Sock thickness and shoe fit

Short answer: A thick sock takes up as much as five millimetres in the shoe. That is equivalent to half a size, and it changes how the shoe sits.

What thickness does to the shoe

A sock takes up room under the foot, over the instep and around the heel. A thick sock can make a perfectly fitting shoe tight over the instep and push the toes forward.

Buy shoes with the socks you will wear

Always try new shoes with the type of sock you expect to wear in them. Try with a thin sock and then wear a thick one and the shoe is too small. See bamboo socks for men.

When the shoe is already bought

If the shoe is tight, choose a thin sock. If it is slightly too big, a thicker sock can fill it out. See bamboo socks for women and bamboo trainer liners for men.

Frequently asked questions

Can a thick sock make the foot cold

Yes, if it squeezes the foot so blood flow drops.

How much room does a sock take

Two to five millimetres depending on thickness.

Should you try shoes on in the afternoon

Yes, the foot is largest at the end of the day.