While you may look at socks as a purchase that isn’t worth much consideration, finding the right socks can have many implications for the elderly. Those who are older can suffer from a lot of different medical conditions that can cause pain in the feet or a lack of circulation.
Not only can this result in one’s feet getting cold, but it can be very uncomfortable to walk around without shoes. In this article, we will review some of the different things you should consider when purchasing socks for the elderly.
Best Warm Socks For Seniors
Orthofeet BioSoft Padded Sole Socks
Padded Sole Sock-Brown
The BioSoft line of socks from Orthofeet are specifically designed to address foot pain and increase overall foot comfort.
They are made of super-soft, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial bamboo fibers and come with padded soles and super stretchy cuffs to better fit swollen feet, ankle, and calves.
These socks are darn near the perfect socks for older adults. They are made just to comfort the pain of aging feet while keeping them warm too.
The socks are made of super-soft bamboo fibers with natural anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo will keep your feet both warm and dry while also eliminating odor from any developing bacteria.
Many older adults will also appreciate how easy they are to take on and off. This is because the super stretchy fibers allow you to open the sock easily to slip it on. But they are also non-binding so that they won’t cause pain to swollen feet, ankles, and legs.
They are low maintenance and can be machine washed. They are available in both men’s and women’s sizes and in 6 colors.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock With Cushion
Darn Tough 1903-C-8002-05 Hiker Micro Crew Midweight with Cushion Aqua Heather Large
These may be socks that were created for hikers, but they make for one of the best socks for seniors looking to keep their feet both warm and comfortable.
These socks stand out in the marketplace because they are made up primarily of Merino wool. Along with being comfortable and warm because of the Merino wool, they also feature a true seamless technology which means there is no detectable seam present.
For older people with sensitive skin, seams can be a nuisance and even result in blisters or other inflammation.
The sock also features mid-level cushion density underneath your foot. This offers much more cushion than you might get with some other socks in the marketplace, making it much less painful to walk barefoot.
These are another great option that you could consider if you are looking for comfortable socks for seniors.
These socks are excellent because they feature a soft stretch, non-binding top that will prevent you from restricting leg circulation. Having socks that are too tight can cause leg soreness and other problems.
These socks might not be made up of natural materials being 94 percent polyester, but they are comfortable and odor resistant.
They also happen to have an ultra-smooth toe seam which can be a great addition to seniors who get irritation from having bunions and other foot issues. Older people are at risk of developing bunions just as much as younger people[2].
These are another pair of socks that you should consider when you are shopping for socks for seniors.
These socks are unique in that they are as cozy and have cushion-like slippers, but they also feature non-slip grips on the bottoms like hospital socks. These socks are made up of a blend of cotton and polyester.
They are designed specifically for hospital use and in other places with slippery floors.
However, they can be excellent for home use, as well. If you have slippery floors, they make for super warm socks with plenty of grip to keep you upright.
These socks are perfect for senior women looking to keep their feet warm and comfortable. These socks have a good makeup that should perform well in all kinds of weather conditions.
They are made of 55 percent wool and 25 percent cotton. The wool is a mix of both cashmere and merino. Therefore, you can expect these socks to keep your feet both cozy and comfortable.
These Well Knitting Men’s socks are good for those seeking medical socks to help with circulation. These socks are very soft and comfortable and feature a moisture-wicking material that can help keep your feet dry.
They comprise 65 percent Coolmax polyester and 23 percent spandex, which should keep your feet comfortable. These socks are breathable as well.
So you don’t have to worry about your feet getting too hot while wearing them.
These Stopsocks are another good option if you want socks that will provide multi-function. For one, they are compression socks that can help to improve circulation.
This can keep your legs fresh and help you avoid leg fatigue which is common among older adults.
These socks also have a supportive anti-slip sole that can help not only provide you with more balance and help you avoid slipping and falling.
What To Look For In Warm Socks
1. Material
Perhaps the most important thing to look for when you are shopping for warm socks would be the material make-up of the socks.
You want to identify socks that are made up of the warmest material.
The material can dictate the warmth the socks can provide because some materials offer better insulation than others. The best possible material to look for in warm socks for seniors has to be wool.
Wool is the ideal material to look for because it is not only the best insulating material, but it is also one of the best at keeping feet dry.
Merino wool is one of the best materials to look for when you are shopping for warm socks.
2. Thickness
When you are shopping for socks, you should pay attention to the thickness of the material. Some materials will be naturally thicker than others.
While you don’t necessarily need to identify thick material to keep your feet warm, thicker material will typically provide superior insulation.
3. Comfort
Comfort should be another factor on your list when shopping for socks. After all, socks will be in constant contact with the wearer’s skin.
Therefore, buying scratchy or uncomfortable socks will provide an unsatisfactory wearing experience. No one wants to wear uncomfortable socks. While comfort can be subjective, certain fabrics may be inherently more comfortable than others.
For seniors with more sensitive skin, you will want to opt for much more natural materials and stray away from synthetic materials.
4. Compression
As mentioned, you tend to be much more sedentary as you get older. This, combined with our bodies naturally become less and less efficient at pumping blood throughout our body, leads our extremities to hoard a lot of the blood in our legs.
That is why it is recommended to get up every 30 minutes or so of sitting. That way, you can get your blood pumping and avoid circulation issues.
Compression socks work by enhancing our circulation and keeping our legs from getting heavy.
Also, it can prevent swelling in the ankles and feet, which can be prevalent among the elderly.
Another side benefit would be reduced pain in the foot area which can be a plus for many seniors with foot problems.
5. Grip
Falling is a big problem among older people. Unfortunately, falls account for 3 million emergency department visits yearly[1].
If you have wood floors, you may find that walking with socks can be slippery. This is why you typically want to walk around with something with more grip.
Luckily, you can find socks that have anti-slip features embedded. This will allow you to walk around without worrying about slipping because you aren’t wearing shoes or slippers with your socks.
Wrapping Up
Overall, there are a lot of things that you should be looking at when you are shopping for socks for seniors. There are several factors you should be looking for, including the material makeup of the socks and the comfort they provide.
The socks mentioned in this article are some of the best that you can choose from. They all have great reviews, and they come highly recommended by real customers.
Ultimately, you want to find socks that work best for your feet. Everyone’s feet are different. Some might be more interested in socks that offer a tighter fit for better circulation, and some might be looking for more cushion from their socks.
Finding the socks with the highest quality materials is one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting socks that will enhance your quality of life but also last a long time.
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