Certain types of shoes are known to be bad for your feet, such as high heels and flip-flops. But when it comes to foot health, there’s something else that often gets overlooked: the type of socks you wear. Socks can “provide protection for our feet.
.. and help with moisture control, temperature control, comfort” and support, said Dr.
Chandler Hubbard , assistant professor at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine. We asked podiatrists and other foot doctors what to look for — and what to avoid — when seeking out socks that are comfortable and help maintain healthy feet. Avoid dark or black socks.
When you’re wearing dark or black socks, the dye can rub off on your skin and nails, Hubbard said. “[This] can cause unnecessary concern because..
. it can mimic the appearance of a bruise or a skin lesion,” she explained. “It can also cause irritation and potentially a contact dermatitis or allergic reaction.
” If you’re going to buy dark socks, Hubbard recommends washing them before you wear them to lessen the chance of dye staining the skin and nails. Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet , a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at OC Podiatry , noted that black socks are often less breathable.
The material can also get stuck underneath your toenails, which can lead to fungus. For day-to-day socks (not compression socks), she suggests doing a test with your hand before buying to see how flexible the material is. “You want t.