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.
- Creepers Socks (NZ & USA)- Love these so much! My son and I live in them. And you get 10% off automatically with my link.
- 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.
- 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!
97 thoughts on “The Best Foot Friendly Socks That Don’t Squish Your Toes”
Do you have any suggestions for bamboo socks with fair room for toe splay? All I see in this article are the Serasox that are bamboo, but they don’t offer any without the toe separation, and no other brand listed produces socks of this material.
Ahinsa has foot-friendly bamboo socks (currently not listed on here), but the higher shipping cost for being located out of the USA pushes away the possibility to acquire them, unfortunately. They are the only brand I’ve found for this criteria.
There are some non-restrictive/diabetic type of bamboo socks, but am unsure if they would work well (if only the top banding is affected and not the toe design).
Hm, Serasox is the only brand I am aware of made of bamboo, unfortunately I don’t know of any wide toe box socks (but not toe socks).
Okay, thanks for letting me know.
Hello Anya, which socks (preferably high ones, for small 36 EU size feet) would you say would be the most durable ones? For example, delivery cost of Creeper Socks to my country is higher than socks price, so I’d like to be as sure as I can be before I buy something 🙂
Hmmmm when it comes to toe socks Xoskin is quite durable, as well as Creepers. My son put a hole in his from not cutting his big toe nail, but since he learned his lesson we have not had any breakdown in them. He put them through quite a lot, so it’s impressive to me that they are still going so strong.
Thanks for this! I can’t seem to find a good compression knee high anywhere, sadly lit looks like Injinji isn’t making them anymore. I was really hoping for a bamboo toe knee high compression socks. Do you know of any bamboo toe socks in general?
These from Knitido are the only knee high compression toe sock I know of. As far as bamboo, the Serasox toe socks listed here are made of bamboo.
Hi Anya
I would love to wear toe socks all the time but I have quite the bunion on my left foot that very quickly pokes through the sock which makes quick and expensive work to my pocketbook. The only way through this dilemma I believe is taking up the ancient art of darning.. do you have any tips for this problem? or any good videos on darning?
thanks
I am not handy at all, but I think learning how to darn is a fabulous idea! You can also reinforce your socks before wearing them so they last longer before getting a hole.
So glad to have found your site! Is it possible to change the settings to open a new window when clicking on a link, rather than re-directing away from your site. It’s frustrating to have to keep manually going back to your site by opening a new tab, myself, once I’ve checked clicked on a product suggestion. (I know it’s possible because my own website is set up to open a new tab for the linked website.) Otherwise, so helpful!
Thanks for the feedback! I will keep this in mind. 🙂
Are any of these socks besides the Maro organic fiber, or GOTS certified, oeko-Tex? Thanks for considering my question!
Not that I know of.
These are onlyfootprints, loop of the loom, lucciollotta, narasocks, natural lab AU, rawganique and socks from sambas the bambas organic and from natural materials.
Have you tried the toe socks made by Saguaro? If so how is the quality and fit?
Hi Anya, just so you know the Creeper’s discount is only coming through at 10% rather than 15% stated.
Thanks for all your help and advice, much appreciated.
Siobhan
Sorry about the confusion! It is a 10% off discount, thank you for bringing that to our attention.
Thank you so much for all of your helpful reviews, Anya!
Do you have any soccer sock recommendations?
Thank you again!
My son is using my tall Knitido boot socks as his soccer socks! The Injinji tall boot socks would work as well.
Hi Ayla, I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for years now. I’m a personal trainer and kinesiologist and care about my foot health and function. After years of wearing barefoot shoes, I’ve never considered that socks may be a limiting factor in foot function. In fact, I’m skeptical that most socks out there, or at least the ones I wear (which are usually cheap synthetic socks) are restrictive enough to impact our toe and foot health. I am wondering if you can share any evidence that traditional socks are affecting toe health, and that toe socks can improve foot and toe function.
I don’t have any hard evidence for this (but it might exist!) – we just know from personal experience that foot and toe function is limited in conventional socks. This is easy to test for yourself. Put on one regular sock, and one foot-friendly sock (toe socks are best) – and then try to do all the same toe movements – I bet you’ll notice a difference!