No longer funny, but fashionable: the familiar trend of German tourists – white socks with sandals
Surprise in an ancient tomb
By the way, is the habit of wearing socks with sandals really originated from Germans? On the Wikipedia page "Socks and sandals" (which, incidentally, exists not only in German but also in English and several other languages), it is said that the first documented evidence of wearing socks with sandals was found during excavations in North Yorkshire in present-day England. Archaeologists found there the remains of a sandal about 2000 years old, and it was worn with socks by a Roman citizen (the Romans had then conquered part of the British Isles).
And in an ancient tomb in Egypt, two-toed socks were found that were also worn with sandals. They are presumably knitted in the 4th-5th century. As Birgit Haase, fashion historian and professor at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, said, socks with sandals were worn in the 15th century by the Japanese as well. Tabi socks with a separate big toe became traditional in Japan, worn by both men and women. They are still part of formal attire, worn, for example, for participating in a tea ceremony.
However, in German national costumes, socks are not provided. The only exception is the male Bavarian national costume, consisting of a shirt and short leather trousers "Lederhosen" that reach the knees, which are always worn with socks or knee-highs. Well, as for German tourists strolling on vacation in tennis socks and sandals, they simply want to feel as comfortable as possible – like in slippers at home, suggests Lena Zemmann, head of the fashion department of the online edition of Vogue Germany magazine, in an interview with Deutsche Welle.
Irresistible craving for comfort
According to Lena Zemmann, Germans have always had a weakness for comfortable functional items. And orthopedic sandals with cotton socks are just what you need: socks protect against dirt and dust, and your feet won't get chafed thanks to them.
One of the world's most famous brands of preventive and orthopedic footwear for the whole family is the German company Birkenstock, founded in 1774 by shoemaker Johann Adam Birkenstock. This company has always paid attention to the orthopedic properties of footwear. In 1945, its specialists developed a model of flip-flops with a cork sole. And the first model that became the prototype of today's globally popular Birkenstock sandals appeared in 1964.
Birkenstock footwear gained cult status thanks to US designer Margot Fraser. In 1966, after visiting a resort in Germany, she brought back super-comfortable Birkenstock sandals and later began selling them in California. This footwear (not cheap, by the way) was especially loved by hippies. And in the 1980s, Margot Fraser was already making millions from sandals.
Incidentally, in the US as well, there are fans of wearing sandals with socks. Most of them are in the western part of the country. The combination of socks with sandals has also been elevated to an absolute thanks to countless memes.
When ugliness is trendy
Recently, another model of orthopedic sandals with a cork sole has gained popularity – Wörishofer. This brand was founded in the 1940s in the Bavarian spa town of Bad Wörishofen. The sandals became famous after Hollywood stars Kirsten Dunst and Maggie Gyllenhaal were seen wearing them in 2010. Wörishofer sandals then made it onto the list of "ugliest" shoe models, which already included products from brands like Birkenstock, Crocs, and Ugg Boots. However, being included in this list served them all well: both Wörishofer and Birkenstock, and Crocs, and Ugg Boots unexpectedly became super fashionable.
Another sandal model elevated to cult status is Adilette, a product of the German sportswear, footwear, and equipment brand Adidas. Today, people wear Adilette slides with orthopedic rubber soles and three brand stripes to the pool, the beach, and just on the street, often combined with socks. Mainly, these are hipsters.
Today, even top models strut down the runway in sandals and socks, showcasing new items from labels like Miu Miu, Wood Wood, Vetements. Superstars are also keeping up with the trend: Canadian musician Justin Bieber, American rapper Tyler the Creator, American actress, producer, and fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen, British singer M.I.A.