Always an arresting sight

back in the days when you could get nicked in style

250 or 400?

I’ll get me coat!

In the UK, the dress code was for plain, black shoes or boots, with either Oxford pattern, or Derby pattern uppers. Shoes, boots, and socks, were not
issued, but were purchased by the individual officer (Specialist footwear was issued, such as motorcycle boots, wellingtons, safety shoes, etc).
In West Yorkshire (and I presume most, if not all other forces) the Standing Order for Dress and Deportment, instructed that if a male officer wore shoes, the socks had to be black, dark blue, or dark grey. Female officers in trousers, wore socks with the same restrictions on colour. The females did get an annual issue of stockings or tights.

If an officer was wearing boots, where socks were hidden from view, then there was no colour restriction. If the sock could be seen and it was a non-uniform colour, an adverse comment would be extremely likely from a Sergeant or Inspector.