The Definitive Guide to Diabetic Socks

Table of Contents

What are Diabetic Socks?

People with diabetes wear diabetic socks because they have help with diabetic foot problems. Common issues include damaged blood vessels, foot ulcers, and diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic socks offer extra support, increases blow flow, comfort, and protection over regular socks. This special support is often required because people with diabetes tend to have poor circulation from nerve damage, which is caused by high blood sugar levels. Minor injuries can go unnoticed by people with diabetes simply because their is no sensation in the feet. As a result, small injuries often turn into serious foot infections. Wearing socks for diabetics can be beneficial to diabetics in numerous ways.

Who else are they for?

Diabetic socks has the same look as normal socks, but provide more cushion and does not constrict the legs. Besides diabetics, they work well for people with swollen sore feet, peripheral edema, neuropathy, and arthritis. Socks for diabetics are also suitable for anyone that just wants better leg circulation, improved blood flow, and more comfort.

Special Features and Benefits

Extra sole cushioning

One of the primary factors for wearing these special socks is to protect the feet. These socks are designed with more padding for this purpose. The proper amount of padding provides extra cushioning without including unnecessary bulk. Since we use our feet everyday to walk or run, wearing socks that provide proper cushioning can keep your feet protected and feeling more comfortable. When worn together with good shoes, it can help the feet withstand more impact from various routine activities.

Loose top diabetic sock

Diabetic socks feature tops that are loose as well as non-binding. This is a contrast to compression socks, which are tight. Compression socks uses compression to prevent blood pooling. A special design is used to provide support to stay on the legs without feeling tight. This feature not only helps boost blood flow circulation in the legs and feet, but also makes wearing diabetic socks feel more comfortable.

Non-binding weave

Apart from the loose tops, a non-binding mesh is used to help keep socks up your legs, allow proper ventilation, and promote healthy blood circulation. The thin netting present between the ankle and the cuffs helps give a close fit to the skin without bunching up or feeling tight. Additionally, the tiny holes found on the surface allows air to pass through easily, helping to keep your feet cool and dry.

Low profile toe seam

One of the most common complaints experienced by people who wear socks is foot irritation. The problem is primarily caused due to the protruding toe seams which most socks manufacturers use around the toe area. Socks that feature large seams do not cause problem when worn for a short period of time. However, wearing such socks for extended periods causes the seams to rub against the toes. As a result, a person develops calluses and blisters, leading to painful feet. Smooth seams greatly reduces friction between your socks and skin.

Wicking fiber blend

One of problems of a diabetic foot is keeping them dry to prevent infections. That’s where wicking fibers come into play. Using quality materials is important not only for durability but also for a better fit and comfort. Diabetic socks that use a mix of fibers can take advantage of the benefits that each present. Using fibers such as cotton or wool help socks soak up moisture. Additionally, since these fibers are natural, they are not only light but also encourages proper ventilation. However, since cotton and wool are not suitable for wicking moisture, use of synthetic materials becomes imperative. Synthetic fibers help bring sweat to the surface for faster drying. In addition, combining the two fibers together also helps to increase the durability and prevents wrinkles that can cause blisters.

Sock Sizes and Fit

While diabetic sock sizes will vary with each sock manufacturer, sock sizes generally represents the length of the feet in inches. The standard sizes for diabetes socks for men are 10-13 and 13-15. Sock size 10-13 corresponds to shoe sizes 8 to 12. Men’s size 13-15 is for shoe sizes 13 to 15. Those who have have larger feet will require custom diabetic socks to accommodate them. Diabetic socks for women size 9-11 are for those with shoe size 5 to 10. Wearing the right sock size is important to avoid discomfort. Socks that are too large bunches up and rubs against the skin and causes blisters. Socks that are too small will feel tight and will ultimately slip off the foot as well.

Styles and Colors

Women’s and men’s diabetic socks come in different styles including over the calf, crew, quarter, and low cut lengths. Over the calf is the longest and comes up to the knee. The crew style sits half way between the ankles and knees. Diabetic ankle socks covers the ankles. Lastly, people usually wear the low cut style below the ankles. Diabetic socks are available in a variety of colors. However, for people with diabetes that suffer from a loss of foot sensation, doctors suggest wearing light color socks may allow quick detection of foot injuries.

Materials Used to Make Diabetic Socks

Each diabetic sock manufacturer has their own unique blend of materials for creating socks. The best diabetic socks are often constructed with at least three different fibers. Each serving a different purpose. They include hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and elastic fibers. Hydrophilic fibers are used to absorb moisture, but does not dry quickly. Hydrophobic fibers brings moisture to the surface, but does not take in moisture. When hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers are blended together, moisture is absorbed and wicked to the surface of the sock to keep feet dry. Lastly, elastic fibers are used to give socks a snug fit, help retain shape, and provides resistance against shrinking.

Common Types of Hydrophilic Fibers

Wool is a natural fiber that can come from a variety of animals, not just sheep. This material acts as a good insulator in diabetic socks even though it is lightweight. It resists wear and tear, dirt and wrinkles, and is flame retardant. The fiber is washable with the ability to keep the wearer comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Every wool fiber is composed of millions of flexible coiled springs that bounce back to its original location after being stretched to capacity during use. In addition to its inherent qualities of shape recovery and wrinkle resistance, wool is also breathable and absorbs much of its weight in moisture without feeling wet.
Cotton is a strong fabric made of 100% natural fiber. It is smooth to the touch and holds its shape after multiple trips through the laundry. The fibers of cotton are biodegradable, breathable, hold color, and provide some wrinkle resistance. Even when boiled for sterilization and other purposes, cotton withstands disintegration. In diabetic socks, it wears well and resists abrasion while absorbing several times its weight in moisture. It is stronger wet than when it is dry. The problem is that when it gets wet it stays wet and holds moisture close to the skin.

Common Types of Hydrophobic Fibers

Acrylic offers amazing moisture wicking capabilities. This material is machine washable and dries quickly. It retains its shape, resists shrinkage, chemicals oils and wrinkles. Although it has trouble with pilling and static electricity, using a fabric softener reduces the static.
Nylon weighs less, yet is stronger than most fibers while still resilient, versatile, and elastic. It stands up well to washing and dries fast and resists wrinkles and shrinkage. Perspiration and chemicals do not weaken the fiber. Nylon is smooth while not allowing dirt to cling.
Polyester is quick drying, washable, mildew and wrinkle resistant, and more resistant to chemicals and shrinkage than other synthetic fiber. However, its low absorbency makes stain removal more problematic and it is less breathable. It is also prone to pilling and static cling.

Common Types of Elastic Fibers

Diabetic sock companies use spandex, which is a synthetic fiber, to provide extra support around the ankles and arches. Spandex helps hold the upper sock in place, maintains a close fit, and recovery. Although it is lightweight, the material stretches repeatedly as much as 500% without breaking. Spandex will retain its original shape and length. The material is supple, smooth, and durable beyond that of rubber. It resists perspiration, detergents, lotions, body oils, and presents no problems with pilling or static. This material is also commonly used for compression socks.
Diabetic socks often use Lycra with other natural and man made fibers, but never by itself. This material stretches as much as seven times its original length and springs back for a comfortable fit, durability, freedom of movement, and shape retention.

How to Care for your Socks

Even with good diabetic socks, you will eventually need to replace them. However, taking care of them properly will help to extend its useful life. Here are some general tips to get the most from your socks:

Flip socks inside out before washing
Wash socks in cold water
Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the sock fibers
Low tumble dry or hang dry is the best way to preserve the stretch of the socks
Trim your toenails to avoid putting holes in socks
Avoid using bleach on white socks and wash darker socks with like colors
Do not use an iron or excess heat, other the socks may become damaged

The diabetic foot can lead to health complications. Fortunately, diabetic socks can help by offering support, preventing irritation, and increasing blood flow to the legs. There are different colors and styles that are right for anyone. The unique materials used keeps your feet dry. Just be sure to take care of the socks and wear them daily.