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”
What are your thoughts on bombas?
I haven’t tried them recently, so not sure!
What do you recommend for slippers: winter and summer? So glad I found your guides and website. Thank you!
Hi! Check out this list of slippers and house shoes.
Thank you, Samantha. Appreciate the recommendations. 🙂
Aonijie are also very good seamless toe socks, and relatively affordable.
Thanks Anya. Do you have any recommendation for invisible socks/footsies to wear with ballet flats? I used Uniqlo ones but they also squish my toes.
These hidden toe socks work inside many ballet flats
I love your site Anya, thank you so much for all your research! Wondering which boots are featured in the picture beneath the heading “Extra Warm Foot Friendly Socks”? Thank you!
Thank you Laina! Those are the Mukishoes Alentejo. I adore them. If you haven’t already, you can read about Mukishoes’ fit type in this article on my favorite barefoot boots.
Could you recommend some extra warm socks that don’t contain wool or rubber/latex/elastic? I am allergic and have the hardest time finding socks.
Hi Emily! I would look at the Only Footprints brand, they have some that are 100% cotton (though I encourage you to reach out to them specifically to ensure there is no hidden elastic/latex). I am not sure if they are the warm enough for you, but you could double them up!
Hello,
I have webbed toes (2nd and 3rd). Any suggestions for people like myself? Toe socks will not go down around my toes hah.
Thanks!
Hey Dawn, check out the section for Anatomical Socks for foot friendly options that aren’t toe socks.
Would the knitido compression sock be okay fit for men?
Absolutely, they are made to be unisex
Hello. If applicable, could you provide experiences wearing any of the wool blend socks from Earth Runners, Knitido, and/or Luna? Do they work well in warmer seasons or are they too thick for that?
I have wool socks from Knitido (not the printed wintry ones, the Essential ones) and they aren’t too thick. I think they could work well as a hiking sock in warmer weather without too much trouble. But I like the wool liners from Injinji and Creepers socks best for that. I haven’t tried Luna socks or the wool Earth Runners (just their grip socks).
Okay, thanks. I did end up trying the Earth Runners tabi socks briefly and noticed they have a plush terry cloth inner band around the foot, and hard to tell but I think Icebreaker’s light+ socks are slightly thinner of their terry cloth banding (though unsure if there would be much of a difference).
Do you know of any toe socks that would fit slope shaped feet? I bought some cheap ones from Amazon & my little toe & the ones next to them don’t reach their toe socks. These are the toes I most want to spread so not sure wearing such socks are worth the money & time to put on.
Hmm Just looking at them without a foot inside I would say Knitido has the most sloped shape to it, with the littlest toe sitting a good bit lower than the big toe. Followed by Creepers. Injinji socks are pretty square. It also may be that the Amazon ones didn’t have a good stretch to them – the nicer material blends tend to conform to the foot a little better.