Sweaty feet, what your sock choice can do

Short answer: Switch to a sock that moves moisture, rotate two pairs of shoes, and change socks at midday if your shift is long. Those are the three steps that make the biggest difference in everyday life.

The sock needs to move moisture

A cotton sock soaks up sweat and holds on to it, so the foot stands in moisture all day. A sock made of bamboo viscose moves the moisture out into the fabric, where it can evaporate. The foot still sweats, but it feels drier. See the range in socks for women.

Why moisture causes odour

Sweat itself hardly smells. The odour appears when bacteria thrive in damp fabric and in a damp shoe. The longer the moisture stays, the stronger the smell. So it is not only about sweating less, but about getting rid of the moisture faster.

The shoe needs time to dry

A shoe worn every day never dries out completely. Rotate between two pairs, and you will do more for the moisture than any change of sock alone. This applies whichever socks for men and women you choose to wear.

Change at midday on long shifts

If you have a twelve hour day, a dry pair after lunch is the simplest solution. It takes a moment, and the foot feels fresh for the rest of the shift. A multipack from socks for men makes it possible without an extra wash midweek.

Choose the right thickness

A thick sock holds more moisture and heat than a thin one. If your feet sweat, a thin or medium sock is often the best choice for everyday wear. It dries faster and leaves a little more air in the shoe, so the foot does not get as warm.

The shoe material matters

Shoes made of dense plastic or rubber hold on to moisture. Shoes made of leather, canvas or mesh let air in and moisture out. If you have the option, choose work shoes and everyday shoes that can breathe. It helps the sock do its job.

Air your shoes after wearing

Take out the insole if it is removable, and put your shoes somewhere airy after wearing them. Avoid leaving them in a closed bag or cupboard. If the shoes are very wet, newspaper stuffed inside can draw out the moisture overnight.

Wash socks after every wear

Socks that have been worn a full day are full of moisture and bacteria. Wash them after every wear at 40 degrees and let them air dry completely. Turn them inside out before washing, so the inside where the foot has been gets properly clean.

Foot care helps too

Wash your feet daily and dry them well, including between the toes, before putting on socks. A foot that is completely dry from the start stays drier for longer. Keep your nails short so there is less room for dirt and bacteria around the toes.

When sweat becomes a problem

Some people sweat heavily from their feet whatever they do. Sock and shoe can make it more comfortable, but they do not solve the cause. If you sweat so much that it bothers you in everyday life, or you have problems with your skin, talk to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Are there socks that stop sweat completely

No. Feet sweat regardless of material. The difference lies in how quickly moisture is moved away from the skin and how dry the foot feels during the day.

Does it help to go without socks

No. The shoe absorbs the moisture instead, and odour becomes a problem sooner. A sock can be washed after every wear, which a shoe cannot easily be.

How often should shoes be aired

After every wear. Leave them somewhere airy for at least a day before wearing them again, and rotate two pairs so each pair dries completely.