Socks for the day working from home
Short answer: On a day working from home you sit still for many hours, and your feet quickly get cold. A thin sock that moves moisture away from the skin often works better than a thick wool sock, because it keeps the foot dry and therefore warmer.
Cold feet at the desk
When you sit at the desk for hours, your legs barely move. The muscles are not working, and the temperature in your feet drops slowly through the morning. A thick sock seems the obvious answer, but it holds on to moisture and can make things worse.
Why moisture makes feet cold
Feet sweat a little all day, even when you sit still and do not notice it. If the moisture stays in the sock, a damp layer rests directly on the skin and draws heat out of the foot. That is why a thick sock can feel warm in the first hour and cold by the afternoon.
Thin rather than thick
A thin layer that moves moisture away from the skin keeps the foot dry and therefore warmer through the working day. Bamboo viscose feels soft and smooth and suits a day spent mostly sitting down. Choose a sock that fits closely without squeezing, so no folds form under the foot. See bamboo socks for women.
Two thin layers on a cold floor
If you have tiles, a cold wooden floor or an office in the basement, it is tempting to dig out the thickest socks. Two thin layers often work better than one thick one, because air sits between the layers and moisture can still escape.
Slippers and moisture
Closed slippers keep the warmth in, but they also make your feet damp when you wear them all day. The moisture has nowhere to go, and the sock slowly turns clammy. Choose slippers that are open at the heel, or take them off now and then. Change socks daily. Read also about socks for slippers and underfloor heating.
Stand up once an hour
No sock can replace moving your legs. Stand up once an hour, walk to the kitchen, fetch some water or take a phone call standing. It takes a few minutes and brings warmth back to your feet faster than any extra layer.
The desk and the chair
How you sit at the desk also matters for your feet. If you sit with your legs crossed under the chair for long periods, your feet usually get colder. Place your feet flat on the floor or on a small footrest, and put a rug or mat under the desk if the floor is cold.
For men
The advice applies equally, whoever is sitting at the desk. Men often have larger feet and reach for a thick sock out of habit, but here too a thin sock that moves moisture away works best over a whole day. See the matching styles in bamboo socks for men.
Change socks during the day
If you work from home all day and your feet have been warm or damp, it can make sense to change socks at lunch. Keep a spare pair in the desk drawer or by the sofa so it is easy to remember.
Washing and care
Socks worn every day need frequent washing. Wash them at 40 degrees with a mild detergent, and skip fabric softener, which leaves a film on the fabric and makes it worse at moving moisture. Air drying is gentle on the fibres and keeps the shape best. More tips in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my feet get cold at the desk?
Because your legs are not moving and the temperature in your feet gradually drops. Moisture in the sock makes it worse, since a damp layer against the skin draws heat out of the foot.
Do thick wool socks help?
They warm at first, but they also hold on to moisture when you wear them all day. A thin sock that moves moisture away often works better over many hours at the desk.
Should I wear slippers?
Yes, but choose a pair that does not enclose the foot completely, so moisture can escape. Take them off now and then, and change your socks every day to keep the foot dry.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
