Bamboo footies and the grip of the heel

Short answer: Bamboo footies are very low socks meant to stay hidden in the shoe, and everything depends on the grip of the heel. The heel must sit snugly enough not to slip down, without pulling at the foot. Look at the shape of the heel, the tension of the knit and the opening of the shoe.

What bamboo footies are

Bamboo footies are the lowest socks you can get, knitted from yarn made from bamboo and made to stay hidden inside the shoe. They cover the foot but do not rise above the edge of the shoe, so they suit sneakers, ballet flats and other low shoes. The heel decides whether they stay put.

Why the heel is the place that matters

When a footie slips down under the heel, it is almost always because the grip of the heel does not suit your foot and your shoe. Since the sock has no cuff to hold on to, the heel edge has to do the whole job. It should sit snugly, but not so tight that it leaves marks in the skin. See also our bamboo socks.

The shape of the heel and the tension of the knit

A good heel is shaped to follow your own heel, instead of being a flat tab that has to be pulled into place. The tension of the knit around the edge decides how firmly the sock holds on. Check that the edge is elastic and soft, and not so tight that it pinches.

The opening of the shoe matters

Footies need to suit the opening of the shoe, because if it is very low the edge of the sock can show. With shoes that cover more of the foot there is plenty of room for a footie, while open shoes often show more. Try the socks with the shoes you wear most, and check in the mirror that the edge stays hidden.

Size and fit in everyday life

Choose the size by your foot and not by what you usually buy, because footies forgive less than longer socks. If they are too big they form folds under the heel and bunch at the toe. If they are too small they pull back and slide under the foot. For men there are socks for men in several sizes.

Washing so the heel keeps its grip

Wash footies according to the care label, and use a laundry bag so the small socks do not disappear in the drum. High heat can weaken the elastic at the edge, so choose a low temperature and dry them without strong heat. A heel that loses its tension no longer holds on, so look after the edge.

Use in summer and for exercise

Many people wear footies when it is warm, because they cover so little and suit light shoes. For walks and light workouts a footie can work well if the heel sits so that it does not move. In the colder months you can pair them with long sleeve models, so the rest of your clothes keeps you comfortable.

How to choose your footies

First think about the shoes you will wear them in, and then choose a footie with a heel that suits your foot. It helps to buy two pairs to try and wash them a few times before you decide. Then you know whether the heel still grips after washing, and whether you want more in the same style.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my footies slip down under the heel

It is usually the shape of the heel or the wrong size. Footies have no cuff to hold on to, so the edge around the heel must follow your heel and sit snugly without pinching.

Do bamboo footies suit all shoes

They suit low shoes best, such as sneakers and ballet flats. If the opening of the shoe is very low, the edge can show, so try the socks with your shoes and check in the mirror.

How do I keep the grip of the heel after washing

Wash according to the care label at a low temperature, and avoid high heat in the dryer, which can weaken the elastic. A laundry bag helps keep the small socks together.