The feud between Millennials versus Gen Z plays out daily on social media from Instagram to TikTok.
The battle has been going on since the former age group finally took the plunge and shifted away from the likes of Facebook and Pinterest, while the latter group dove into the murky depths of the app formally known as Musical.ly when they were finally allowed peruse the internet without parental supervision.
Respecting your elders has been thrown out the window in favour of young Gen Z-ers trolling Millennials for a number of outdated habits, from the ‘Millennial pause’ which sees the collective age group stare blankly at a camera at the beginning of a video for a good few seconds before speaking, to supposedly cringe-inducing style choices.
This doesn’t mean Gen Z hasn’t been ragged on either. Those born into the digital age are criticised by their more experienced counterparts for having little to no identity outside the endless deluge of monthly micro trends and TikTok dances, as well as their engagement in wasteful overconsumption and blindly following cancel culture.
Overarching differences aside, there is simply no better illustration of where Millennial and Gen Z paths dissect than the humble trainer sock.
Take a cult-favourite, of-the-moment sneaker like the Samba – you’re unlikely to spot a Gen Z-er sporting the Adidas shoe without a pair of colourful or bright white ribbed, calf-length socks. Millennials, on the other hand, would go sockless if it meant exposing as much of the ankle as possible. Let us break it down for you.
The Millennial ankle sock
Millennials have no trouble hanging on to outdated styles if they’re practical, which is an eco-conscious ethos that we can certainly get behind. Classic, breathable low-rise trainer socks are therefore a fan-favourite among those born between 1981 and 1996. Plus, a little bit of ankle was, and continues to be, considered fashionable by this age group.
While practical for sports trainers, ankle socks tend to slip off and cause blisters when worn with more rigid, leather-clad fashion trainers. This is largely what led Gen Z to endorse vintage-inspired, ribbed tube sock styles which have since become a staple of minimalistic, Scandinavian and Gorp-core aesthetics.
The Gen Z calf sock
The Gen Z approach to socks is conversely governed by an overwhelming fear of the ankle. Calf-length tube socks are worn with everything from heeled Mary-Janes, ballet flats, Birkenstock clogs, hiking-style boots and en-vogue trainers. However, they needn’t be entirely minimalistic. Coquette-inspired aesthetics have seen a rise in lacey socks clad with flirtatious bows and delightful sparkles.
More than anything, unique socks have emerged as a way to bring a sense of playful yet chic style to ensembles without resorting to neon and tie-dye ankle socks.
We’ve curated a selection of the best trainer socks no matter which age group or aesthetic that you’re a part of.
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Millennials
adidas Unisex Thin and Light Sportswear Ankle Socks
Starting off with an absolute classic. Though these ankle socks rise slightly higher than a traditional pair of Millennial-approved ankle socks, we think these are the perfect entry point into slightly less ankle-flashing socks that will actually stay up with your favourite pair of fashion-forward trainers.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
Falke Active Breeze Trainer Socks
Crafted from a butter-soft lyocell blend, these ribbed ankle socks by Falke feature reinforced stress zones to prevent unnecessary holes from forming in well-trodden areas.
Buy now £15.00, Toast
Alo Yoga Woman’s Everyday Sock
Whether you’re heading to barre, yoga or Pilates, these everyday ankle socks by Alo Yoga have got you covered. Uber-comfortable and low-show, they’re a highly breathable option which retain stretch no matter what.
Buy now £16.00, Alo Yoga
Tie Dye Champion Socks
Add a pop of colour to your ankle sock collection with these hand-dyed, tie-dye Champion socks from NeonDreamers on Etsy. The ribbed cuff sits just above the trainer line for a subtle and ultra-comfortable look.
Buy now £4.99, Etsy
Tibisi Sports Socks
These unisex socks are as low-rise as they come, meaning you’ll be able to flash some sultry ankle no matter the weather. Plus, they’re a value-for-money option with a pack of 10 costing just over £11.
Buy now £11.29, Amazon
Movement Smiling Buti Ankle Socks
Neon green, smiley-face ankle socks? It’s a Millennial dream. Pair these with your favourite all-white trainers for a splash of fun.
Buy now £15.00, Free People
Gen Z-ers
Uniqlo Colour Socks
Available in every stylish hue under the sun, Uniqlo’s calf-length ribbed socks are a staple in any Gen Z-ers wardrobe. Comfortable and practical, they feature anti-odour technology so you can trot around in your Birkenstock clogs all summer long without a care in the world.
Buy now £3.90, Uniqlo
Out From Under Bow Socks
These oh-so-coquette socks are an essential addition to any Gen-Z sock collection, for they’ll look just as stylish with a pair of platform heels as they would with your favourite trainers.
Buy now £7.00, Urban Outfitters
Birkenstock Socks
Though made by Birkenstock for Birkenstocks, these lovely neutral-toned ribbed tube socks would look equally fantastic with your trainer of choice – whether it be Adidas Sambas or Onitsuka Tigers.
Buy now £11.95, Office
Bow Peep Mid-Calf Socks
Though not entirely practical, these gloriously feminine lacey, bow-adorned socks break up the texture of a trainer-focused ensemble for a high-fashion aesthetic.
Buy now £15.00, Free People
Out From Under Argyle Socks
Add pep to your step with these preppy argyle socks by Out From Under. We’d pair these with our favourite white trainers, a denim mini skirt and a plain white baby tee.
Buy now £7.00, UO
American Trench Classic Retro Sock Pack
You can’t go wrong with some all-American, striped tube socks. This pack of ecru socks with varying retro-coloured stripes from American Trench are a must-have whether paired with rollerblades, trainers or loafers.
Buy now £24.00, Free People
