Diabetic socks are a useful care aid for people with diabetes, namely those who have problems with their feet due to the condition.
The comfortable, durable socks have special features to support diabetics, especially those with poor circulation or nerve damage.
This article will cover the benefits of diabetic socks and share the best buys, so you can be confident your feet are taken care of.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a small commission.
Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover:
- Diabetes can cause a number of issues in the feet, including swelling, poor circulation and even nerve damage.
- On the more severe end of the scale, these issues can have significant health consequences such as deep vein thrombosis.
- Diabetic socks support people with diabetes who have circulatory or nerve problems in the feet.
- They can reduce the risk of worsening symptoms, plus provide extra comfort with padded soles.
What are diabetic socks?
Diabetic socks are designed for people with diabetes who experience foot problems caused by damage to the nervous and circulatory systems.
They can also insure against the risk of foot injury, and enhance blood circulation as well as keep feet dry and fungus free.
Foot care is an important aspect of diabetes management as it helps prevent and reduce the risk of health concerns associated with the feet.
For more tips on diabetes management such as food for diabetics, including diabetic chocolate, read our guides.
How are diabetic socks different from regular socks?
On the whole, diabetic socks look very similar to a regular pair of socks.
There are plenty of options in style, colour and material as well as length and design.
However, diabetic socks tend to have special features such as being seamless and having no top elastic that digs into the leg.
They also use padded soles for comfort and to prevent injuries that may go unnoticed due to diabetes induced nerve damage.
Who should use diabetic socks?
Not everyone with diabetes needs diabetic socks as they specifically target foot problems caused by the condition.
If you don’t have foot problems, regular comfy socks will still have you putting your best foot forward.
The only exception is during lengthy journeys, as sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of swelling or blood clots.
Find out how to get rid of swollen ankles fast in this handy health guide.
Benefits of diabetic socks for foot problems
You should try using diabetic socks if you:
- Have experienced changes in foot colour or temperature, irritation, or fungal infections
- Have nerve damage or blisters
- Have frequently sweaty, smelly or moist feet
- Have decreased pedal pulse
For women with gestational diabetes, wearing diabetic socks may lower the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How does diabetes affect the feet?
If you’re wondering what causes diabetes or what early signs of diabetes you should look out for, read our guides for more information.
Nerve damage
As a result of high blood glucose levels over time, nerves become damaged (diabetic neuropathy) which decreases sensation in the feet.
It particularly affects the soles of the feet (peripheral neuropathy) which means it’s very important to check your feet for injuries.
Lack of sensation due to neuropathy can mean that any treatment of injuries is delayed, and this could cause infections and ulcers.
Circulatory problems
For diabetics, circulatory problems can prevent wounds healing properly due to lack of continuous blood flow.
This means that wounds could take much longer to heal which increases the risk of infection and serious health consequences.
If left untreated, these problems can accumulate leading to severe health consequences such as amputation or can be fatal.
If you want to know how to get rid of swollen ankles fast, head to our guide to find out more.
Diabetic Socks Vs Compression Stockings
- Compression stockings are not the same as diabetic socks.
- Compression stockings increase constriction in the legs so that blood can return more easily to the heart.
- This is the opposite of what diabetic socks do.
- Diabetic socks are used to provide light compression, which eases foot swelling without reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.
Diabetic socks: 6 of the best buys
+MD 6 Pairs Non-Binding Men’s Cushioned Moisture Wicking Bamboo Diabetic Crew Dress Socks
These +MD diabetic socks for men are an essential buy for anyone with diabetes or circulation issues.
The socks gently conform to your feet without squeezing or restricting blood circulation which is great for swollen feet and diabetes.
Other features:
- Extra cushioned sole provides the perfect amount of support, protecting your arch and ankle
- Seamless toe for everyday comfort and blood circulation
- Lightweight and breathable to keep your feet warm and reduce risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Price: £24.19
Reviews
“These socks are very comfortable and they have a nice stretch and softness. Non-binding is the feature that I appreciate the most with my peripheral neuropathy.”
“They can be worn for an extended time without being uncomfortable around the ankle and top calf. I sometimes wear them while sleeping to soothe my foot discomfort.”
“The comfort and ease of putting these on is a lifesaver!”
Rozgul non elastic men’s diabetic socks
These diabetic socks for men are simple and effective with a soft wide top for maximum comfort during swelling.
They stay up even with the soft top, so you won’t have to worry about socks falling down your legs.
Other features:
- Wider tops suitable for diabetics and swelling
- Available in UK sizes 6-11
- Made of 65% Cotton, 32% Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Each pack contains 6 pairs
- Stylish design with colourful heel and toe details
Price: £10.99
Reviews
“These fit perfectly, feel soft, and no pressure on the skin.”
“I have a blood flow problem so it’s great that the socks are not tight fitting at the top. Looks smart, does the job, and you would not know they were any different from normal socks.”
“The tops are not as big as other diabetic socks but are fine for swollen ankles etc.”
Yomandamor Mens Bamboo Seamless Diabetic Socks
These bamboo diabetic socks for men are recommended for anyone with circulatory problems, diabetes, oedema or neuropathy.
The loose top design slips on easy over ankles using a non-binding fabric, so no more marks on your legs from tight socks.
Each pack contains six pairs of black socks available in UK sizes 6-11.
Other features:
- Completely seamless including no bulky toe seam to reduce the risk of infection and blistering
- Fast Action Wicking using Bamboo fibres which absorb moisture and have natural antibacterial properties
- 70% bamboo + 30% elastane material for easy fit and comfort
Price: £23.88
Reviews
“Bought for swollen feet & ankles. Very soft, great stretch & non-binding.’
“Not tight on leg, nice and soft.”
IOMI Footnurse – 3 Pack Unisex Extra Wide Bamboo Diabetic Socks
The IOMI Footnurse Unisex socks are the perfect diabetic socks for those that suffer from swollen legs and oedema.
The socks mould to the natural contours of your leg, with an easy stretch that doesn’t leave uncomfortable constriction rings.
Other features:
- Extra Wide Non-Binding Leg design
- Comfortable cushioned foot and seamless toe seams
- 43% Viscose Derived from Bamboo, 40% Cotton (organic), 12% Polyester, 3% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
- Machine Washable
Price: £14.49
Reviews
“I’m plagued with swollen ankles, but these help me stay comfortable and warm.”
“These socks are great, they wash very well and are the best socks I have bought for my husband who is diabetic and has swollen legs and feet.”
“These are so soft and comfy as well as being thick enough to last and keep my feet warm. They have a bit of padding on the soles making them extra comfortable.”
Yomandamor Ladies 6 Pairs Bamboo Diabetic Ankle Socks
These ankle length socks for women have an easy to use design suitable for sports or regular dressing.
The wide top uses a non binding design which is less constricting and more comfortable and breathable.
Plus, these socks will keep your feet fresh and dry in all seasons, helping you deal with foot pain or swelling.
Other features:
- Available in UK sizes 3-8
- Bamboo fibre provides antibacterial and deodorising properties
- Neutral colour combinations available
- Made from a 80% bamboo blend combed cotton + 20% elastane soft material for the comfy fit
Price: £21.90
Reviews
“I never get sore toes with seamless socks and they are an absolute pleasure to wear. They are very cosy to wear- thick but not overly thick but so still comfortable in warmer weather.”
“These are my FAVOURITE socks! I hate socks that are tight on your ankles (most socks) and these ones are much more stretchy! And they have this extra thickness in the sole.”
“Their material does breathe very well. The cuff of the sock is truly amazing. I have larger calves and these do not leave an indentation on my leg at all unlike all other socks I have tried.”
4 Pack Women’s Bamboo Diabetic Socks
This four pack of soft and comfy diabetic socks are perfect for people who have swollen legs, feet or ankles, diabetes or other circulation problems.
The ruffled lace top stretches flat and is non-binding, so the socks will stay-up but won’t leave any uncomfortable marks on your legs.
Longer boot sock design means they can be worn with long boots or regular shoes to keep your feet and legs comfortable.
- 80% Bamboo Combed Cotton, 20% Elastane
- Warm enough for winter but wicking and open-weave enough for summer
- Seamless toe which eliminates bulky seam and reduces the risk of infection, or extra pressure on the foot.
Price: £23.90
Reviews
“My legs get very swollen and I have flat feet. I find it very hard to get socks and tights to fit my swollen feet. I am also diabetic and these socks fit very well.”
“I bought these to help swollen legs from diabetes. Very impressed with the fit and feel of these socks. They can wear them all day with them cutting into the legs.”
“Completely non-binding. Easily stretch to fit the largest calf sizes but don’t fall down. Don’t leave any indentations on your legs anywhere which is very important for those with lymphedema.”
If you found this guide useful then you might like to check out these guides on:
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a small commission.