You slip them on without a second thought, but some socks do more than keep your toes warm, from stretching tight muscles to easing pain, and even preventing falls in the elderly.
We asked experts to assess a selection — we then rated them.
Powerstep Ultrastretch Night Sock scored a six out of ten and costs £29.21 online
Relieve foot injuries
Powerstep Ultrastretch Night Sock, from £29.41, amazon.co.uk
CLAIM: An adjustable strap from the toe to the top of the sock gently pulls the foot upwards, stretching the calf muscle and soft tissue of the foot and ankle.
The maker says keeping the foot in this ‘neutral’ position overnight helps alleviate pain from common overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis (where the thick ligament on the sole becomes inflamed) and Achilles tendonitis (an ache in the tendon that attaches the calf to the heel).
EXPERT VERDICT: ‘These socks are useful for stretching the big toe — which could help with plantar fasciitis — but probably won’t stretch the ankle or calf muscles enough to ease pain,’ says Tim Allardyce, a physiotherapist at Surrey Physio. ‘For this you would need a more solid splint or brace.
‘Wearing socks like this at night might be uncomfortable at first, so you’d need to build up your tolerance. It’s an interesting product and it might work for some, but I couldn’t find any validated research to back up its claims.’ 6/10
These socks have rubber on the soles to help with grip but experts said 'research shows there’s no firm evidence that this type of anti-slip sock can prevent falls'
Reduce risk of falls
Medline Double Tread Slipper Socks, £3.97, healthandcare.co.uk
CLAIM: These socks have a criss-cross tread made of a rubber-like material all over, to help grip to the floor and reduce the risk of falls.
EXPERT VERDICT: ‘A 2017 review of research concluded that there’s no firm evidence that this type of anti-slip sock can prevent falls — even in hospital patients,’ says Stuart Metcalfe, a consultant podiatric surgeon at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull.
‘Socks just aren’t strong enough to keep you balanced — it is better to wear sturdy shoes [low heel and covering the toes for added protection] or firm slippers.’ 3/10
The sleep socks made from 90 per cent acrylic scored the highest out of the products
Induce sleep
Drew Brady Sleep Socks, from £4.91, amazon.co.uk
CLAIM: Thermal socks, made from 90 per cent acrylic and 10 per cent polyamide, these are said to ‘aid a restful and natural night’s sleep’.
EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Recent published research has looked at the effect of bed socks and concluded that they can help people get to sleep quicker and stay asleep for longer without night-time interruptions,’ says Dr Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert and author of How To Sleep Well.
‘These socks are not excessively thick, which is good, as hot feet can wake us up as much as cold feet. Ideally for us to fall asleep, the room should be between 16c to 18c and body temperature at a normal 37c.’ 9/10
Silipos Arthritis and Diabetic Gel Socks have gel cushioning on the sole to reduce friction and the formation of calluses
Prevent ulcers
Silipos Arthritis and Diabetic Gel Socks, £10.92, shoeinsoles.co.uk
CLAIM: These have gel cushioning on the sole to reduce friction and the formation of calluses — and prevent ulcers. They are said to be suitable for people with diabetes and reduced sensation in their feet due to nerve damage, which leads to injuries going unnoticed and turning into ulcers.
EXPERT VERDICT: ‘In general, these padded socks are a good idea for those who have lost some of the fatty padding under their feet, which occurs as we age,’ says Matthew Fitzpatrick, a consultant podiatrist and spokesperson for the College of Podiatry.
‘But you would have to wear slightly wider shoes, as with normal shoes, it might be a tighter fit which increases pressure on the foot. In someone with nerve damage, this could cause ulcers or neuromas [benign growths of nerve tissue which cause pain and numbness].’ 4/10
These toeless compression socks can be worn under regular socks or on their own
Ease pain
Copper Shield Ankle Compression Sleeves, £12.99, amazon.co.uk
CLAIM: Made with copper, which is said to improve oxygen circulation to the foot to ease pain, these toeless compression socks can be worn under regular socks or on their own.
They are ‘guaranteed to cure’ ailments including arthritis, plantar fasciitis, restless leg syndrome and heel spurs (bony protrusions) — or ‘your money back’, says their maker.
EXPERT VERDICT: ‘There is no good evidence to support the healing properties of copper in reducing pain, so these won’t help in arthritis or plantar fasciitis,’ says Kumar Kunasingam, a consultant
