The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (2024)

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (1)

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For people with diabetes, choosing the perfect pair of socks means more than just grabbing the most colorful pair off the rack. “The right socks can help improve blood circulation in the feet, reduce the risk of irritation and foot injury, and help keep feet dry,” says Rita Kalyani, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

As many as 50% of adults with diabetes experience a type of nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. This can result in pain or tingling in your feet — or it can cause your feet to feel numb, so you might not even realize something is irritating your toes or that you have a blister or callus until it results in an infection or damage (if left untreated, sores can turn into foot ulcers). Diabetes can also cause the skin to become dry and cracked, and poor blood circulation makes it more difficult for infections and injuries to heal.

“For those who have peripheral vascular disease or nerve damage, it may be particularly helpful to see a podiatrist to have foot concerns addressed,” says Dr. Kalyani. Wearing socks that are designed to protect the feet of those with diabetes is also an important part of preventive care.

Look for these features when choosing the best diabetic socks for you:

  • A comfortable fit: Dr. Kalyani points out that there is a big difference between compression socks — which squeeze the lower leg to improve blood flow in people who have swelling in their feet or varicose veins — and diabetic socks, which should have a looser fit that doesn't restrict blood flow. “Since people with diabetes may have reduced blood circulation in their legs, it's important that socks are not too constricting,” she says. Diabetes socks should have a stretchable cuffs and should fit over your feet and toes without bunching up or gapping.
  • Moisture-wicking fabric: “For those at risk of foot infections, socks that are made of materials that keep moisture away can help the foot stay clean and dry,” says Dr. Kalyani. It’s also crucial to inspect your feet, then carefully wash and dry them (make sure you get between the toes!) every day.
  • A cushioned sole: Pressure on the bottom of the foot or the big toe can cause foot ulcers, so look for socks that have a little extra padding in these areas.

Here are nine great pairs to pull on:

Yomandamor Women's Breathable Diabetic Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (2)

Yomandamor Women's Breathable Diabetic Socks

Thesesocks have a wide, stretchy band that will keep them up even when you work out, a seamless toe to prevent irritation and a padded sole.The delicate mesh detail makes them especially breathable.

TeeHee Socks Diabetic Crew Socks for Women and Men

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (3)

TeeHee Socks Diabetic Crew Socks for Women and Men

This company with the giggly name makes bright colored socks in fun patterns for kids and adults, and their diabetes socks are the cutest ones we've seen. Reviewers love the soft material and non-binding cuff as much as the cheerful colors.

Creswell Sock Mills White Diabetic Crew Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (4)

Creswell Sock Mills White Diabetic Crew Socks

For a basic pair of white diabetic socks with all the soft, seamless features you want, these are no-fuss at a great price.

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Hugh Ugoli Women's Loose Diabetic Ankle Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (5)

Hugh Ugoli Women's Loose Diabetic Ankle Socks

Now 20% Off

These ankle socks are available in more than 20 eye-popping colors;themicromesh fabric lets your feet breathe whether you're working out or taking a long walk.

Dr. Scholl's Diabetic and Circulatory Health White Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (6)

Dr. Scholl's Diabetic and Circulatory Health White Socks

Dr. Scholl's has beenthe go-to name for foot care for more than a century, and the companymakes this classic pair ofdiabetes socks in a moisture-wicking, antimicrobial material.

Dr. Segal's Diabetic Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (7)

Dr. Segal's Diabetic Socks

These are so stylish, you can wear them with a cute skirt and sneakers. Plus, they're made with a breathable cotton blend and extra padding.

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Warrior Alpaca Socks Therapeutic Crew Alpaca Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (8)

Warrior Alpaca Socks Therapeutic Crew Alpaca Socks

These socks, made of a luxe alpaca wool blend, are ultrasoft and comfy and have a wide ribbing to sit comfortably on your shins. They're alsoavailable in wide-calf sizes for a truly perfect fit.

Ortho Feet Extra Roomy Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (9)

Ortho Feet Extra Roomy Socks

These have a wide fit, plus anti-bacterial andanti-odor features and a moisture-wicking system.

Facool Wide Ankle Diabetic Socks

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (10)

Facool Wide Ankle Diabetic Socks

If your feet run cold, these extra-thick socks will keep them nice and toasty. They're wider in the ankle, non-irritating and have a fully cushioned sole.

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (11)

Marisa Cohen

Deputy Editor

Marisa Cohen is an editor in the Hearst Lifestyle Group’s Health Newsroom, who has covered health, nutrition, parenting and culture for dozens of magazines and websites over the past two decades.

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected (2024)

FAQs

The Best Diabetic Socks to Help Keep Your Feet Warm and Protected? ›

Heat Holders

Heat Holders
Heat Holders® were developed by our talented product development team in house. The challenge was to make a sock that would be the warmest sock ever and comfortable and practical to wear in daily life. It wasn't easy, but our team came up with Heat Holders® in 2008.
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® are non-binding, diabetic friendly and provide relief from cold feet due to circulation problems. We receive many reviews from customers who suffer from diabetes and have discovered Heat Holders®!

Do diabetic socks keep your feet warm? ›

There are many different types of socks for people with diabetes. Generally, they're designed to minimize foot injuries and keep feet dry and warm.

What socks are best for diabetes? ›

People living with diabetes need to be gentle with their feet. Look for socks made with soft fibers like bamboo or wool. These yarns won't rub against the skin, and they can help prevent friction that causes blisters.

How to keep cold diabetic feet warm? ›

Avoid the use of warming aids on the feet, such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads. Also, test bath water with hands or a thermometer to make sure it's not too hot before putting your feet into the water, he said. Moisture-wicking socks can help keep feet dry and warm during cold weather.

Do diabetic socks really work? ›

Diabetic socks are specially designed to keep feet dry, decrease the risk of foot injury, and enhance blood circulation. They are a key part of foot care, which is an important aspect of diabetes management due to potential damage to the nervous and circulatory systems caused by high blood sugar levels.

How do diabetics get rid of cold feet? ›

If your feet are cold, you may want to warm them. Keep aware that, unfortunately, if you have nerve damage, your feet may not be able feel heat properly and it is easy for you to burn them with hot water, hot water bottles, or heating pads. The best way to warm cold feet is to wear warm socks.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed at night? ›

Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet.

Should diabetics wear loose or tight socks? ›

“Socks that really fit you well.” “Socks that are too tight are going to impair circulation,” Tina said. On the other hand, loose socks are more likely to move around and cause friction. Fit is especially important for people with diabetes who have poor circulation and experience swelling in the feet or legs.

Is there a difference between compression socks and diabetic socks? ›

Diabetic socks aim to protect the feet and reduce the risk of injury or irritation. Features that help achieve this include being seamless, moisture-wicking, and padded. Compressions socks are tighter-fitting socks that apply gentle pressure to the legs and feet to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Should diabetics wear black socks? ›

Diabetic socks will keep your feet warm and dry to avoid blisters, ulcers, and fungal infection. You should also avoid wearing dark-colored socks because you may not notice blood or discharge from a wound on your foot.

How to keep neuropathy feet warm? ›

Wear layers of clothing to keep warm, and make sure to cover your head, hands, and feet. For those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy especially, consider wearing warm, waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry and protected from the cold.

Why do diabetics get cold so easily? ›

Diabetes can cause kidney and circulation issues that make you feel cold. Without proper treatment, diabetes can also cause nerve damage that makes you feel cold, particularly in your feet. Type 2 diabetes may involve milder symptoms than type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also more likely to cause a cold feeling.

Why do diabetics feet get hot? ›

Tingling or burning in the feet and legs may be an early sign of nerve damage in them. These feelings often start in your toes and feet, but can also start in the fingers and hands. You may also have deep pain or aching or just a heavy feeling. Some people may have very sweaty or very dry feet from nerve damage.

What color socks are good for diabetics? ›

Some suggest that white cotton or wool socks are preferable, saying this is because “cotton socks allow feet to breathe and helps prevent sweating.”

Why are diabetics only supposed to wear white socks? ›

White or light-colored socks can allow you to easily see if you're bleeding or have a draining wound on your foot. Seamless toes. Seams can irritate the skin, leading to blisters and wounds. Many diabetic socks don't contain seams or have nonirritating seams.

Who should not wear compression socks? ›

Medical compression socks and stockings are prescribed by a doctor for various venous and lymphatic ailments. However, there are times that a compression garment is not ideal. A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions.

Is it okay to wear diabetic socks if you are not diabetic? ›

In fact, you don't even have to have diabetes to benefit from them. But that all being said, not all diabetic socks are created equal. So if you're in the market for some socks that will help protect your feet from damage, you should make sure you know what to look for.

What is the difference between diabetic socks and regular socks? ›

Many diabetic socks don't contain seams or have nonirritating seams. Nonelastic fibers. Regular socks contain elastic to help them stay in place, but this design can further constrict blood flow for people with diabetes. Your socks may be considered too tight if you see a line on your skin after you remove them.

Why is there no heat on diabetic feet? ›

Heating pads, electric blankets, hot water bottles, or even extremely hot baths can all be relaxing and soothing, but for someone with diabetes, they can be dangerous. If you already have nerve cell damage, you may not be able to tell how hot a heating pad is, and you run the risk of burning your feet.

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