Bamboo socks in summer, do they keep feet cool

Short answer: In summer it is moisture that makes your feet hot. A sock that moves sweat away and dries quickly feels cooler than a bare foot in a closed shoe.

Moisture is what makes you warm

A damp sock conducts heat away poorly and sticks to the skin. When the moisture is moved out into the fabric and on to the air instead, the foot feels cooler. It is the same property that makes a bamboo jogging suit comfortable to wear on a warm day.

How bamboo viscose moves moisture

Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture from the skin and spreads it through the fabric, where it can evaporate. The fabric therefore feels dry for longer than a sock that holds the sweat in one place. The foot does not stop sweating, but the moisture does not stay against the skin.

A thin sock rather than no sock

A bare foot in a closed shoe sweats more, not less, because there is nothing to absorb the moisture. The sweat goes straight into the shoe, which becomes damp and warm. A thin style from socks for women works better than nothing.

Choose the thin style

In summer a thin sock is the best choice. Less fabric means less heat around the foot and faster drying. A thick sock can be comfortable in winter, but in the heat it holds on to moisture and makes the foot warmer than it needs to be.

Length makes a difference

An ankle sock or a footie lets more air reach the ankle and under your trousers. The long sock has its place with smart shoes and long trousers, but on the hottest days the short style is the coolest. Choose the length to suit the shoe you are wearing.

Colour and shoe

Light colours and open shoes help in the same way as a light sock. Combining an airy shoe with a thin sock from socks for men and women is the coolest option when you are on your feet on a warm day.

The shoe needs to breathe

Even the best sock can do little in a shoe made of dense plastic or rubber. Choose shoes of canvas, mesh or leather that let air in. And let your shoes dry fully between wears, so yesterday's moisture is not waiting for your foot tomorrow.

Change at midday

On a long, warm day a dry pair after lunch can make a clear difference. It takes a moment, and the foot feels fresh again for the rest of the day. Keep a spare pair in your bag if you know the day will be long or especially warm.

Wash after every wear

Summer socks collect more moisture and bacteria than winter socks, so they should be washed after each day. Wash at 40 degrees and let them air dry. The thin styles dry quickly, so it is easy to have a clean pair ready every morning.

What you can expect

A thin bamboo sock does not remove the heat, but it makes closed shoes more comfortable in summer. Your feet feel drier, and the shoe stays fresher. If you sweat heavily or have skin problems, talk to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to go without socks

Rarely. Without a sock the shoe gets damp instead, and odour comes sooner. A thin sock absorbs the moisture and can be washed, which the shoe cannot easily be.

Which style is coolest

A thin footie or ankle sock. There is less fabric and more air around the ankle, and it dries faster than a long sock after a warm day.

Can bamboo socks be used for sport in summer

Yes, for most kinds of exercise. Choose a thin style that fits closely without folding, and change into a dry pair after your workout.