear what you want to wear, not what others think you should wear.