I am 50/50 on the sock. It is like a wetsuit. It looks like an ankle brace, but is more of a compression sock. I would say it is like a shooter sleeve or calf sleeve. It keeps your feet warm and snug. I've tried them both ways, I am leaning towards the compression sock. I guess some wear them "sockless" but I wear under armor socks underneath them. The under armor socks have a stitched in arch support that feels nice. The shoes are LIGHT, about 15 oz. The grip is wild, so much traction. The front of the high top is high with good support, but the back is cut lower for good range of motion. At first they felt like they were going to slip off my feet, then I laced them through the top "loop" again, this made them feel snug. They have a weird loop at the top that can be laced twice.