Neighbors were sad to see the Sock Man close in 2015, but after a year, Marty Rosen, the owner, reopened at another location still on St. Marks. Marty sold socks from a street truck until 1983 when he opened his first shop on Saint Marks - back, as he describes it, when the city was a little more grimy and gritty. It is still living and breathing though, a remnant of a romantic, bohemian past.
It is not an upscale, trendy boutique, but rather a store stocked from floor to ceiling with a colorful array of socks for men, women, and children. Anything needed to cover those feet and legs - they have it at Sock Man. From plain gray socks, to cat socks, to skulls, to obscenities and robot socks, and even socks bearing the image of the Virgen de Guadalupe, the shop is a haven for those who have a weird obsession with crazy socks. It also has a fantastic selection of quality socks in every color, shape, and size. In fact, for any and all socks, garters, and tights needs, this is the place. Step down the stairs, remembering, for a moment, old photographs of the live music bars of New York in the 60s and 70s. Purchase a pair of funky socks and take comfort in the fact that the city still has some "sole."
