The whole sock sneaker trend does not seem to be abating, not when Balenciaga’s monkish Speed Trainer, already a year-old, is still very much the one to cop, at least according to a survey by e-retailer Lyst in partnership with Business of Fashion. The knit upper on a sneaker mid-sole is, of course, not new since Nike created the Flyknit and preceded most (dare we say all?!) with their Sock Dart and Sock Racer. On the high fashion front, Chanel took it a notch higher, literally, by affixing socks on heels some three years back.

Amid so many sock sneakers available this season, from Adidas’s Crazy Explosive to Zara’s Stretch Fabric High Top, we’re partial to this pair from the Japanese shoe (and bag) brand Buddy for one obvious reason: they really appear like a pair of socks (that you might buy for the Christmas season) sitting atop old-school rubber mid-soles. Once you slip into them, the palpable comfort aside, they stare back at you as socked feet in Converse Chucks with invisible uppers!

We are not certain if these sweater-knit-like sneakers will be warm enough for severe winter weather (they are definitely not water repellent for snow or rain), but they are truly an easy-to-put-on sneaker, with a welcome snug too. And they sure are much more fun and attention grabbing than a pair of severe black boots. Be warned: your foot, however, won’t survive the inattentive, heavy-footed commuter in a crowded subway train.

Founded in 2012, Buddy makes rather classic looking sneakers with supremely good materials and includes details such as zips for their lace-ups (in case you prefer the easier way to get out of your shoes). So admirably well made are their shoes that Dover Street Market Ginza offered an exclusive Mary Jane, early this month, called the “English Pointer” that quickly sold out within weeks of its release. What’s truly special about Buddy is the refinement in which every pair of of their shoes is infused with. These are reliable sneakers for every day, year in, year out.

Buddy knit sock sneaker, SGD199, is available at Robinsons The Hereen. Photo: Zhao Xiangji