Buy the foot

By Jonathan Farrell —

If the shoe fits, it must be the socks. With an inventory of over 22,000 pairs from suppliers throughout the world, Sonoma’s Socks on The Square has a unique inventory – socks only.

From traditional formal/elegant to artistic, fun, eclectic and even zany. Socks on the Square offers cool, hip, fun and utterly fabulous socks for every age, style and occasion.

“You can easily spend some time here,” said store owner, Debbie Luoma (above). “It’s almost like going into a gallery, every sock is a work of art, in its own way.We have socks made from Morino wool to bamboo and even ones made of hemp. And major brands such as Socksmith, K.Bell, Blue Que and HotSox.”

For tourists, the novelty and price-point make socks a great gift to take home or keep as a souvenir.. 

The use and making of socks can be traced back centuries. Historians and anthropologists have found some form of socks all over the world. From the 8th Century BC in Ancient Greece, to the ancient Romans and Egyptians to Medieval Europe all the way through the ages to these high-tech days. 

The Industrial Revolution and the discovery and development of new fiber materials (such as synthetic as well as all-natural) has helped socks become almost indispensable. Now they are expressions of style, humor, sport team alliance, cartoon characters and, of course, comfort.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own shop after working for years in retail,” said Luoma. Retail has changed over the years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but “is still a people to people business,” she said. Shopping online is convenient. “But people still want to go and see the merchandise and enjoy an experience in person.”

Luoma’s shop is on the Mercato Alleyway, off the Plaza at 450 First St. E. Nearby shops include The Chocolate Cow, and at Suite H. “You will not be disappointed,” said Luoma. 

Socks on The Square is open seven days a week. For more information call 707 721-6111.