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)
Best Overall for Women: Doctor's Choice Women's Diabetic Crew Socks

Bananas
Diabetic Compression Socks
Fast-drying, moisture wicking fabric
Non-binding but stays in place
Soft and cushioned
Awkward logo on top of toe
Snug fit may loosen after several washes
These crew socks for women by Doctor’s Choice were our top pick for a number of reasons: They keep feet comfortable and dry and are non-irritating and non-binding. Made from a polyester blend, they stretch well to hug your feet without being too tight, and they’re designed to be worn day after day without creating any irritating friction or disrupting your circulation.
Best Overall for Men: Doctor's Choice Men's Diabetic Crew Socks

Butterfly
Diabetic Compression Socks
Fast-drying, moisture wicking fabric
Comfortable in all weather
Easy to wash
Limited sizes available
Doctor’s Choice diabetic crew socks are our top pick for both men and women, with only slight variations in size between their men’s and women’s options. Just like the women’s diabetic socks by this brand, these crew socks are offered in four neutral colors and keep your feet comfortable and dry.
They are loose enough around the calves to keep your circulation flowing but not so loose they can’t stay in place with long-term wear. They also help regulate the temperature of your feet and prevent blisters and irritation.
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.”