“Diabetic socks are primarily designed to protect the feet, usually with a low-profile seam to reduce the chances of disrupting the skin of the feet, a moisture-wicking material, and often a relatively loose-fitting design to prevent constriction,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, of Progressive Foot Care. Socks made of a blend of materials like polyester hug the feet without being too constricting.
We researched dozens of diabetic socks and evaluated them for material, price, fit, and sizes available. Each of the diabetic socks chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best socks on the market for people with diabetes.
Price at time of publication: $20
They are loose enough around the calves to keep your circulation flowing but not so loose they can’t stay in place with long-term wear. They also help regulate the temperature of your feet and prevent blisters and irritation.
Price at time of publication: $20
These socks have a toe seam that may be irritating to some and tend to run small—but they are a functional and affordable option for diabetics who need to keep a lot of socks on hand without breaking the bank.
Price at time of publication: $18
Because of their light and breathable material, they may not provide enough cushioning for some. But if you’re looking for a discreet, non-bulky diabetic sock to wear with dress pants or business casual clothes, we think these are your best bet.
Price at time of publication: $17
The socks also feature extra padding along the entire sole, not just the heel and toe, making them extra comfortable to wear when you’re out walking, jogging, playing tennis, or even simply spending the day on your feet at home.
Price at time of publication: $14
“High-pressure areas like the ball of the foot or the heel can benefit from extra padding,” says Lonny Nodelman, DPAM, FACFAS, a surgical podiatrist at District Foot and Ankle in Virginia.
They may seem unassuming, but reviewers claim these socks change the way their feet feel when they wear them all day. They are snug without being constricting, regulate temperature well, reduce foot pain, and hug your feet for all-day comfort.
Price at time of publication: $35
The mesh design allows for extra airflow, reducing smells and keeping feet dry and clean. They feature a seamless toe and a non-binding cuff, which means they’re not likely to cause irritation, friction, or endless rubbing.
“The number one thing I look for is where the seam of the sock is located,” says podiatrist Dr. Patrick McEneaney, CEO of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists. “When the seam is at the tip of the toe, it can cause pressure on the toes; in diabetic patients who may not have normal sensation, they can potentially get ulcers or sores on their toes.”
Price at time of publication: $16
The fit and style of the Yomandamor socks are exactly what Dr. McEneaney says you should look for when choosing a pair. “I like to see kind of a uniform fit to the sock [without] extra fabric or bands in the arch that causes compression or that are tighter around the ankle.”
Price at time of publication: $17
We especially like that that even though the tops of these socks are loose-fitting, they won’t slouch down or lose their form throughout the day. That means you’ll be comfortable in more ways than one: no binding or constricting and no floppy fabric sliding down around your ankles.
Price at time of publication: $27
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These diabetic socks are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great diabetic socks, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These diabetic socks are just average.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend diabetic socks with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.
Many socks for people with diabetes also feature seamless toes, which can boost the overall comfort of the socks while preventing the types of injuries Dr. Eckel refers to. Socks that rub against your skin or cause repeated friction in an area of your foot leave you vulnerable to wounds.
“Diabetic socks should be seamless [because] a seam can irritate the skin, leading to potential injury, ulceration, and infection,” says Dr. Nodelman.
Fit
Diabetes can restrict blood flow to the feet, so it’s best to avoid any socks that are compressing your feet too much.
“Generally speaking, the socks should not be tight-fitting because this could potentially impair circulation in the foot,” explains Dr. Nodelman. “Some compression is probably acceptable to help keep swelling at bay, but if there is any concern [about poor blood flow into the foot], you should be evaluated by a specialist first to determine what the safest level of compression would be.”
To err on the safe side, look for a pair with a loose, non-binding fit, which will prevent any further circulation restriction. Look for pairs with extra room in the toe and heel areas, which can provide some extra protection for your feet. Be wary of socks with tight bands around the calves, though, warns Dr. McEneaney. “[You don’t want] a tight band at the top that can prevent the fluid from your ankles from being able to travel up your leg.”
Material
Although cotton is always a popular choice for footwear, socks made from 100 percent cotton are often not the best choice for diabetics. Full cotton socks absorb moisture rather than wick it away, so they can leave your feet damp, chilled, and prone to bacterial growth.
Dr. Pinker recommends socks made at least partly from a synthetic fabric, like polyester, acrylic, lycra, or spandex, adding that some very well-designed diabetic socks contain antimicrobial qualities to further ward off bacteria.
“Socks made from softer materials are the most popular for diabetics,” says Dr. Nodelman. “Materials like bamboo fiber can be helpful because it’s soft and can reduce irritation against the skin.”
Warmth
For those who suffer from poor circulation in their feet, finding socks that provide warmth and comfort is key. One way to ensure your feet will be warm is by choosing a moisture-wicking fabric since damp socks will inevitably lead to cold feet (and possibly other problems, as well).
“Moisture-wicking properties are important for keeping the foot dry. A drier foot is less likely to develop an athlete’s foot infection, which disrupts the skin’s ability to act as a barrier to infection,” says Dr. Nodelman.
Why Trust Verywell Health
People with diabetes should make regular foot exams a top priority, Dr. Adimoolam says. “The most important step in diabetes foot care is performing daily foot exams. Examine your feet daily with a mirror to be aware of any cuts, calluses, etc. If your feet are dry, make sure to moisturize them daily to prevent skin breakdown or breakage. Also, avoid cutting nails too deep, which can lead to cuts and infection."
According to Alex Kor, MD, a podiatrist practicing in Lebanon, Indiana, your feet don’t know the difference between a slab of concrete outside and your dining room floor. “I tell patients that they should not do any prolonged walking, climbing, or standing in their home without a good supportive shoe or sandal. As much as possible, patients should wear shoes with socks in the home.”
So what’s the simple answer? “People with diabetes should wear socks daily, regardless of the day’s activities,” says Dr. Nodelman, since going barefoot is not recommended—especially if you have significant neuropathy.
Good socks should provide a nice interface between you and the shoe while protecting you from external elements as well. But it’s important, Dr. McEneaney adds, to understand the difference between diabetic socks and compression socks; they serve different purposes.
“If you’re diabetic and you have swelling in your legs, you’re better off working with a compression sock versus a diabetic sock,” he explains, “and if you have poor blood flow, you should consult your physician before you wear a compression sock.”
