Trainer liners that do not show in the shoe

Short answer: A footie should lie under the edge of the shoe all the way round. That takes a low cut at the front and a rubber band in the heel. If you are unsure, choose by the shoe and not by the name of the sock.

What decides whether they show

The cut at the front by the toes and how high the back edge goes are what decide it. A footie cut for a ballet flat is lower at the front than one cut for a sneaker. Choose by the shoe and not by the name, because two socks that are both called footies can sit very differently in the same shoe.

The rubber band in the heel

A narrow strip of rubber inside the heel is what holds the sock up. Without it the footie slides off within minutes, however well it fits. So always look for the band when you choose. See bamboo footies for women if you want to compare models.

The cut at the front

The front edge of the sock over the toes should lie below the opening of the shoe. If the shoe is low at the front, the footie has to be too. Otherwise the sock shows just above the edge of the shoe, and it loses its point. Try it with the shoe you plan to use it with, and look in the mirror.

The size

A footie has to fit snugly. Choose the smallest size in your range if you are unsure. A loose footie gathers under the foot and slides off, and then the rubber band in the heel is no use. If it fits tightly, it follows the foot and stays where it should all day.

For sneakers and low shoes

Footies are made for low shoes, where there is no cuff to cover. For sneakers, ballet flats and loafers they are a good choice when you do not want anything around the ankle. See bamboo tennis socks for women if you want a little more coverage than a footie gives.

Models for men

Footies also come in men's models, cut for a man's foot and a man's shoe. See bamboo footies for men if you are looking for men's models. The principle is the same as for women: a low cut, a rubber band in the heel and a fit that sits close.

Do they wear out faster

Yes, because they are thinner and have less fabric to spread the wear across. Heel and toe take most of the strain, and there is not much to give. A footie may therefore need replacing sooner than an ordinary sock. Wash them according to the care label to get the most out of them.

Washing and care

Wash footies according to the care label, and put them in a laundry bag so they do not vanish in the machine. The rubber band in the heel lasts longest if the sock is not dried too hot. If the band has gone slack and the sock slips, it is time for a new pair.

When a footie is not enough

Not every shoe suits a footie. With shoes that have a higher cut at the front, or open shoes with straps, a footie can still show. Then it is better to choose a different sock or go without. Choose by shoe and occasion, and do not let the name of the sock decide.