Non-Binding Socks (No Tight Elastic)

What non-binding means

Most everyday socks hold themselves up with a tight ring of elastic at the top. A non-binding sock is knit differently. The top band is wide and loose, with enough stretch to stay up but no tight ring that grips your leg. People also call them loose top socks or loose fitting socks. The foot care advice from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) tells people with diabetes not to wear tight socks.

If you have been looking for socks without elastic, this is usually what you want. Mi Socks still have a little stretch in the knit, from 5% rubber and 2% spandex, so they hold their shape. There is just no tight band. The rest of the blend is 80% cotton and 13% polyester, and the sock has a smooth flat toe seam and a terry-cushioned sole.

Why socks leave marks on your legs

Those lines around your calves at night usually come from a tight sock cuff pressing into the skin. They show up more after a long day of standing, sitting or warm weather, when your legs hold a little extra fluid. A non-binding top band doesn't press in the same way, so it won't leave the deep marks a tight cuff can.

Our guide on why socks leave marks on your legs explains when marks are normal and when to worry, and our guide to how long sock marks should last covers how quickly they should fade. Marks that stay dented after you press, or swelling in only one leg, are a reason to see your doctor.

Non-binding socks are not compression socks

Mi Socks are not compression socks, and they don't replace them. Compression stockings your doctor prescribes squeeze the leg on purpose. A non-binding sock is made to stay as gentle as possible. If your doctor has prescribed compression stockings, keep wearing those.

Still wondering how the two compare? Our guide, What Are Non-Binding Socks?, sets them side by side.

Choosing the best non binding socks for you

When you compare non-binding socks, check four things:

• The top band. It should stay up without a tight ring. You should be able to slide a finger under it easily.
• The toe. A smooth, flat toe seam lies flat instead of sitting in a ridge across your toes.
• The sole. A cushioned sole adds padding underfoot if you are on your feet a lot.
• The size. A sock that is too small pulls tight no matter how loose the band is. Check the sock size chart and size up if you are between sizes.

Mi Socks come in Crew and Knee High, sizes M, L and XL. 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.

Who wears non-binding socks

People with diabetes or neuropathy, people whose feet and ankles swell by evening, people with wide calves, and anyone who is tired of sock marks on their legs. They are comfortable to sleep in too, since there is no tight band to bother you at night.

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