What Are Diabetic Socks?

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Diabetic socks are specially designed socks that keep the feet dry, decrease the risk of foot injury, and avoid preventing or slowing blood circulation. They usually are made of materials that have superior abilities to wick away moisture, are fitted, padded, and nonbinding. They differ from regular socks in that they are non-elastic and seamless. By eliminating the elastic, diabetic socks reduce the constriction that often occurs in swelling, which can limit blood flow.
Why People With Diabetes Need Special Socks

People with diabetes are at higher risk of foot injuries and infection due to potential damage to their circulatory and nervous systems caused by high blood sugar levels.1 Nerve damage, or neuropathy, decreases sensation and increases the risk of injury, especially on the bottom of the feet. It can also cause a person with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment.

Circulatory problems make it harder for wounds to heal because it is difficult for them to benefit from the healing properties of continuous blood flow. Elevated blood sugar levels also can create a sluggish immune system. These problems can create a situation that could lead to amputation or even death.1

Clearly, foot care is an extremely important consideration for someone with diabetes.
The 9 Best Diabetic Socks of 2020
Who Should Wear Diabetic Socks

Not everyone with diabetes needs diabetic socks. For those without foot problems, regular socks that are comfortable, non-binding, fitted, and without lumps or uncomfortable seams would be sufficient.2 Socks should not be tight, constricting, lumpy, or have seams that are uncomfortable. They should ideally keep your feet dry. Practice good foot care and inspect your feet regularly for injury.3

Diabetic socks may be helpful in the following conditions:

If you have diabetes and have experienced changes in foot color, temperature, redness, irritation, nerve damage, blisters or fungus.
If you have diabetes and have extreme foot moisture or sweat, as these specialized socks keep your feet dry by wicking moisture and thereby reducing the recurrence of fungal infections.

If you have experienced any of the above issues, talk to your health care professional for advice and recommendations on using diabetic socks.
Benefits of Wearing Diabetic Socks

Diabetic socks can help people with diabetes who are prone to infections and foot injuries. Here's how they can help:2

Moisture-wicking materials keep feet dry so that excess moisture doesn't form a breeding ground for fungal infections
Antimicrobial features prevent bacteria and fungal growth
Increasing comfort and decreasing swelling
Keeping feet warm to improve circulation
Seamless socks reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters, which may ultimately lead to a foot ulcer in someone who has neuropathy or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Extra padding for sensitive areas, such as the soles of the feet, can help prevent foot injury
White-soled socks can alert those with diabetes if they have a wound that is draining

An Overview of Hyperglycemia
Types of Diabetic Socks Available

There are many different types of diabetes socks on the market, making it hard for someone with diabetes to know which types of socks to select. Price may play a role in your decision-making, too, as some socks can be costly. Here is a breakdown of some features and price points:

Copper-infused: Made with Cupron, a copper-infused yarn, these socks have antifungal properties that have been shown to kill athlete's foot fungus. Copper-infused socks may also prevent reinfection of athlete's foot on subsequent wears. These socks also offer anti-odor protection. Costs range between $7 and $16 and can be purchased at Renfro Socks.

Moisture-wicking: Wicking socks pull moisture away from the foot to evaporate sweat, which reduces the risk of fungus, infections, and prevents odor. The drier the foot, the more protection you have from developing blisters and other foot wounds. They typically cost between $5 and $20 and can be purchased online or in stores. Common brands include Dr. Scholl's CoolMax, Brooks, and Balega.

Padded acrylic socks: People who exercise vigorously should consider padded acrylic socks because they keep feet dryer and cause less blistering than cotton socks. Acrylic fibers seem to have better moisture-wicking abilities and can also be good for people who have diminished sensation or neuropathy, as the extra padding can help to prevent foot injuries. Many types of diabetes socks are made with this type of fiber.

Extra padding or gel padding: Heavily padded socks or socks with gel padding are also available and can aid in moisture-wicking, protecting the foot from injury, reducing sensitivity and irritation, as well as providing comfort.4

Soft yarns: Diabetic socks are often made from finer-textured fabrics such as bamboo and wool. These types of yarns have natural antimicrobial properties and reduce rough abrasion on the skin.

Blister guard yarn: This type of yarn is meant to reduce blister-causing friction. Approved by the American Podiatric Association, Dr. Scholl's makes them for about $8 to $12.

Smart technology socks: Some diabetic socks have embedded sensors that track foot temperature and alert you via an app if there is a change, such as a sore or ulcer that is forming. The coin-size battery is located on the exterior of the sock near the ankle. These socks usually last around six months and can cost $19.95 per month. For more information, check out Siren.


Diabetic socks are specially designed socks that keep the feet dry, decrease the risk of foot injury, and avoid preventing or slowing blood circulation. They usually are made of materials that have superior abilities to wick away moisture, are fitted, padded, and nonbinding. They differ from regular socks in that they are non-elastic and seamless. By eliminating the elastic, diabetic socks reduce the constriction that often occurs in swelling, which can limit blood flow.
Why People With Diabetes Need Special Socks

People with diabetes are at higher risk of foot injuries and infection due to potential damage to their circulatory and nervous systems caused by high blood sugar levels.1 Nerve damage, or neuropathy, decreases sensation and increases the risk of injury, especially on the bottom of the feet. It can also cause a person with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment.

Circulatory problems make it harder for wounds to heal because it is difficult for them to benefit from the healing properties of continuous blood flow. Elevated blood sugar levels also can create a sluggish immune system. These problems can create a situation that could lead to amputation or even death.1

Clearly, foot care is an extremely important consideration for someone with diabetes.
The 9 Best Diabetic Socks of 2020
Who Should Wear Diabetic Socks

Not everyone with diabetes needs diabetic socks. For those without foot problems, regular socks that are comfortable, non-binding, fitted, and without lumps or uncomfortable seams would be sufficient.2 Socks should not be tight, constricting, lumpy, or have seams that are uncomfortable. They should ideally keep your feet dry. Practice good foot care and inspect your feet regularly for injury.3

Diabetic socks may be helpful in the following conditions:

If you have diabetes and have experienced changes in foot color, temperature, redness, irritation, nerve damage, blisters or fungus.
If you have diabetes and have extreme foot moisture or sweat, as these specialized socks keep your feet dry by wicking moisture and thereby reducing the recurrence of fungal infections.

If you have experienced any of the above issues, talk to your health care professional for advice and recommendations on using diabetic socks.
Benefits of Wearing Diabetic Socks

Diabetic socks can help people with diabetes who are prone to infections and foot injuries. Here's how they can help:2

Moisture-wicking materials keep feet dry so that excess moisture doesn't form a breeding ground for fungal infections
Antimicrobial features prevent bacteria and fungal growth
Increasing comfort and decreasing swelling
Keeping feet warm to improve circulation
Seamless socks reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters, which may ultimately lead to a foot ulcer in someone who has neuropathy or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Extra padding for sensitive areas, such as the soles of the feet, can help prevent foot injury
White-soled socks can alert those with diabetes if they have a wound that is draining

An Overview of Hyperglycemia
Types of Diabetic Socks Available

There are many different types of diabetes socks on the market, making it hard for someone with diabetes to know which types of socks to select. Price may play a role in your decision-making, too, as some socks can be costly. Here is a breakdown of some features and price points:

Copper-infused: Made with Cupron, a copper-infused yarn, these socks have antifungal properties that have been shown to kill athlete's foot fungus. Copper-infused socks may also prevent reinfection of athlete's foot on subsequent wears. These socks also offer anti-odor protection. Costs range between $7 and $16 and can be purchased at Renfro Socks.

Moisture-wicking: Wicking socks pull moisture away from the foot to evaporate sweat, which reduces the risk of fungus, infections, and prevents odor. The drier the foot, the more protection you have from developing blisters and other foot wounds. They typically cost between $5 and $20 and can be purchased online or in stores. Common brands include Dr. Scholl's CoolMax, Brooks, and Balega.

Padded acrylic socks: People who exercise vigorously should consider padded acrylic socks because they keep feet dryer and cause less blistering than cotton socks. Acrylic fibers seem to have better moisture-wicking abilities and can also be good for people who have diminished sensation or neuropathy, as the extra padding can help to prevent foot injuries. Many types of diabetes socks are made with this type of fiber.

Extra padding or gel padding: Heavily padded socks or socks with gel padding are also available and can aid in moisture-wicking, protecting the foot from injury, reducing sensitivity and irritation, as well as providing comfort.4

Soft yarns: Diabetic socks are often made from finer-textured fabrics such as bamboo and wool. These types of yarns have natural antimicrobial properties and reduce rough abrasion on the skin.

Blister guard yarn: This type of yarn is meant to reduce blister-causing friction. Approved by the American Podiatric Association, Dr. Scholl's makes them for about $8 to $12.

Smart technology socks: Some diabetic socks have embedded sensors that track foot temperature and alert you via an app if there is a change, such as a sore or ulcer that is forming. The coin-size battery is located on the exterior of the sock near the ankle. These socks usually last around six months and can cost $19.95 per month. For more information, check out Siren.