Diabetes is a complex condition that affects many people today. Diabetes requires self-care and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, life expectancy, and, in particular, their feet, as it can cause nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the lower leg era.
While there is still no cure for diabetes, people can still enjoy a healthy and fun-filled life by learning how to manage the condition effectively. One strategy is to wear properly designed socks for people with diabetes.
So, to help you choose, we have researched and listed some of the best available socks for people with diabetes.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet and Legs
What is Diabetes – Diabetes occurs when the amount of glucose in your blood becomes too high, and your body cannot use it effectively. This happens when your pancreas does not produce adequate insulin to help your body’s cells absorb the glucose; the insulin that your body produces may also not work correctly, causing the same effect.
The Process of Damaging your Feet – Nerves from your brain and spinal cord are responsible for sending messages to your feet and legs; when your blood sugar levels are too high, the nerve cells become damaged, and after a while can no longer carry these messages to your legs and feet as they should. This, in turn, can cause you to lose feeling in your legs and feet, making it difficult to sense pressure or pain; it can also cause tingling and pain or aching in your legs and feet. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy, and you can use special neuropathy socks to eliminate the symptoms.
Peripheral Leg Neuropathy – Damaged nerves can cause your muscles to lose shape and be unable to hold your bones and joints together, particularly in the feet, causing foot deformities that place pressure on parts of the foot not meant for walking.
Losing feeling in your feet can cause you to suffer serious foot injuries and result in wounds on your feet that won’t heal.
The Purpose of Diabetes Socks
People with diabetes have a high risk of foot injuries and infection due to their circulatory and nervous systems being damaged by high blood sugar levels.
Nerve damage or neuropathy decreases sensation in the feet, especially on the bottom part of the feet. As a result, a person can be unaware of an injury or step on a sharp object without noticing. In addition, circulatory problems can make it much harder for an injury to heal and result in the amputation of a body part.
People with diabetes who do not have any foot conditions or deformities can wear the most comfortable socks that are not too tight, constricting, lumpy, or have uncomfortable seams.
Socks that can cause friction and blisters or are too densely padded should also be avoided.
Most diabetic socks are made from Acrylic fibers with the best moisture-wicking abilities.
For people who have diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, a compression sock may be more suitable
Features of a Good Diabetic Sock
Here are a few features that characterize a diabetic sock;
- Seamless Design – The sock is seamless, as seams can rub against your skin and cause blisters or ulcers.
- Moisture Management – Moisture Wicking capabilities to keep your feet dry and infection-free.Breathability keeps your feet dry and well-ventilated.
- Insulation – Warmth is important because diabetes causes your blood vessels to restrict, decreasing circulation to the feet. Fabrics that keep your feet warm improve blood circulation.
- Roomy Toe Box – A square toe box reduces moisture build-up between your toes and prevents squeezing together of the toes.
- Fit – A custom or fitted sock that conforms to the shape of your feet to prevent the loose fabric from rubbing against the skin.
- Cushioning – padding to cushion the foot and prevent injuries.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 2 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 3 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 4 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 5 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Shoe | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as listed by the seller, not tested by us.
Reviews of the Best Diabetic Socks
We have researched and reviewed some of the best socks to relieve the symptoms of diabetes. Our list consists of a different range of prices you can buy from:
1
Diabetic and Circulatory Socks
- Athletic mesh upper with durable leather overlays for added dimension & midfoot support.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning provides unmatched softness & all-day comfort.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with strategically-placed flex grooves for proper toe-off.
- Upper contains at least 30% recycled content.
2
Larger Fit Diabetic Socks
- ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night.
- Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit.
- Dual density collar foam supports the ankle and helps maintain stability during workouts, walks, and all-day wear.
- Phantom Liner construction features minimal interior seaming to reduce irritation and create a smooth, comfortable fit against the foot.
3
Diabetic Crew Socks
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added durability & support.
- EVA sockliner provides soft, step-in comfort.
- Solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight.
4
Compression Socks for Diabetics
- Men’s lightweight running-inspired sneakers for everyday wear.
- Mesh upper for breathability and light weight.
- Textile lining provides a soft, comfortable feel.
- Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and superior cushioning.
5
Diabetic Crew Socks
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added structure & support.
- Enhanced cushioning around ankle collar for superior comfort.
- Charged Cushioning midsole provides all day comfort with responsiveness & durability.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with flexibility where you need it for toe-off.
Index Table: Top Rated Socks for Diabetics
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour® - Diabetic and Circulatory Socks |  |  | Under Armour | - | |
| 2 | New Balance® - Larger Fit Diabetic Socks |  |  | New Balance | - | |
| 3 | Under Armour® - Diabetic Crew Socks |  |  | Under Armour | - | |
| 4 | adidas® - Compression Socks for Diabetics |  |  | adidas | - | |
| 5 | Under Armour® - Diabetic Crew Socks |  |  | Under Armour | - |
