The 9 Best Diabetic Socks of 2022
By Sarah Bradley | Updated on March 18, 2022
Medically reviewed by Do-Eun Lee, MD
Fact checked by Christina Oehler, RYT-200
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Foot problems are common among those with diabetes, and over time diabetes can lead to neuropathy. Diabetes can also restrict blood flow to the feet, which can make it hard for wounds and sores to heal. To combat these painful side effects, people with diabetes seek out specific kinds of socks that minimize irritation and promote circulation.
Doctor's Choice Diabetic Crew Socks are made of a polyester blend that keeps feet comfortable and dry. If you're going to the office, try EMEM's Apparel Diabetic Dress Crew Socks, which can be worn with dress pants.
“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.
Best Overall for Women:
Doctor's Choice Diabetic Crew Socks at Amazon ($20)
Best Overall for Men:
Doctor's Choice Diabetic Crew Socks at Amazon ($20)
Along with seamless socks and sturdy shoes, Deena Adimoolam, MD, a spokesperson for the Endocrine Society, says that with good diabetes control, neuropathy can be prevented via taking prescribed diabetes medications and focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
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."
The whole point of finding the right shoe or pair of socks when you have diabetic neuropathy or poor circulation is to protect the feet. But how often should these items be worn?
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.
“Ideally, diabetic socks are supposed to keep pressure and friction off the feet so that people don't develop sores,” says Dr. McEneaney. “That pressure can be from the seam at the end of the sock, or it can be from moisture and friction.”
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.”
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
By: Sarah Bradley