Low-cut socks and when they disappear into the shoe
Short answer: A low cut sock should end just below the edge of the shoe. If it is too low or too large, the heel slips down into the shoe, and the sock ends up at the bottom of the drawer instead of on your foot.
The shoe edge decides
The sock has to match the height of the shoe. A deep trainer needs a lower sock than a flat shoe, because the edge sits further down. Look at your shoes before you choose a style. The sock should disappear just below the edge while still covering enough of the heel.
The heel grip
Many styles have a silicone strip in the heel that keeps the sock up. Without it, a low sock easily slips under the heel, especially in shoes without laces. The heel grip is the single detail that most often decides whether the sock stays in place all day. See bamboo footies for women.
The size
A sock that is too large folds and slips, and one that is too small is pulled down by the toes. Choose the range where your shoe size sits in the middle, not at the edge. If you are between two ranges, try the smaller first. Read more in sock sizes.
When the sock is too low
A sock cut very low has less fabric to hold on with. It may look good in a ballet flat but slips quickly in a trainer with a deep heel. If the style does not suit the shoe, neither size nor heel grip helps much. Then the shoe decides the choice.
For men
The same principles of shoe edge, heel grip and size apply to men's socks. With low trainers and loafers, a footie gives a clean look without visible sock. See the matching styles in bamboo footies for men, where you can choose by shoe size and colour.
The alternative
If you would rather have a sock that stays put no matter what, the ankle style is a good choice. It reaches a little above the shoe edge and can be seen, but it stays in place whatever the shoe. Many wear footies in summer and ankle socks the rest of the year. See bamboo socks for women.
Sweat and moisture
The low style covers less of the foot and therefore absorbs less moisture. In closed shoes on warm days you notice it. Change your socks daily and let your shoes dry for a day between wears. A clean sock does the most.
Colour
A low cut sock is not meant to be seen, so colour matters less than with other styles. Still, choose a shade close to the inside of the shoe or your skin tone in case the sock peeks out as you walk. Black suits dark shoes, while light shades work better in white trainers.
Washing and drying
Wash footies at 40 degrees and let them air dry so the silicone strip lasts. Heat from the tumble dryer wears on both elastic and silicone, and then the sock slips again. A laundry bag keeps them from disappearing in the machine. Read more in the washing guide.
When to replace them
When the heel grip is worn or the edge has gone slack, the sock starts to slip, even if it fitted well at first. That is the sign it is time for new ones. Replace several pairs at once so every sock in the drawer fits the same.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my footie slip down into my shoe?
Usually because it is too large, because the heel grip is worn, or because the style is too low for the shoe. Those three reasons cover almost every case.
Does silicone in the heel help?
Yes. It is the detail that most often decides whether the sock stays in place. Air drying keeps the silicone intact for the longest time.
Can low cut socks be worn in deep trainers?
It depends on the shoe. In a trainer with a deep heel, a slightly higher style or an ankle sock is often safer, because it has more fabric to hold on with.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
