Socks for Neuropathy & Sensitive Feet

What to look for in neuropathy socks

When your feet are numb in places or extra sensitive, you may not notice a bunched seam or a tight band until it has bothered you for hours. That is why the best socks for neuropathy are mostly about what they leave out: no bulky toe seam, no tight elastic ring and no rough patches. Mi Socks are built around that idea:

• A smooth flat toe seam that lies flat against your toes.
• A terry-cushioned sole that adds padding where your foot meets the shoe. Our guide to padded diabetic socks covers how much cushion you need.
• A loose, non-binding top band that stays up without squeezing.
• A soft, breathable cotton-rich blend of 80% cotton, 13% polyester, 5% rubber and 2% spandex.

Light colors for daily foot checks

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not feel a small cut or blister, which is why the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) advises checking your feet every day.

The American Diabetes Association suggests white or light-colored socks, because a cut or drainage is easier to spot. White and Marble Grey are good picks, and the Classic Mix packs include both. Prints are fine too, as long as you look at your feet each day.

Neuropathy socks for sleeping

Some people with neuropathy find their feet feel cold at night. The NIDDK suggests wearing socks to bed if your feet get cold, and not putting a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet. A non-binding sock is a comfortable choice for bed, because there is no tight band at the top.

Our guide, Can You Wear Diabetic Socks to Bed?, covers what to wear at night and when cold feet are worth a call to your doctor.

Fit tips for sensitive feet

• Smooth the sock over your toes before you put on your shoe, so nothing bunches.
• Check inside your shoes before you put them on. The NIDDK suggests making sure the lining is smooth and free of pebbles, which are easy to miss when your feet are numb.
• Put on a clean, dry pair every day.
• Choose the right size. A sock that is too small pulls across your toes.

To keep them soft, machine wash cold on gentle and hang dry. Skip bleach and fabric softener.

Socks are not a treatment

Mi Socks are comfort socks. They don't treat neuropathy. What a good sock can do is stay out of the way: soft, smooth and never tight.

See your doctor or podiatrist if you notice new numbness or tingling, a change in the shape of your foot, or any sore that isn't healing. If your doctor has prescribed compression stockings or special shoes, keep following that advice.

Choosing a length and pack

Crew socks end at mid-calf. Knee High socks reach just below the knee and keep more of your leg warm, which many people like in cooler months. Both come in M, L and XL, so check the sock size chart and size up if you are between sizes. A single pair is $9.99. In Crew, a 3-pack is $21.99 ($7.33 a pair), a 6-pack is $35.99 ($6.00 a pair) and a 12-pack is $64.99 ($5.42 a pair). In Knee High, a 3-pack is $22.99 ($7.66 a pair), a 6-pack is $36.99 ($6.17 a pair) and a 12-pack is $67.99 ($5.67 a pair). Every pack ships free in the US.