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Best Pokemon Socks & Footwear Reviewed
The story centers around a world peppered with unusual, never-before-seen creatures – monsters, essentially – each of which has their own set of special powers and phases of evolutionary development. They can be caught, or collected, by using Pokeballs and trained to battle each other for sport.
This unique and altogether fascinating universe first originated as a couple of video games for the original Game Boy in 1996. Since then it has branched out, and now this franchise includes not only fashion items but also trading card games, anime television series, film series, books, toys, manga comics, music, you name it.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Given that it is the color of one of the most famous Pokemon in existence, the electricity-wielding Pikachu, we are not surprised that most products feature the cute little monster front and center. Nevertheless, this simply means that whatever you buy will add a dash of yellow sunshine to an outfit, and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
However, it is important to know that Pikachu is not the only Pokemon that is popular. In fact, there are quite a few who are beloved among the fans of this franchise, and if you are buying a gift for someone else, you would do well to inform yourself on which one is their favorite creature.
Additionally, the choice of the Pokemon itself is not the deciding factor when you are buying a new pair of shoes or socks. Consider their quality and comfort levels, how durable they are, and whether or not their style fits your needs.
Model
Have you ever wondered exactly how many Pokemon there are in this fictional world? As of the release of the seventh generation of video games, the number has gone up to precisely 807 fictional species. That is a staggering number, and quite intimidating when you are supposed to choose a product with only one of them printed on it, and you aren’t sure if the person you’re buying for will like it.
Which is why we still maintain that it would be best to ask around first. “What’s your favorite Pokemon?” is actually quite a good conversation starter.
Nevertheless, even with this sky-high number of creatures, there are still some which stand out from the rest. In this part, we will discuss the most popular ones, what their appearance and powers are, and essentially provide you with a crash course into the world of pocket monsters.
Pikachu:
The most popular one of them all, Pikachu is a creature one foot and four inches in height, with a design reminiscent of a squirrel. It has a yellow chubby body, round cheeks, black-tipped pointy ears and a tail shaped like a lightning bolt. Pikachu is an “Electric-type”, meaning that its powers center around electricity. Since every creature in this world can evolve into a more powerful form, the next step of Pikachu’s evolution is named Raichu.
Squirtle:
Another first generation creature, Squirtle has a turtle-like design, with blue skin and a long, curled tail. It can walk on two feet, or on all fours, and it is a water type creature, with its main power being shooting out streams of water. When in danger, Squirtle can retreat into its shell for protection.
While in the anime Squirtle never evolves for unknown reasons, in the video game it has two more advanced forms in its evolutionary line: Wartorlte and Blastoise.
Charmander:
Charmander is a Lizard Pokemon. It looks like a small dinosaur, with orange skin, blue eyes, clawed toes and a flame at the tip of its tail. The flame reflects the mood and the power level of each individual Charmander, as it is a fire-based creature.
Charmander evolves into a Charmeleon, and then later into a Charizard.
Bulbasaur:
Bulbasaur is another dinosaur-shaped creature which walks on four legs, has blue-green skin and a large bulb on its back. This bulb grows as the Bulbasaur grows and stores energy from the sun, which is why this cute little plant-type Pokemon loves to bask in sunlight!
As Bulbasaur evolves, the bulb on its back blooms into a flower, and its later forms are Ivysaur and Venusaur.
Mew and Mewtwo:
Do not get confused by their similar names – these are two entirely different creatures, the last additions to the first generation of Pokemon.
Mew is a small monster, pale pink or pale blue in some cases, with a long tail and large eyes, resembling a kitten. In its DNA it has the genetic code of all existing species, and it is a psychic-type creature, with one of its defining characteristics in the video game being that it can learn every teachable move, regardless of what creature it was intended for.
Mewtwo, on the other hand, while having a similar, feline-like design – although being larger and more menacing in appearance than Mew – is a clone of Mew, genetically altered to be the most powerful species in the world. It has the power of telekinesis and flight, as well as understanding and using human speech through telepathy. However, while Mew has a meeker, more altruistic personality, Mewtwo is more vicious, only intent on proving its own strength. Neither Mew nor Mewtwo can evolve any further.
Describing only six out of 807 existing species is not even scratching the surface, we’ll admit, but it does give you some perspective on just how intricate and well-thought out this universe really is. If you are curious about what other creatures exist, what their powers are and how they evolve, we encourage you to google them. You can maybe even download Pokemon Go so that you can learn about these little monsters while walking around your city and exercising at the same time.
Accessories
In this guide, we have covered several product types, from sneakers and clogs over indoor and outdoor slippers, to socks of different lengths. Which one you will choose for yourself or as a gift is entirely up to you!
Footwear:
Cartoon-themed footwear is mostly geared for children. They are the ones who love to look down at their feet and see their favorite character smiling up at them, or who love to be reminded that when they come home they can always sit down and watch their favorite animation.
Sneakers are the most practical of styles for this, since kids wear sneakers practically everywhere – to school, to band practice, for sports practice, to visit friends and family. Clogs are a bit more tricky in that regard, as they are mostly reserved for summer weather, but they are a great choice for the beach or the swimming pool.
Now, in the privacy of your home, cartoon slippers are free for all. No one can stop you from wearing your favorite video game title or character on your house shoes, not even if you decide to step outside for a quick run to the corner store in them. Their main goal is to keep you warm and comfortable as you walk around your house and to make you feel better whenever you happen to catch a glimpse of your footwear.
Socks
While in previous decades socks were something elegant and refined, that must match the colors of your outfit perfectly, today they are a great way one can express themselves in terms of personal style.
Regardless of your age or where you are going, silly, whimsy designs can be a nice addition to any outfit – whether it is a smart casual day at work, or for school, or even knee-high ones to complement your playful, flowy skirt. In all but the most formal of occasions, fun-patterned socks are a good choice for declaring your love for a franchise without being too in-your-face about it.
Fit
We all know how hard it can be sometimes to find the perfect pair of shoes that we not only love, but that also fit snugly and comfortably. With so many styles, brands, colors and models, how can one compare hundreds of supposed “size 6s”?
To assess for trueness-to-size, we considered the opinions of thousands of wearers from across the globe to find out the answer to the ultimate question: do these 6s fit like a 6? While some things can give you a hint as to whether they will fit true, small or large; like brand name, shoe type and year of make; we believe that the opinion of buyers cannot be wrong. If they say the shoe doesn’t fit the way it’s supposed to, then you won’t find it in our 10-best list.
You will find that a pair of shoes or boots or sandals that score high on this metric tend to experience a trueness-to-size that was verified by our large community of sampled buyers. Just don’t forget to take into account the factors above to also make sure your favorite pair will fit you perfectly.
Durability
A quality product is one that will follow you through the years and work the same way it did on the first day you bought the product. We assessed durability in a few key ways, analyzing the materials, details, construction methods and brands to deliver to you a simple opinion: will this set of shoes or socks do the job and do it again and again? Take a look at each area we evaluated:
The Materials
Which type of materials were the product made from? Are they synthetic or natural? How do they smell out of the box? All of these are critical questions we asked when evaluating the materials of the product. A pair made from fabrics that don’t retain heat? They didn’t make our list!
The Details
Extra buckles, complimentary cases and reinforced fabrics are all good indicators of a manufacturer that is setting you up for long term success with their product. Attention to detail separates the high-quality producers from the cheap ones.
The Brand Name
A reputable brand is a signal of quality and trust. Often, high performers continue to perform and out-endure the competition. While there are always exceptions to the rule, we gave higher marks to manufacturers with solid reputations.
The Construction
You can tell a lot about a pair of shoes by how the zippers behave. Do they pull swiftly and softly, like cutting butter? Or do they jam and snap? What about the sew? If there was threading after a few wears, we considered that a warning sign of a lack of proper construction and durability.
Top 10 Picks
1. Joah Store Water Shoe
Splashing around at the pool has never been as fun as in the Joah Store Water Shoe! This design is simply irresistible with its image of a smiling, jumping Pikachu on the front, and we can not be more charmed by it. The Joah Store Water Shoe is made out of polyester for the upper, with a silicone-reinforced toe area. It has a finely sewn insole so that it doesn’t come off from water pressure, as well as double cushioning and a rubber outsole which is resistant to skidding and slipping. This water shoe will keep your kid’s feet safe and secure as they have the best time by the water.
Silicone Toe
The closed toe shape of the Joah Store Water Shoe is there to protect your child’s toes from getting stubbed, but it is also there to protect the shoe from scuffing and abrasions. With the silicone layer on top, this design ensures that your kid doesn’t hurt themselves and that the shoe lasts as long as possible.
Double Cushioning
In the Joah Store Water Shoe, both the insole and the outsole have cushioning in them! This absorbs shock while your child walks, and reduces pressure on the joints. Your kids are young and they don’t have to worry about foot-related ailments yet, but this reduces the risk of developing ankle and knee pain later in life.
Cost and Value
We are shocked at the low price of the Joah Store Pikachu Water Shoe. Yes, it isn’t a design from a recognized brand, but it has tons of features which provide comfort and safety to your kid, and it is super cute to boot! Honestly, we are having a hard time finding a fault in this option. If your kid enjoys playing by the water, you should seriously consider getting them these.
2. William Lamb Wellie
If your kid loves to play outside come rain or shine - or maybe especially in the rain - then they will need extra protection against wet conditions. The William Lamb Wellie is a design perfect for muddy, rainy weather, mostly because it is a wellington boot, made out of entirely waterproof rubber. It has a print of Pikachu and his friends - Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle - on the side, and its blue-colored soles feature special grooves for good grip. This boot doesn’t have any closures on it, but it is quick and easy to pull on. So next time when your little one wants to splash in puddles - simply hand them their favorite Pokemon Wellies, and take them out to play!
Waterproof
Finding good footwear for inclement weather is not an easy feat. However, the William Lamb Wellie can withstand anything - rain, mud, even ice, and snow. In it, your child’s feet will remain dry and warm, and you can even ensure their coziness by giving them a pair of fuzzy socks to wear underneath.
Grooved Sole
Slippery terrain can be a concern, especially in winter. The William Lamb Wellie is constructed specifically to allow your kid to play wherever and whenever, as its treaded outsole protects them against slipping, skidding and all accidental injuries that may stem from that.
Cost and Value
Lined up with other footwear on this list, the Wiliam Lamb Wellie is surprisingly low cost. It is a great design to wear in bad weather, as it will protect your child’s feet from cold and moisture. We can’t think of a better model to buy if you’re looking for Pokemon footwear that is both fun and practical.
3. Danis Choice Crew Sock
The Dani’s Choice Crew Sock comes in a vast variety of color and species options - we have Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and even Meowth, and all of them in different designs, including an adorable print where the creatures are sleeping. These socks are made out of soft cotton material, with a touch of stretch for comfort. They are machine washable and they hold up extremely well over time. Their crew height makes them perfect for everyday wear, and their subtle design ensures that no one can tell you’re wearing cartoon socks until you take off your shoes - perfect for bringing a touch of playful silliness to school or the workplace.
Durable
We mentioned that Dani’s Choice Crew Socks are quick and easy to wash in the washing machine - though it would be best to let them naturally dry. No matter how many times you wash them, they don’t stretch out or lose their shape, and their colors remain vibrant all throughout their life!
Soft
The cotton material is very gentle and soft on the skin. It won’t rub you the wrong way or give you any abrasions, and what’s more, you won’t even feel the stitching between the toes of the Dani’s Choice Crew Sock.
Cost and Value
The Dani’s Choice Crew Sock is the least expensive option here, especially when you take into account that you get multiple pairs for a very low price. They are durable, easy to wash and comfortable to wear, and honestly, we see no reason why you shouldn’t get them right away.
4. Joah Store Clog
Your kid will absolutely love going to the beach in their new Joah Store Clogs! This Crocs inspired design is made of rubber, with a closed toe silhouette - though with perforations in the side to allow for proper air flow - and a strap in the back which can rotate forward to be out of the way. The Joah Store Clog also has a ribbed footbed for added stability. This shoe comes in three different color options - the yellow Pikachu, the pink Vulpix and the yellow and navy Togedemaru. Other than Pikachu, these other Pokemon are somewhat difficult to find on merchandise, as they are not as popular, so we are over the moon that you can now get a pair of adorable beach shoes with these rare creatures!
Ribbed Footbed
The Joah Store Clog is obviously a summer shoe, one intended for the beach and the pool. In these wet conditions it is very easy to slip, fall and hurt yourself, which is why this clog comes with a patterned footbed. This allows your child’s foot to stay stable and secure inside the clog as they go running near water and puddles.
Rubber
Rubber is one of the best choices of material for places where there is a lot of moisture and sand. Not only will the rubber upper keep your kid’s foot protected from getting too wet or too dirty, it is also very easy to clean - just run it under a stream of water with a bit of mild soap, and you’re done!
Cost and Value
The Joah Store Clog belongs in the middle range of price. It is a product with an official license from Nintendo Korea, and one which is built to withstand water, sand, rocks and hot asphalt. If your child is a fan of any of the three creatures this clog has on its front, they will be thrilled with these functional, colorful beach shoes.
5. William Lamb Astley
We’re moving away from sandy beaches, sleek pool tiles, and paved streets, to inside the house. The William Lamb Astley is the perfect house slipper for a Pokemon fan. It is navy in color, with an upper made out of fabric material, featuring a battle-mode Pikachu on the front. The sole of the Astley is made from rubber, and it is a slip-on design, with two gore panels on the sides. The heels are slightly raised for support. If your little one is not yet ready to declare their love for the Japanese animation to the world, they can at least proudly wear these slippers indoors, where they can see their favorite character as soon as they look down at their feet.
Gore Panels
A house slipper shouldn’t be complicated. It should be easy to wear and quick to slide in and out of. This is exactly what the William Lamb Astley is - thanks to its slip-on silhouette and elastic gore panels which accommodate any foot width and shape, this slipper meets all the required house slipper standards.
Fabric Upper
The benefits of a fabric upper are multifold. This material is lightweight and breathable, allowing for proper air circulation in and out of the slipper. It is also soft and gentle on the skin, not causing any hotspots or abrasions, and it serves to keep the feet warm if it’s somewhat chilly in the house.
Cost and Value
The William Lamb Astley is quite an inexpensive design. This is to be expected, as it can’t be worn outside, reserved only for indoor activities. Nevertheless, it is a great option for a Pokemon fan who doesn’t want to part from their favorite character for even a second of their time.
6. Pokemon No Show Sock
In the height of summer, if we have to wear socks then we want them to be short, light and breathable. That is exactly what these Pokemon No Show Socks are. They are specially designed to be barely visible over the edge of low-top footwear, and they are made out of 98% polyester and 2% spandex for added stretch. These products feature an assortment of creatures, such as Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur, but there is also a pair with Pokeballs, everyone’s go-to way of catching the little monsters. The No Show Socks are easy, breezy, and great for machine washing!
No Show
While some treat it as a fashion statement - to have socks visible on an outfit with shorts or a skirt - others may not find it so appealing. Not only that, bare legs are a lifesaver in high temperatures, so no show socks like these are perfect for when you don’t want to go barefoot, but also don’t want them to be visible.
Thin
Feet can easily get sweaty. Moisture is usually accompanied by bacterial and fungi infections, and itchiness and bad odor that come with that. Fortunately, none of this is a problem with the No Show Socks, as they are thin and breathable, allowing air to properly circulate around the foot and to keep it cool and dry.
Cost and Value
Considering the fact that you get multiple pairs for the price, we deem these socks more than affordable. They are fun to wear, a real gem in the summer, and anyone - kid or adult - would be thrilled to have them!
7. Yumily Dress Sock
Who says that cartoon socks are reserved only for casual wear? Here we have an example of high-quality Pokemon-themed dress socks, for a cheeky smart look. These are a blend of cotton and polyester, with a touch of much-needed spandex, and they are crew-length. We love them because they can be a great addition to an otherwise smart casual outfit (think blazer, slacks or chinos, and a button-up shirt). They are excellent for expressing your love for this animation while looking put-together, and the moment someone spots your socks, you are sure to garner a world of compliments on your bold, whimsy style.
Cotton and Polyester
With these two materials the Yumily Dress Socks have the best of both worlds. Cotton is soft and breathable, a great option for sensitive skin, while polyester brings durability, color-fastness and quick drying. There is hardly a better quality combination than this!
Hipster
Cartoon products are not only for children. The trend of pairing a semi-formal suit with silly socks like these is all over fashion magazines, and honestly we can’t be more in love with it. Nurture the hipster nerd in you, and don’t be afraid to show it off in your outfits!
Cost and Value
We can’t overlook the fact that these socks are quite expensive. Even if we take into account that you get several pairs for the price, the price still seems a bit high. However, we also can’t deny that they are high quality, and that they will make a great statement piece to any look you put together.
8. Main Street Knee High Sock
Keep the cold away with these adorable knee-high Pikachu socks. The design is anything but dull, with its bright yellow color and a lacing pattern all the way up to the top. There is a small Pikachu image right below the knee, amping up the cuteness levels. The Main Street Knee High Sock is made out of 68% Acrylic, 30% Polyester, and 2% Spandex, and it is a great choice for when you’re not feeling like wearing tights or pantyhose, but still want to keep your legs nice and warm. These go well with skirts and dresses - though do be careful not to overdo it with clashing prints - but they are also a nice option for underneath knee-high boots.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a material often used in making socks. It is a man-made fiber which is soft and lightweight, but it also provides warmth when necessary. Not only that, socks made out of acrylic are able to retain colors longer, making them brighter and more vivid than natural fibers would.
Knee-high
If you are living in a place which is known for harsh winters and not so warm summers, then owning a pair of knee-high socks is a must. They will keep your legs warm regardless of the temperature outside, while at the same time making you look adorably playful with their Pikachu colors.
Cost and Value
When we consider other products of its type in this guide, this Knee High Sock isn’t pricey at all. For a reasonable cost you get a design which is quirky and fun, and which will keep you comfortable and warm at the same time. A good deal!
9. Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker
The fun never stops with the Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker! This design has a polyester upper with a mesh construction for ultimate breathability. It has a hook and loop closure with the likeness of Pikachu on the front, a rubber sole for slip resistance, and a pull tab in the back for easy entry. But what separates the Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker from the rest is that it has a light up feature! That’s right, the edge of the sneaker sole lights up with every step, promising a world of laughter to both the wearer and their surroundings. You won’t get a more whimsy, more playful design that this one, all tightly wrapped in a bright yellow Pikachu design.
LED Lights
Standard sneakers may get boring very fast, especially for a kid. They like drama and excitement, colors and music and flashing lights! While the Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker may not have music, it definitely does have a string of lights which flash in many different colors. They are especially bright at night, making it easier for you to spot your kid in the crowd as well.
Hook and Loop Closure
Children are active, always running around, leaping, twirling, climbing on jungle gyms. During all of this, they need to feel secure and supported in their shoes. The hook and loop closure such as the one on the Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker is perfect for that. It is quick and easy to fasten - a piece of cake even for someone who hasn’t yet mastered the art of tying shoelaces - and it will keep your kid’s foot firmly grounded in the sneaker.
Cost and Value
While the Joah Store Pikachu Sneaker doesn’t come from a well-known brand, it is an endlessly fun design. There are no promises on its quality or durability, but your kid will definitely enjoy the dancing lights and the Pikachu colors and prints that this sneaker comes with. Sooner or later they will outgrow the shoe anyway, so we say that its middle range price is more than appropriate!
10. Jigglypuff Sock
Jigglypuff is a Balloon Pokemon with the power of singing their enemies to sleep with their lullaby. Its round, pink appearance makes it a favorite of children and adults alike, coupled with its big eyes and tuft of fur across its forehead. Now you can take the likeness of Jigglypuff with you anywhere you wish to go in the form of these cute aqua and pink knee-high socks. They’re made of 96% polyester and 2% spandex and will make a great addition to your or your kid’s wardrobe, as you can wear them with any outfit you choose.
Polyester
Polyester socks last much longer than cotton ones. These fibers are plastic, making them highly durable, better at retaining color and, above all else, quick-drying. If you get your feet wet, or if they start sweating, you can be sure that they will dry in a blink of an eye.
Spandex
Spandex goes by many different names, including Lycra and elastane. This is a highly stretchy material, which adds the necessary elasticity to socks, allowing them to accommodate feet of any size. This is especially important in knee-high designs, as these Jigglypuffs can fit all calf widths.
Cost and Value
Jigglypuff knee-high socks are not expensive, compared to other products of their type. They are practical, especially for cold weather, and are irresistibly cute in design, not least because of the Pokemon they feature. If you love Jigglypuff, you are going to love these socks as well.
Sources
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