Bamboo socks and the foot length behind your shoe size
Short answer: If you are looking for bamboo socks, shoe size is a good start, but foot length in centimetres is more precise. Socks are sold in size ranges, and if you fall between two, your foot and the knit decide which to pick. Here is how to measure and what to look for.
Why shoe size is not the whole answer
Shoe sizes vary from brand to brand and from last to last, so a 43 does not always fit the same foot. Foot length does not change. That makes it the better starting point when you choose bamboo socks. Shoes and socks each have their own scale, and the two have to meet in the middle.
How to measure your foot length
Stand your foot on a sheet of paper against a wall and mark the tip of the longest toe. Measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres. Do it late in the day when the foot is a little larger. Measure both feet and use the longer one. Write the number down so you have it next time you shop.
Bamboo socks in size ranges
Socks often cover several shoe sizes, for example from 40 to 45, because the knit gives way. Stick to the range on the individual item and see whether your number sits in the middle or at the edge. At the edge the knit can feel tight or loose. See the range under all bamboo socks for men.
When you fall between two sizes
If you fall between two ranges, choose by what bothers you least. With wide feet or a high instep the larger size is often calmer. With narrow feet and shoes with some room, the smaller can sit better. Try both and keep the pair that sits without folds.
Stretch and shape in the knit
The knit of a sock gives to the foot, and some knits are more elastic than others. A sock that feels slightly tight in the shop can become more comfortable, while a loose one will not tighten up again. Check the toe and the heel, and see whether the cuff slides.
Shrinking and washing
Washing can change the knit a little, especially at high heat. Follow the care label and choose a low temperature to keep the size. Dry the socks without strong heat. If they change anyway, it is often in length, so a sock that was just right can end up slightly short.
Sock types and foot length
Short socks such as bamboo footies for men need a good fit around the heel, because there is no cuff to hold them in place. Long socks are more forgiving but can fold in the shoe. Choose the length by shoe and use, and look at foot length for the size.
A simple rule of thumb
Measure the foot, find the range and choose by where you sit within it. Try them in your shoes and take a walk. If the tip sits without tension and the heel sits on the heel, the size is right. The same holds for other things that fit closely, such as bamboo underpants for men, where size follows the body.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose socks by shoe size or foot length?
Shoe size is a good start, but foot length in centimetres is more precise because shoes vary. Use both and look at the size range for the individual pair.
What should I do if I fall between two sizes?
Choose by what bothers you least. Wide feet and a high instep point to the larger, narrow feet to the smaller. Try both if you can.
Can socks shrink in the wash?
Knitwear can change a little, especially at high heat. Follow the care label and wash at a low temperature to keep the size.
