The first line of defense
Protecting the feet from injury and infection is of critical importance for diabetics. Loss of sensation and poor circulation, which can delay wound healing, are both potential complications that can lead to undetected injuries and skin ulcerations. Such complications can be a prevented by wearing properly designed socks such as diabetic socks.
How are diabetic socks beneficial?
Diabetic socks are therapeutic circulatory socks that are specially designed for a diabetic’s problem feet. They accommodate swelling in the ankles and feet caused by poor circulation, they comfort acutely sensitive or painful feet by alleviating friction and irritation and they protect insensitive feet against small skin injuries (cuts, scraps or abrasions, bruises, blisters, etc.) any of which could potentially develop into neuropathic ulcers (sores).
Diabetic socks also provide extra padding in the heels and foot pads and are completely seamless in the toes so that there is no risk of chaffing or irritation to the tops of the toes.
Diabetic sock materials:
Contrary to the belief of some cotton diabetic socks* are not the best for diabetics who suffer with nerve damage or sensitive feet as cotton absorbs moisture like a sponge which can cause friction and irritation both of which are the main causes of blisters.
While cotton is fine for those diabetics who are less active, cotton has a tendency to shrink which can restrict blood flow further exacerbating chronic swelling in the ankles and feet.
The best diabetic sock materials are those that are made of synthetic fibers such as acrylic or polyester as there is no shrinkage, the tops will retain their shape, i.e. they will not sag or fall or down, and synthetic fibers are much more durable.
Diabetic socks styles, sizes, and colors:
Diabetic socks are available in the same styles that are found in regular socks; crew, quarter-length, and below the ankle (low-cut). They also come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. For those diabetics, both men and women, who are actively involved in rigorous sports, diabetic socks are available in a thinner version in the same aforementioned lengths.
Women’s sizes: XSmall 4 1/2 – 6 1/2, Small 7 – 9, Medium 9 1/2 – 11, Large 11 1/2 – 13
Men’s sizes: XSmall 3 1/2 – 5 1/2, Small 6 – 8, Medium 8 1/2 – 10, Large 10 1/2 – 12, XLarge 12 1/2 – 14
Most diabetic socks are available in white, black, or dark blue, however, there are a few manufacturers who make them in lighter colors for dressier wear for both men and women.
For those diabetics who are prone to getting blisters or ulcers, seamless white socks or light colored diabetic socks are the best as they will reveal any bleeding or oozing.
Darker colored diabetic socks are generally fine for diabetics who are not prone to developing blisters or ulcers due to neuropathic (nerve damage) or acute sensitivity.
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¹ Nerve damage, acute sensitivity, swelling due to poor circulation, serious edema and a tendency to get skin ulcers (sores).
* While diabetic socks are available in various types of fibers and blends those that are made of synthetic fibers rather than all cotton or a blend synthetic fibers (e.g. acrylic) are more effective for controlling moisture, which helps to keep the feet dry and free of friction, they will not shrink, they are considerably more durable and longer lasting, and they are made using a soft-spun weaving technology that mimics the feel of 100% cotton.
Diabetic socks are perfect for athletes
Reflexa® makes diabetic athletic socks called Active Sports Socks that are a combination weave of Celliant™ and several additional Fibers that help improve performance during rigorous activities. They are also woven with a silver yarn that provides anti-odor, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Proper diabetic comfort socks use an anti-static yarn that prevents blisters by wicking away friction causing moisture making them perfect for any type of sports where movement on your feet is constant.
Special features and benefits of diabetic socks
- Seamless toe and heel construction: This reduces irritation by at least 60% on sensitive pressure points of the foot which minimizes the development of friction causing sores that could develop into ulcers.
- Anatomical Fit: Gives a smooth wrinkle-free fit that is non-constricting and conforming which eliminates unnecessary pressure points caused by looseness or bunching. (Socks constructed of multi- directional stretch (Corespun) yarns generally yield the best results.)
- Frictionless: Provides an interface between the skin and shoes which minimizes friction.
- Moisture Controlling: Multi-Wicking fibers and blends of polyester and/or acrylic provide breathability to transport moisture away from the skin to the surface of the sock where it can evaporate or be absorbed by the shoe and keep the skin’s surface dry. recommended and their synthetic fibers will not absorb moisturizing skin creams.)
- Extra-padding: Features additional padding in the sole, heel, and toes to comfort sensitive feet.
- Non-restrictive: Corespun stretch yarns are calibrated to exert low-compression so that they can accommodate chronic swelling in the ankles and feet (Socks with limited stretch restricts blood flow.)
- Infection inhibitors: Proper diabetic socks are imbued with anti-bacterial inhibitors.
Why diabetics should wear white or light-colored socks
White or light-colored socks, e.g., men’s khaki light compression diabetic socks,
are recommended for those diabetics who are prone to ulcers as they will quickly alert them to a bleeding or oozing wound and subsequently allowing them to treat such skin wounds before infection sets in.
Diabetic socks prices
There are many different prices of diabetic socks to choose from with each priced depending on the condition of a diabetic’s feet. An inexpensive six-pack of plain white crew socks can range in price from $6-12 for some of the better brands. Higher quality diabetics dress socks can range in price from $12-18.
A pair of cheap diabetic socks that are priced around $1.99/pair will suffice for short walks as friction will not be an issue.
To reiterate, diabetic socks that are generally made of all cotton will shrink resulting in restriction, the tops will quickly lose their stretchiness, and they will most likely develop holes after repeated washings.
Higher priced diabetic socks such as Dr.Scholl’s diabetic socks at Walmart* made of acrylic will cost $8-10 for two pair.
Diabetic socks that are higher priced are generally made of synthetic or a blend are more durable and will retain their shape after several washings.
Check out Publisher’s Choice Diabetic Socks as well. They also sell diabetic socks in synthetic materials and are usually a little cheaper through online retailers.
*Dr.Scholl’s diabetic socks at Walmart per the information on their website are no longer available for purchase online but may still be purchased in their stores.
Diabetics Socks and Compression wear is listed under Socks and Hosiery Shopping category.
