Looking for socks that don’t hurt your feet? And that you can comfortably wear with your wide toe box or barefoot shoes? Here is a list of all the sock brands I love that allow a natural toe splay – including regular socks, toe socks, and leg warmers. There is something that works with every kind of shoe!
Why Do Socks Matter?
Toes are super important! They help us balance and move well, and they can really hurt if squished too much. Unfortunately your typical socks out there can be very tight and restrictive on your feet – and that can actually lead to foot pain!
Especially if you’re already wearing shoes with a wide toe box, you may be noticing that your socks are uncomfortable. After 8 years of toe freedom (I said goodbye to pointy shoes many moons ago!) I simply cannot do tight socks anymore. But thankfully there are some great options that let my toes be free and still do everything you want a sock to do, whether it’s provide warmth, blister prevention, or a cute top to your boots.
Below you will find a variety of sock options that I like for optimal comfort and long term foot health. You will find options to work with all kinds of different shoes and scenarios!
Toe Socks
Over the years I have completely transitioned to toe socks – I just need that toe mobility! And nothing else gives it to you like a toe sock (except being barefoot of course). The following brands all carry toe socks in different heights and styles. I’ve put my favorites that I wear most often up at the top.
- Injinji – I love the wool hikers best of all! Better for people with shorter to average length toes.
- Knitido at Anya’s Shop (US) – Classic everyday socks in all kind of different cuts and material content depending on the season/shoes! I especially love the warm wool socks. restocked seasonally so check back often! This brand is better for thicker feet and longer toes.
- Knitido DE – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off if ordering directly.
- Creepers Socks (NZ & USA)- Love these! One of my favorites and you get 10% off automatically with my link.
- Maro – 95% Organic cotton. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Amazon – There are lots of options! I have a cheap set to fill in the gaps of the higher quality ones I like so I always have clean socks to wear.
- Icarus – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
- Knitido Plus – Use code ANYA20 for 20% off.
- Feelgrounds – You can find a selection of Knitido socks at Feelgrounds. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
- ToeToe (UK)
- SeraSox – These are really soft and comfy!
- SoxSense – Ankle height cotton
- Tabio USA
- Vibram Toe Sock
- XoSkin Socks
No Show Toe Socks
Want toe socks that won’t show when wearing low cut shoes? Here are some invisible toe sock options. If you have a stinky feet problem, these can help keep your shoes fresher.
- Anya’s Shop – Knitido no-show and hidden socks
- Injinji
- Amazon
- Serasox
- Knitido – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
- Maro – 95% Organic Cotton. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Tabio USA
- ToeToe
- ToeSox – ANYASREVIEWS for 20% off
Tall Boot Toe Socks
When it comes to tall boots, I like to wear tall boot socks. Especially because I have thin calves, they help fill out the boot for a good fit! And they look cute peeking out the top too.
- Anya’s Shop – Knee high Knitido socks (restocked seasonally).
- Injinji – Comes in a bunch of colors! I unpick the red tag from the cuff so they style better.
- Knitido DE – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off.
- ToeToe
Foot Friendly Tights
Need to wear nylons? Tights are the WORST for squishing your toes. Here is what I do instead when I need tights – and it’s been a total game changer for dressing up in the winter!
- Stirrup Tights – Just one of several options! Usually marketed toward dancers, but this is my favorite hack for whenever I want tights with a skirt/dress. I wear my toe socks over the top of them.
- Fleece Lined Stirrup Tights – Like the above, but fleece lined. I LOVE this style of tights for cute winter outfits. Lots of brands available online,
- ToeToe 5 Toe Nylons
- Plain old nylons with toes cut out, like in this video.
Anatomical Socks
These socks have a natural foot shape to them with a left and right but they aren’t toe socks. This just makes sense, since feet aren’t symmetrical! So they allow your big toes to splay out more than traditional socks.
While these are far more comfortable than your typical socks, I still prefer toe socks – sometimes these socks get bunched up in shoes and I still feel slightly restricted. But if you can’t stand the thought of toe socks, these are the next best thing!
- Injinji – The Runner and Hiker are the two anatomical options that aren’t toe socks
- Wide Open Socks – Not asymmetrical, like the other hers. But really wide in the toes and so stretchy and comfortable!
- The Toe Spacer – Classic cotton socks with stripes around the calf. Use code ANYA10 for 10% off.
- Plus12 – These have plenty of toe space. The big toe corner is very prominent at first, but it softens with wear and washing. Also available from:
- Mukishoes – These are unisex intended for sizes 37-43. I am a 37 and they are quite roomy, but I love them for around the house.
- Feelgrounds – a few different options, good for EU readers. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
- Be Lenka – Anatomical socks in several different heights! Get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS (returns only accepted from EU & USA)
- Barebarics – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns only accepted from EU & USA)
- IceBreaker
- Feetures
- Wyde Footwear – Ankle or crew height cotton anatomical socks. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Another option is non-constricting socks with an overall wider fit such as these:
Leg Warmers
Leg warmers (or stirrup socks) are another great option for preserving toe space. I love that they keep me warm, fill in space around the arch and heel, but still let my toes be free. And you can wear toe socks underneath them if you don’t want bare toes.
You can find leg warmers lots of places, and they’re really easy to knit yourself (or so I’ve been told), but here are a few that I have experience with and can vouch for!
- Gurney Studio – These are just the right thickness, height, and color options!
- Knit Knot Space – This Etsy shop sells fun colorful yoga socks and leg warmers.
- Tall Leg Warmers – I use these all winter over my socks for warmth and to make my winter boots fit better.
- Short Leg Warmers
- Knitido Plus – These are my favorite inside stylish boots.
- Toesox – Knee-high and thigh-high options! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 20% off
Extra Warm Foot Friendly Socks
Did you know that wool can take the shape of your body like leather can? Quality socks with a high wool content will become softer and conform to your foot over time. Sizing up is also a great option if you are having trouble finding cozy socks that don’t squish your toes.
- Knitido Wool Socks – The perfect boot socks. Restocked seasonally!
- Injinji Wool – These are insulating, but not super thick so they’re easier to wear inside shoes.
- Creepers Socks (NZ & USA)- Love these! One of my favorites. Use my link for 10% off
- Icelandic Socks – These are 85% wool so are able to mold to your foot over time. They fit generously and are very thick and warm.
- Chunky Boot Socks – These are some of the most spacious “regular” socks I’ve found and look really cute with boots. Wool/Cotton/Poly blend
- People Socks – I stole these from my husband and now use them as house slippers.
I live in a cold climate and have put a lot of energy into finding the best warm gear that doesn’t restrict your feet. Check out my All Time Warmest Barefoot Winter boots article for more details!
Compression Socks
I often get asked about foot friendly compression socks. Knitido has a great compression toe sock option and you can get 10% off with code ANYA10. There are also many compression sleeves that have no toes.
Grip Socks
Grip socks are great if you want some grip on smooth floors but don’t want to be barefoot. I use them in my house on hardwood floors and in the gym. They are a nice alternative to shoes when you need only a little protection.
- ToeSox – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 20% off
- Earth Runners – Use code ANYA for 10% off
- Bearfoot Splay Socks – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
- Knitido Plus – Use code ANYA20 for 20% off
- The Toe Spacer – ANYA10 for 10% off
Tabi Socks
Tabi socks have a separate spot for the big toe only, and are often used by people who just don’t want to give up their sandals when the weather turns cold. I personally prefer to go full on toe socks, but if all you want is big toe separation then here ya go.
- Earth Runners – Use code ANYA for 10% off
- Knitido – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
- Luna Yubi – Use this link for 15% off automatically
- Tabio USA
Kids Foot Friendly Socks
It’s not easy to find foot friendly socks for kids, but here are a few options that have worked well for us. Once your child’s feet are big enough you can get them adult sized socks too!
- Amazon – This is one of the only places I’ve found toe socks for kids
- Be Lenka – Get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS (returns only accepted from EU & USA)
- Plus12 – My younger son won’t wear toe socks, and my older son also wouldn’t for a while. But they both love these anatomical socks! You can also order from:
- Magical Shoes – 99% Merino wool socks with a wide toe box and non-skid bottom. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- Foot Buddy – Tube socks with no heel cup and relaxed toe box. Use code ANYAS15 for 20% off
Anything you put your feet into will affect how they function – that means it’s worthwhile to look at both your socks and your shoes. Fortunately there are tons of healthy sock options in a full range of prices and materials. Find what works for you and experience the foot freedom!
89 thoughts on “The Best Foot Friendly Socks That Don’t Squish Your Toes”
Love your reviews for shoes and now the socks. My husband ordered several pairs of ininiji socks, and he found the big toe wore out very quickly. Lol, no sharp toenails ! Just wondering in your reviews if you can include durability . So many socks wear out either in the heel or I am wondering with the socks with toes.
Thanks kindly.
Good point! Justin and I have each had a pair of Injinjis that wore out really fast for no good reason, but all the rest we’ve had have been really durable. Xotoes are a good option for durability if wearing out the socks is a concern. Also, Injinji has a warranty program and they replaced the socks that wore out because it happened so fast.
Thanks Anya, we were very disappointed when they wore out so quickly. We like the idea of using them, but we are on Vancouver Island in Canada and often will have to pay for customs making it more expensive. I never knew about the warranty program, so thanks for letting us know. I appreciate your thoughts.
Great topic, Anya! Are you aware of any 5-toe-socks that are made out of (organic) cotton only? I prefer cotton over all other materials to avoid any potential health concerns from articial material
Hi! Knitido has some with organic cotton, that is the only one I am currently aware of… You might like Serasox too, they are made out of bamboo and are pretty nice.
Hi Tobias, the Toesox casual crew sock is 77% organic cotton, and the Toetoe essential crew sock is 90% conventional cotton. No 100% organic cotton socks from any of these brands that I could find.
The injini runner and hiker are toe socks. The web site says their inner layer is a toe sock and the outer layer is not, but it’ll still feel like a toe sock.
They actually are two pairs of socks, so you don’t have to wear them together. I never do.
Decathlon sell toe socks for running, they’re much tougher than the injinjis I’ve had and more hard wearing around the toenails
Oh good to know, thank you! I’ll check them out.
Thank you so much for all the sock recommendations!
I had been wearing Bombas running socks. I had thought it was because they don’t have an across the toe seam like most socks do. Of course the are designated R and L. Now I know why I liked them better than other socks! I am currently trying tabio toe socks (with and without compression)and toesox athletic type socks. I had sticky bottom toe sox years ago for yoga and never thought to wear them with shoes.
My other favorite and “prescribed” socks are sockwells for compression. They don’t have a “toe” option however I have felt they are not as tight as other compression type socks across the toes. I have yet to try them with correct toes.
My favorite spin/cycling socks are swiftwick. No toe option. They are a wide stretchy sock. There is plenty of room in there for correct toes! Work well together and fit into my Lake spin shoes with the stretchy top.
Thanks for showing me the compression toe socks! Just got the Toe sox tall compression socks linked above and I think they are a good fit, so far for a couple hours!
Waiting for the tabio hallux valgus specialty sock, can’t wait to try that one!
Hi,
What brand are in the picture at the top of the post: cute deer socks pictured with red (Wildling?) shoes?
Thanks!
Marcia
Those are from Knitido Plus! Love them for winter.
Do you happen to have a link? I couldn’t find them in the German store.
Yes, you can find the Nordic Confetti socks here. Even though it’s the same parent company in Japan that makes the socks for both Knitido Plus USA and Knitido DE, they have very different offerings from each other (only a few styles overlap).
Thanks for this overview!
Do you have any idea whether there’s toe socks out there for people with long toes? The injinji socks I have don’t go all the way to the base of my toes, making them feel like when you’re wearing gloves with too short fingers (weird and restrictive), so I’d love to find something that’s a better fit!!
The thinner Injinji socks have really short toes, it’s true. I found that the wool hikers are longer from Injinji, also these ones I have from Amazon are pretty long. Also Knitido Plus socks have longish toes.
Did you have any luck?
What shows are pictured in the first image please?
Shoes 😂 not shows
Those are the Elderberry from Wildling Shoes
Takes me back to my middle school Days! Toe socks were such a fun trend and now I know they are better for my feet! Looking foreword to rocking a colorful pair again!
Hi Anya,
In the Anatomical socks section it says that those in Canada can get free shipping from Anya’s shop but on checkout there was a shipping fee.
any help with this matter?
thanks 🙂
Oh that must have been a mistake, we don’t offer free shipping to Canada unfortunately.