Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ron Stevens]

just about to pick up a pair of birkenstocks

question: is it acceptable to wear these without socks? it appears sandles are worn here in conjunction with brightly laundered white socks...

if I must wear socks would grey marl be an acceptable compromise

urgent advice required

[JLarter]

socks with sandals? DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!

[indytrucks]

Unless you are a 45-year-old, father of three, wearing sandals with socks is completely unacceptable.

If you are a 45-year-old, father of three, I recommend black socks.

[tacon101]

open toed shoes + crowded subway = nooooo good

[jinju]

Men in sandals, im gonna barf. Men have ugly feet. Men wearing sandals and showing their ugly feet is like visual assault. Only pretty women should be allowed to wear sandals. BUT NEVER BIRCKENSTOCKS. Which are the ugliest things people ever created to put on feet.

[flotsam]

What vitriol this OP has inspired!

I have always been amazed at the degree of aversion, horror even, that men in the Anglo World have to socks and sandals. Everywhere else I have lived with temperatures above the tropic: Germany, Korea, India(in the Garwhal and Ladakh) socks and sandals be cooooooool brah.

They let your feet breathe, are easy to get on and off and stop fungus in its tracks. What's more, whereas a lot of people get cracked heel from bare feet and sandals, the addition of socks prevents this. At my workplaces in Germany and Korea everybody has taken off their outside shoes in the office and worn some super comfy sandals with some super comfy socks--always wool-blend hikers for me.

That all being said, I have two Korea context observations for you:

1. People associate sandals with the workplace or the school, and it isn't the norm to wear them about town.

2. A lack of socks is considered somewhat hickish. The country drunk who passes out on the kimchi pots is the one without the socks on.

And, while I respect your purchase of Birkenstocks, I like backs on my sandals(the "I want to be able to run any time I need to" school of thought), so it's Columbia stylish sporties for the office and Tevas in the field.

Don't let these leather-encased bastards get you down! Think about how much fresher your little piggies are and do the right thing.

[Homer]

Its just sandals folks...

He can wear them however he likes...as long as it is not in the classroom.

[flotsam]

[Homer]

Thats different flotsam.

Some schools ask that teachers and students take off their shoes before entering the premises and wear slippers or sandals inside. This is a different story....

[pet lover]

[Homer]

vegan sandals?

Good lord...how far we go.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[pet lover]

[Homer]

pet lover...well to each his own..now pass the steak and leather sandals please....and don't skimp on the animal products either.

[crazylemongirl]