The Sock Shoe Craze Continues with Brave Pudding’s Latest Launch

“Personally, I live in mine,” says Brave Pudding founder Sarah Fiszel of the revolutionary sock shoes she launched nearly a year ago. While the original iteration was fashioned from recycled cashmere, Fiszel’s latest drop, the Varsity collection, is fashioned from cotton and packed with retro-sporty charm thanks to contrasting varsity stripes and throwback gum sole. And they’re not just for lounging.

Fiszel and fans of the brand have been making waves for the last 12 months sporting Brave Pudding’s sock shoes with everything from denim to tuxedos. “It’s been so fun seeing men style them, too,” says Fiszel. “Guys I know wear them almost like a style flex: with jeans, tailored pants, even tuxedos. With Black Tie, it’s the ultimate ‘you think you look relaxed wearing velvet slippers and Belgian shoes? Ha, well, I’m even more comfortable, I’m wearing socks!’ They’re surprised by how good they feel, but also how they elevate everything without trying too hard.”

The founder often pairs hers with a long cashmere coat, jeans and a t-shirt or with oversized trousers. “From my morning school runs, to walking to dog in central park, to work and dinner, at the beach, and in warm weather with slip dresses and skirts. “They transform depending on my mood and the setting and which style calls to me,” says Fiszel. Shortly after last year’s launch, I, too, sported a pair—to the office—and caught quite a few raised eyebrows (the cashmere version features a lower profile so reads more as a sock). But once I informed my colleagues that I was in fact wearing shoes, they became converts. For those of you who like to kick off your shoes in order to lift weights at the gym (this is very much a thing, I recently learned), the Varsity collection (which also includes a sweatsuit), could be just the thing.

“The response has been nothing short of surreal,” says Fiszel, reflecting on everything that has transpired since the 2024 launch. Since then, they’ve popped up on runways (TWP), boutiques (Kirna Zabete), and countless stylish individuals craving something at once chic and comfortable. “For me, Brave Pudding has always been more than a shoe brand. The shoes are our starting point, they anchor the story, but the vision is about creating a full world of effortless luxury,” says Fiszel. “The shoes opened the door, but the vision is much bigger.” And we can’t wait to see what she thinks up next.