Socks for trainers

Short answer: Choose a tennis sock or an ankle sock that reaches two centimetres above the shoe edge. Lower slips down, and higher can be seen above the shoe.

What a sneaker demands

The shoe is closed at the front and around the heel, and that places demands on the sock. The foot sweats, and there is friction against the heel counter with every step. The sock must therefore move moisture away and protect the heel from chafing. It is not difficult, but it does require the right shape and height.

Tennis sock or ankle sock

These two sock types are the obvious choices for sneakers. Both are short and cover only what is needed, so they do not show above the shoe. The tennis sock has extra padding under the foot, while the ankle sock ends at the ankle and is shorter than an ordinary sock. Choose by how much you walk. See bamboo tennis socks for women.

The height of the cuff

The sock should reach two centimetres above the shoe edge. Lower and it slips down under the heel, and higher and it can be seen above the shoe, which many people dislike. Two centimetres is enough to protect the skin without dominating the look. It is a simple rule of thumb you can use with any sneaker.

Measure the shoe edge

Measure the shoe edge at the back, where the heel sits. Hold the sock against the measurement and check that the cuff reaches two centimetres higher. If it sits level with the shoe edge, the edge rubs directly on the skin. That is often where chafing starts, and it is easy to avoid if you measure before you choose. See bamboo tennis socks for men.

The heel

The heel is where most people get chafing in sneakers. The heel counter sits firm, and the skin moves up and down a little with every step. That creates friction. A sock that fits closely without wrinkling, and reaches high enough, places a layer in between so the friction falls. If it sits loose and wrinkles, it gets worse.

Moisture and smell

The foot sweats in a closed shoe, and the moisture stays in the shoe unless the sock moves it on. A damp sneaker begins to smell after a while. Choose a sock that takes up moisture from the skin, and change it when the day is over. Let the shoes air between wears so they can dry completely.

The padding under the foot

A light terry sole cushions and takes up moisture. That makes a clear difference over a day with many steps, because the insole does not strike the foot equally hard every time. You do not need thick padding, since a light sole is enough for everyday use. For another range, see bamboo socks for women.

Sneakers without socks

You can go without socks in sneakers, but the shoe gets damp and starts to smell. The skin rubs directly against the insole and the heel counter, and nothing moves the moisture away. The sneaker also wears faster, because sweat gets into the material. A sock is therefore a simple way of looking after both the foot and the shoe.

Washing and changing

Wash the socks after every wear, or the moisture moves on to the shoe. A worn sock put back in the drawer takes the smell with it. Wash them on a gentle cycle and let them dry completely. If you have several pairs, rotate between them so each pair rests between wears.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go without socks in sneakers

You can, but the shoe gets damp and starts to smell. A sock moves moisture away from the skin and protects both the foot and the shoe.

Why does the heel chafe

Because the sock is too low or too big and wrinkles. Choose a cuff that reaches two centimetres above the shoe edge and a size that fits closely without wrinkling.