When you have warm feet

Short answer: Warm feet at night are common and have to do with circulation. During the day it is usually down to shoes that do not let air through. Socks that absorb moisture and a little air around the feet make most of the difference.

The shoe is usually the cause

Closed shoes without airflow make the foot warm within an hour. Heat and moisture from the foot have nowhere to go, so the temperature rises quickly. Choose breathable shoes when you can, and take them off when sitting for long. A sock that absorbs moisture helps as well. See socks for women.

The sock can move moisture

Socks that absorb moisture keep the foot drier and therefore cooler. When moisture stays on the skin, the foot feels both warm and clammy. Thin socks that sit smoothly without folds are often more comfortable than thick ones. Change them at midday if your feet feel warm.

The whole base layer plays a part

Warm feet are linked to how the rest of the body feels. If you are warm all over, your feet warm up too. A light, airy base layer that does not trap heat helps the body get rid of excess warmth. See bamboo panties, which are soft and light on a warm day.

At night it helps to let them out

Feet outside the duvet lower the temperature of the whole body. The feet act as the body's thermostat, and when they get air, the rest of you cools down too. If you sleep warm, try putting one foot out. A light set to sleep in helps as well. See bamboo tops for women.

Do not go without socks

It can be tempting to skip socks when your feet are warm. But without a sock the sweat stays in the shoe instead, and the foot gets both warmer and damper. The shoe also dries more slowly. A thin sock that absorbs moisture is usually a better choice than none.

Switch shoes from day to day

Shoes need time to dry out fully. If you wear the same pair every day, they rarely get dry, and your feet warm up faster. Alternate between two pairs and leave them somewhere airy overnight. Take the insole out if it is removable.

Cool water and rest

After a long day it feels good to rinse your feet in cool water and put them up. Dry them well, especially between the toes, before putting on clean socks. Small habits like these help your feet feel better, even after a long, warm day.

Wash socks the right way

Socks that are washed properly keep absorbing moisture well. Wash them at a low temperature with a mild detergent, and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. Turn them inside out before washing and let them dry fully before they go in the drawer.

Frequently asked questions

Why do feet get warm

Because they have many blood vessels and because shoes rarely let air through. Moisture that stays in the shoe makes it worse, so both shoes and socks play a part.

Does it help to go without socks

Rarely. Without a sock the sweat stays in the shoe instead, and the foot gets both warmer and damper. A thin sock that absorbs moisture is usually better.

What helps at night

Letting your feet stay outside the duvet. They act as the body's thermostat and lower the overall temperature, so it is easier to settle and fall asleep.