How often should you change socks

Short answer: Socks should be changed every day. Your feet give off more moisture than the rest of your body, and a sock worn for a whole day is damp even when it feels dry.

Your feet give off the most moisture

The sole of the foot has more sweat glands per square centimetre than any other skin. That is true even when you sit still at a desk or in a car. The moisture has only one place to go, into the sock. That is why a clean pair every day is the rule. See socks for men and women.

Feeling dry is not the same as being dry

Fabric can hold a lot of moisture without feeling wet. When you take your socks off in the evening they may seem dry, but they have soaked up moisture all day. Put them back on the next morning and you start the day in fabric that is already half saturated. See bamboo tank top for men.

Closed shoes trap the moisture

In closed shoes, moisture cannot escape. It stays in the sock and the shoe all day. That is why feet often feel warm and clammy by late afternoon, even when it is not warm outside. If you wear closed shoes all day, starting each morning with a clean, dry pair matters even more.

Change again after wet shoes

A wet sock rubs against the skin and can cause blisters in under an hour. If you have stepped in a puddle, walked in the rain or sweated a lot, change your socks as soon as you can. Dry socks keep the foot comfortable. The same goes after training. See long sleeve styles.

Carry a spare pair

A spare pair of socks takes up almost no room in a bag or coat pocket. It is a small thing that makes a real difference on a rainy day or after the gym. Many people also keep a pair at work or in the car, so there is always a dry pair within reach when the weather turns.

Give your shoes a rest

Shoes also soak up moisture from your feet, and they do not dry overnight. Wear the same shoes every day and you pull a damp shoe over a clean sock each morning. Alternate between two pairs so each gets a day to dry. Both shoes and socks then stay fresher for longer.

How many pairs you need

At least seven pairs, so you can wash once a week without running out. If you train often or change during the day, you need more. More pairs also spread the wear, so the heel and toe of each pair last longer. When a pair has worn thin at the heel, it is time for a new one.

Wash them and dry them fully

Socks are washed after every wear. Turn them inside out so the side that touched your foot gets the best wash. Let them dry completely before they go in the drawer. If you notice lasting itching, redness or irritation on your feet, talk to your doctor, as there can be many causes.

Frequently asked questions

How often should socks be changed

Every day. Your feet give off more moisture than the rest of your body, and the sock is damp even when it feels dry in the evening.

Why do feet sweat so much

Because the sole of the foot has more sweat glands per square centimetre than any other skin on the body. That holds even when you sit still all day.

What happens if you wear them two days

The moisture stays in the fabric and bacteria get another day. That leads to odour and raises the risk of skin irritation on the foot.