AIBU to be furious at DS15 over his behaviour and holiday footwear choices?

[TheZanyPanda]

We’ve just landed in Florida for a week-long family holiday. There’s me, DH, DS13 and DS15. We spent a fortune before we came out getting everyone kitted out with new clothes and brand-new trainers—including a lovely pair of Nike Dunks for DS15.

We picked out his travel outfit together: hoodie, baggy joggers, and his box-fresh Dunks with classic white Nike socks. Looked great.

Fast forward to checking into the hotel last night. DS15 is sitting on the armchair, his joggers ride up, and I notice... no socks. (He spent all summer going sockless in old knackered Vans and Astro turf boots which I didn't mind because they were already ruined, but still!). Anyway, I went into their room later and it absolutely reeked. Turns out he wore his brand-new Dunks with no socks for the entire journey here! 🤢

This morning, before heading to the theme parks, we wanted a family photo. DH and DS13 look great in fresh shorts and new trainers with ankle socks. DS15? Sockless again.

I gently pointed out that:

1. He’s going to get horrific blisters in the Florida heat.
2. He’s going to completely ruin his new Dunks in days.
3. The trainer smell is already vile.

He kicked off in front of everyone, telling me to "grow up," "get a life," and "what’s it got to do with me?!"

Later, I popped back to the room for suncream and thought I'd take him a pair of trainer socks just in case. Had a quick nosey in his suitcase... there are literally zero socks in his entire bag. He has actively planned and packed to go sockless for the whole week.

DH says to leave him to it, but we are the ones sharing a room and hire car with his melting, stinking feet! AIBU to be furious with his behaviour and choices!

I agree, this seems the most sensible option.

I think you’re being absolutely ridiculous, particularly your commwnt about agreeing travel outfits. It’s entirely your son’s choice whether or not to wear socks and none of your business. You really do sound like the Griswald family 🤣🤣

And Ive got to the age of 68 without ever having worn socks with my trainers!

Op just listen to yourself "picked out his travel outfit" "box fresh Dunks and classic white Nike socks" You sound like a middle age mum trying to be so relevant. No doubt the family photo was for the "Gram" Why not just enjoy your holiday with your family?

Is it because he likes the sockless look?
Have you tried 'invidible' socks? We wear them all the time for a no-sock look.

I’ve just had to google Dunks.

they aren’t even supportive, they’re flat with no arch and apparently podiatrists don’t recommend more than casual/fashion wear.

but o/p thinks these are great for walking round Florida, presumably the parks? 20k steps a day not unusual. And “box-fresh” new ones at that?

clearly cares more about appearance than comfort.

it’s not the socks that will lead to blisters, it’s wearing new, unbroken, unsuitable footwear to walk all day in.

You really should speak to a professional. This is not normal behaviour. Stop living a lie and being so uptight.

15 yr olds think certain things look cool . One of mine has a lace on one trainer undone ALL THE TIME ! Lord only knows why, but that’s what he likes . Honestly don’t bother trying to manage this . Get the equivalent of “egressed” and spray the life out of them !

Couldn't be arsed. Stop using the word 'Dunks'.

Why are you going through his things? He is 15, and if he wants to wear trainers without socks, let him. You were quite mean actually. What are you trying to teach him? That he has to wear outfits his mum picked out?

You could of said ong I love that look, but you can get trainer socks! You still look sockless but comfy! And here, borrow my and dad's shoe deodorant:) He is growing up. Be pleased he is looking for a bit of teen style. He is not you and he wants to be himself. By not wearing socks. He isn't out there writing' fuck my life' on the walls..

Sounds like you care more about how he looks and what other people think than anything else.

Have you really taken time out of your holiday to write this?!
He’s a 15 year old boy! Teenage boys are stubborn, daft and smelly and need a lot of love, patience and guidance. They grow out of it.

Yes, travel outfit planning? WTF

Even worse thinking a child looks great in a hoodie, baggy joggers, bright white socks and some godawful massive trainers. Looks great!!

Erm no.

Oh I see another AIBU without OP coming back.....

I have 2 teenagers and I stopped picking their clothes ten years ago. DS1 wore a padded black jacket all day on Miami beach in 30 degree heat. Let them wear what they want and buy some Febreeze.

Who cares? I don't wear socks, unless its winter with boots. I hate socks. They are his feet, his shoes.

This thread is a joke right?! Or AI?

who gives a flying frog about socks in photos?! How many times do you need to mention dunks?!

Chill your beans.

I see she hasn't come back!

Maybe it’s covert advertising?

If this is all you have to worry about, you're a very lucky person.

And?

its really a hill you want to die on?

socks?

outfits being picked out?

I voted YNBU but only due to the smell. If he's willing to do something about that e.g. some kind of foot/shoe spray then i wouldn't care if he wants to wear socks or not. Regarding him ruining the shoes it'll be a lesson- no new shoes/don't buy him new shoes if he can't treat them with care. Second hand all the way

Just this! Unbelievable !At 15 he should be shopping for his own items .

It is lovely to have holidays with your teenagers and there are many people who would love that opportunity and could never afford it. Are you really going to spend all week being excited because he is wearing flash trainers that are ‘Instagrammable’ but worrying about your 15 year olds socks?
You sound quite nasty tbh trying to humiliate him. He is probably wishing he stayed at home.

You're on holiday, chill out and give the lad a break there are worse things a 15 year old lad could do i wouldn't want to wear socks either, if its the smell you are more concerned about, just get some trainer deodoriser and or air freshener,