Socks as slippers

Short answer: A thick sock with a non slip sole is often warmer than a slipper, because it sits close to the foot and takes up almost no room in the drawer. Without a sole you slide on a smooth floor, so the sole decides whether a sock works at home.

Why socks beat slippers

A sock sits close to the foot and therefore holds heat better than a loose slipper with air around it. It is also easier to wash, dries quickly and takes up no room when it is not in use. That is why many choose a sock when the floor is cold and they do not want another pair of shoes in the hall.

The sole is necessary

On parquet, tiles and laminate an ordinary sock is slippery, and it is easy to skid when you walk fast or turn in the kitchen. Choose a model with dots or an applied rubber sole so you have grip on the floor. See bamboo socks for women if you want to compare models and colours.

The material matters

Bamboo viscose keeps the foot dry, and that matters more for warmth than thickness does. A damp foot is cold whatever the thickness of the sock, because the moisture takes the warmth with it. So the material is the first thing to look at when you choose socks for walking around at home, rather than looking only at thickness.

Low cut models at home

The very low models are made to sit hidden inside a shoe, and they do not cover the ankle. At home on a cold floor many people prefer a higher cuff. If you still want a low sock, see bamboo footies for women and choose a pair where the heel stays put.

Thickness and fit

A thick sock is warm, but it also has to fit. If it is too tight, the foot is squeezed and gets cold. If it is too loose, it folds under the heel and is uncomfortable to walk on. Choose the size with care, and wear the sock for an ordinary day before you decide whether it becomes your regular home sock.

How to wash them

Socks used as slippers get dirty faster than socks inside shoes, because the sole touches the floor all day. Wash them when they have become dusty, and follow the care label in the sock. Turn them inside out if you like, and wash them with laundry of a similar colour so they do not pick up colour from other items.

Wear on the sole

The sole wears against the floor, and it does so faster than the rest of the sock. Use a pair that is meant for walking around in, and swap when the dots are worn away. That way you keep the grip and avoid sliding. The thin pairs can be kept for shoes, where they do a better job.

For men and women

Socks come in models for both women and men, and the fit is slightly different. If you need men's models, see bamboo socks for men. Choose by your foot and not by the name of the model, so the sock sits close without pinching and the heel lies where it should.

When a sock is not enough

If the floor is really cold, for instance in a basement or on an uninsulated porch, a sock may struggle to manage alone. There a slipper with a thick sole or a rug under your feet can be a better choice. For most living rooms and bedrooms a good sock with a sole is fine for everyday use.