Yes. I wear socks with shoes that need socks. Of course, I don’t wear them with flip-flops or heels, but that would just be weird. Tennis shoes, boots, etc. – absolutely, socks are a must. First of all, my shoes already rub the back of my foot when I wear low-cut socks, so I can’t imagine how many blisters I’d have if I didn’t have the extra cushion. I can’t imagine it would be comfortable to wear tennis shoes with bare feet, either.
I must disagree that it’s “sexy as hell” to go sock-less in tennis shoes. I suppose it might be hot in a hipster kind of way, if you’re into that, but I am biased about men’s feet. Men have ugly feet – there, I said it. That includes their bony, hairy ankles. There’s something more aesthetically pleasing to me about that little bit of sock poking over the edge of the shoe. On the other hand, regular ankle socks or God help us tube socks with tennis shoes and shorts? No, no, no, no! Unless you’re a 60-year-old overweight guy with varicose veins, tall socks on men wearing shorts is just wrong. I guess soccer players get a free pass, too, but only in uniform! Girls can pull off tall socks, but not white tube socks.
Honestly, when I see people (especially guys) wearing tennis shoes without socks, I automatically think they have hygiene problems and probably don’t smell too great. I know that isn’t always the case, but it just gives off a dirty hobo vibe to me. I can almost smell the sweaty feet from a great distance. Blech!