Many people choose to wear merino wool socks as a personal preference over cotton and synthetic materials. Whileeveryone can benefit from thenatural qualitiesof merino wool, forpeople living with diabetes, wearing merino wool socks can play a particularly important role in their overall foot health.
You may be wondering, why does someone with diabetes need special socks?
If you're living with diabetes, you could run a higher risk of experiencing foot-related injuries as a result of poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes a loss of feeling in the feet. Therefore, paying special attention to toe seams, materials, and cushioning can make a huge difference when buying the best diabetics for women and men.
Why You Should Avoid Cotton Diabetic Socks
Have you ever heard someone rave about how much they love their therapeutic cotton socks? More often than not, people wear cotton socks because they’re widely available and affordable. And while we certainly understand the allure of buying a multi-pack of cotton socks on sale at the drugstore, the risk-to-reward ratio just doesn’t add up for those living with diabetes.
Reasons to Steer Clear of Cotton Socks
Cotton traps moisture and can keep feet damp. We all know cotton is great at absorbing moisture. That's why we prefer it for bath towels. However, cotton doesn't dry quickly,and instead tends to stay damp.
This is especially bad for feet. Damp socks inside shoes can easilycause irritation and be abrasive to your toes and feet, leading to blisters, odor, and ongoing foot-related ailments.
In addition, cotton socks often fail the fit test. Diabetic socks should conform to the foot and leg comfortably without losing shape. Cotton socks are often made using only cotton and nylon, and as a result, tend to slide down and lose shape after a few hours of wear. Loose fabric and wrinkles rubbing against the skin can be irritating, causing unintended minor injuries that can add up to big problems down the road.
While cotton socks may seem like the best buy at the drugstore, the risks involved in wearing cotton diabetic socks can lead to unintended consequences. Practicing good diabetic foot care is much easier with the unique properties of merino wool diabetic socks.
Why You’ll Love Merino Wool Diabetic Socks
The best diabetic socks are hands down merino wool socks. Unlike cotton, merino wool offers incredible natural features that help protect sensitive feet across every climate.
Four Reasons to Choose Merino Wool Socks
- Merino wool is naturally thermoregulating. Like a well-insulated house, it keeps your feet at an ideal temperature in both cool and warm conditions. Merino wool manages moisture by absorbing and evaporating constantly, creating a breathable, comfortable environment for your feet and toes.
- The perfect temperature means dryer feet. Dry, comfortable conditions around the foot help to minimize hotspots, blisters, and bacterial growth, which is paramount to diabetic foot health.
- Merino wool is naturally resilient. The natural crimp in wool gives wool yarn resilience and loft that provides protection for the foot.
- Stretch and recovery, when you need it most. Our merino wool diabetic socks are blended with a touch of bamboo rayon for softness and breathability, as well as spandex for the ideal amount of stretch and recovery.
The Sockwell Difference
As a company that’s focused on designing therapeutic socks to help our customers feel better in style, we’ve taken extra care to ensure our merino wool diabetic socks help keep your feet healthy throughout the day. When you purchase a pair of Sockwell Diabetic-Friendly/Relaxed Fit socks, you’ll always find the unique benefits of merino wool, plus:
- Spandex throughout sock for a snappy, non-bunching fit
- Relaxed fit leg
- Non-binding footbed
- Non-irritating seamless toe closure
- Cushioned sole
No bunching. No tight tops. No irritating toe seams. Just the perfect, all-day fit for happy, healthy feet.
Shop Sockwell Merino Wool Diabetic Socks.
Common Questions About Diabetic Socks
What Are Diabetic Socks Made of?
Diabetic socks can be made from many types of fibers. We recommend merino wool for a variety of reasons, including its natural thermoregulating and moisturecontrol properties. Merino wool simply offers a wider range of benefits that allow it to outperform cotton or synthetic fibers.
Do Merino Wool Socks Itch More Than Other Socks?
Our custom yarn blend features ultra-fine merino wool that will not itch. We also blend our merino wool socks with a touch of bamboo rayon for additional softness. You will find our merino wool socks are cozy and comfortable all day.
Can Anyone Wear Diabetic Socks?
Sockwell Relaxed Fit / Diabetic Friendly socks are friendly for anyone. Our diabetic socks are carefully crafted to support sensitive feet with features like non-binding tops, extra cushion across the soles, and seamless toe closures.
Everyone will find these socks are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. Our diabetic-friendly socks are also known as having a “relaxed fit” and doubling as the perfect stay-at-home, cozy sock choice for sensitive and healthy feet alike.
Shop Sockwell Merino Wool Diabetic Socks.
FAQs
Diabetic socks can be made from many types of fibers. We recommend merino wool for a variety of reasons, including its natural thermoregulating and moisture control properties. Merino wool simply offers a wider range of benefits that allow it to outperform cotton or synthetic fibers.
What material is best for diabetic socks? ›
She recommends socks with cotton or wool because these fibers are “breathable,” but she notes that the sock fabric should include some acrylic or other synthetic for its wicking action. She also notes the importance of keeping feet dry to prevent fungal growth.
What's better, cotton or merino wool? ›
Is wool more durable than cotton? In terms of durability, wool again takes the cake: Bent back and forth repeatedly, a strand of polyester or cotton fiber will snap in approximately 3,000 iterations. By comparison, Merino Wool is more than six-times as durable, breaking once bent roughly 20,000 times over.
What type of socks are best for neuropathy? ›
You should check with your doctor first, but the medical grade 30-40 mmHg compression socks are generally the best choice for people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Shop fashionable compression socks in levels 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg Here!
What are the best diabetic socks for 2024? ›
Gooi Extra Wide Socks are the perfect solution for anyone looking for comfortable, non-binding socks. They stretch up to 30" and come in sizes 10-13 and 13-15, making them a great option for seniors, diabetics, and those with swollen feet, neuropathy, lymphedema, edema, or bariatric needs.
Should diabetics wear cotton or wool socks? ›
The best diabetic socks are hands down merino wool socks. Unlike cotton, merino wool offers incredible natural features that help protect sensitive feet across every climate. Practicing good diabetic foot care is much easier with the unique properties of merino wool diabetic socks.
What are proper diabetic socks? ›
Here are some characteristics of diabetic socks:
- seamless: Socks with seams can rub against your skin and cause blisters or ulcers. ...
- moisture-wicking: Keeping feet dry is important for preventing skin infections.
- breathable: Breathable fabrics help keep feet dry.
One of the biggest disadvantages is that it is more expensive than synthetic materials. Merino wool is also more difficult to care for as it is more sensitive to heat, moisture and friction. The extraction of the material is also a constant focus of attention.
Is there anything better than merino wool? ›
Cashmere is warmer and softer than merino, but less durable, making cashmere the preferred textile for casual wear, while merino is the preferred wool for activewear. Warmer: Cashmere can be seven to eight times warmer than merino wool. Softer: Cashmere has a higher loft, which makes it softer.
Is it better to wear cotton or wool socks? ›
Cotton actually absorbs moisture and can create a soggy, clammy feeling when trapped in your shoes. Wool, on the other hand, is renowned for its sweat-managing properties. It can soak up a remarkable 30% of its weight in moisture before it'll start to feel damp, according to the American Wool Council.
For Foot and Heel Pain
Synthetic material is much better at wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry. Opt for socks made from materials such as acrylic or Coolmax. There are acrylic socks in every style, from dress socks to sportswear.
What soothes neuropathy in feet? ›
Warm bath. Taking a warm bath can be soothing and can also alleviate pain symptoms from neuropathy. Warm water increases blood circulation throughout the body, decreasing pain symptoms from numbness. In particular, there is research suggesting that taking a warm saltwater bath may be particularly beneficial.
What is the difference in diabetic socks? ›
Socks for diabetics are made without top elastic that can cut off circulation and restrict blood flow to the feet. Length. Diabetic socks come in a variety of lengths from ankle to over the knee. The higher length is ideal for those with circulatory issues while other lengths are fine for everyday wear.
What are the best socks for diabetics? ›
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.
Should diabetics sleep with socks on? ›
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.
Are Bombas socks good for diabetics? ›
People love Bombas for its comfortable and stylish line of socks, and these compression socks don't disappoint. Although they aren't specifically designed for people with diabetes, they include many of the must-have features experts recommend.
Is polyester good for diabetic socks? ›
Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester can be effective at drawing away extra moisture from the skin. On the other hand, cotton blend socks may retain moisture but they're breathable and comfortable on sensitive skin.
What are Dr Scholl's diabetic socks made of? ›
Scholl's Diabetes & Circulatory crew socks. Available in a convenient 6 pair value pack, the men's socks are made with soft spun polyester yarn and feature a non binding stay-up morpul top for a relaxed fit. Expertly designed for everyone from diabetics and those with circulation concerns to those with sensitive skin.
Why can't diabetics wear compression socks? ›
Although people living with diabetes may experience circulation problems, many compression socks carry warnings that they are not suitable for people with diabetes. As these socks may restrict blood flow, they could further impede the healing process.
Should diabetics wear thick socks? ›
Many people with diabetes don't need compression socks. But, if they are recommended, putting them on first thing in the morning before even getting out of bed is a key factor. “Put compression socks on when your legs are elevated, because the blood has already circulated down your legs.”
