Have you ever been stuck somewhere wearing uncomfortable socks? What about your socks squeezing your feet and calves?
It’s hard to focus on anything around you when your sock is bugging you.
Unfortunately, if you have wide feet, you may find that your socks cause discomfort more often than not. Shoe manufacturers often include wide or extra wide sizes, but socks tend to be one-width-fits-all; except it doesn’t quite…“fit all”.
This is why we’ve reviewed the best extra wide socks that you can buy today. Whether you’re going to be running, shopping, or even sleeping in them, comfort is key.
We recommend the Extra Wide Comfort Athletic Sock. They’re wider from toe to ankle, have an extra stretch in the calf to accommodate large calf muscles, and are made of soft, non-binding material.
Here are our top 5 options that would make excellent choices for people with wide feet.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
Best Overall
| Best Overall |
Extra Wide Comfort Athletic Sock
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| Check Price |
Top Ankle Height
| Top Ankle Height |
Hugh Ugoli Bamboo Diabetic Crew Thin Socks
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| Check Price |
Best Crew Height
| Best Crew Height |
Medipeds Half Cushion Extra Wide Crew with COOLMAX
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| Check Price |
Best Overall
1. Extra Wide Comfort Athletic Sock
These socks suit everyone from those with naturally wide feet, to those who need a soft, comfy sock to accommodate swelling. They even cover large calf muscles with ease.
What We Like
The socks are available in four sizes—small, medium, large, and extra-large—you’re highly likely to find something that fits you here.
These socks run wide from toe to ankle cuff. In this case, the ankle cuff is designed to come up to mid-calf or just under the knee, depending on your lower leg.
If you have large calves, don’t worry because the ankle cuff stretches up to 25 inches to accommodate almost all calf sizes.
The material is soft and non-binding so that you can wear them very comfortably for hours. You can expect these socks to stay up even with no rubber strip on the collar.
The socks are made in the USA and the company supports local cotton farmers and textile workers.
The manufacturer recommends NOT sizing up!
Why We Like It
These socks are soft, comfy, and fit on almost all calf sizes. Whether you have large calves that struggle to find socks, or you have feet that swell easily, these socks should fit you comfortably.
What to Consider
These socks are soft and comfortable, but reports suggest that they may not stand up to being machine-washed. We highly recommend hand-washing them. While this may be a total pain, it will significantly extend the life of your socks.
PROS:
- Wide in the toe, foot, ankle, and leg for the most comfortable experience
- Extra stretch in the calf makes them ideal for those with large calf muscles
- Stretchable, non-binding material is soft and comfortable for hours
- Available in four sizes so you can find the perfect fit
CONS:
- They’re not durable, so we recommend hand-washing rather than machine washing
Top Ankle-Height
2. Hugh Ugoli Bamboo Diabetic Crew Thin Socks
These socks are designed for diabetic feet, so they’re made for comfort. They’re specifically designed not to be tight or restrictive, making them ideal for wide feet.
What We Like
One of the best things about these socks is that they’re made of a bamboo blend. Bamboo is a wonder material that’s soft and comfortable against the skin, and the addition of elastane makes it stretchy enough to fit comfortably on wide feet.
It’s also moisture-wicking, so your feet will stay dry and cool for as long as you’re wearing them. Lastly, it has antimicrobial properties that help to keep foot odor at bay.
Similar to Merino wool, it helps to keep your feet cool in summer by allowing good airflow through the material. At the same time, it insulates your feet in winter and keeps you warm.
Other features that those with wide feet will appreciate include a non-binding cuff and a seamless toe for the highest level of comfort.
The heels and toes are also reinforced, adding a little extra cushioning and making them a touch more durable.
Why We Like It
We like that these socks are unusually soft and non-binding, thanks to being made for diabetic feet. They have a lot more healthy foot properties than just that, so they’re an excellent choice.
What to Consider
These socks come in two “universal” sizes—8 to 11, and 11 to 13. However, they seem to run on the smaller side of the range. If you’re a size 12 or 13, you may struggle to find them comfortable. If you’re a 9 or 10, it may be best to go for the larger size instead.
PROS:
- Made of 80% bamboo fibers for softness and odor control
- Non-binding cuff and seamless toe for increased comfort
- Keep your feet warm in winter and cool in the heat
- Moisture-wicking abilities keep your feet dry, cool, and healthy
CONS:
- These socks run a little on the small side
Best Crew Height
3. Medipeds Half-Cushion Extra Wide Crew with COOLMAX
If you like a sock of crew length, these are a great option. They’re stretchy and comfortable, coming up to mid-calf level.
What We Like
Made of a lycra-spandex blend, these socks are very stretchy, making them comfortable for wide feet and lower legs.
The thin Coolmax fabric also keeps your feet nice and cool for as long as you’re wearing them.
There’s cushioning underneath the foot for added comfort. There is also a wide stretchable cuff that can fit easily over large calf muscles for increased comfort.
They come in five different size ranges—6 to 10, 9 to 12, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, and 12 to 15. You should be able to find something that suits you perfectly.
Why We Like It
They’re light, stretchy, and comfortable crew-length socks that should suit most wide-footed people. Best for summer use!
What to Consider
These Medipeds socks are quite thin. If you’re planning on wearing them in the cold months, they may not protect your feet. It also makes them a little less durable, so wash them with care.
PROS:
- Lycra spandex fabric stretches to accommodate almost any foot
- Coolmax fabric keeps your feet dry and fresh for hours on end
- Cushioned sole adds an extra layer of protection and comfort
- Wide, comfortable cuff doesn’t restrict blood flow or movement
CONS:
- These socks are quite thin and may not keep you warm in winter
Top Bamboo Socks
4. OrthoFeet Non-Binding Crew Wide Bamboo Socks
Bamboo socks are first prize if you can get them. They’re healthier for your feet, soft on your skin, and keep you feeling—and smelling—fresher for longer.
What We Like
The bamboo construction of these socks makes them very soft and comfortable on your feet. There’s no chafing or abrasion, and you can wear them for hours without feeling the slightest discomfort.
These socks have a loose-knit construction with plenty of stretch so that they’ll fit wide feet easily. They’re medium-thickness, so they’ll keep you a little warm in the cold without making you overheat in summer.
The company’s DryPlex Moisture-Wicking System is also incorporated in the fabric of these socks, so your feet won’t get wet, sticky, or sweaty while you’re wearing them.
Why We Like It
The bamboo fibers are incredibly soft, wrapping your feet in cloud-like comfort as you go about your business. They stretch enough for wide feet to fit into them easily.
What to Consider
Multiple wearers have mentioned that these socks run a bit too large. It may be worthwhile to buy a smaller size in order to get a good fit that doesn’t bunch up or slide down.
PROS:
- Loose-knit construction with maximum stretch for the best comfort
- DryPlex Moisture-Wicking System to keep you cool and dry
- Ultra-soft bamboo fibers are comfortable against the skin
- Medium thickness is more durable and warm than thin socks
CONS:
- These socks run a bit large
Best for Diabetics
5. IOMI – Extra-Wide Non-Binding Bamboo Diabetic Socks
People with diabetes often have foot and lower leg problems. These socks are designed to minimize chafing, rubbing, folding, slipping, or anything else that could compromise your foot health.
What We Like
Diabetics should stay both comfortable and protected in these socks. They’re made of a bamboo blend that’s soft enough to prevent chafing or rubbing on sensitive skin.
It’s also moisture-wicking, reducing the chance of your feet sweating and causing friction that may lead to blisters. As a bonus, bamboo is antimicrobial so you don’t have to worry about foot odor.
The sock is made with an extra-wide, soft cuff that’s also extra long. Unlike other socks, this one has no constricting elastic ring that could hurt your calf. Despite this, it stays in place effectively.
It does feature a toe seam for more durability, but they’ve taken care to make it as smooth as possible so there’s no blister-causing friction on your toes.
Why We Like It
These socks are more than suitable for diabetics with wide feet to wear with complete comfort and safety. Their bamboo construction also adds antimicrobial properties as a handy bonus.
What to Consider
These socks are extremely comfortable; however, the softness of the bamboo material can cause the sock to be slippery, while walking on floors in the socks or inside loose-fitting shoes like slippers. Be careful!
PROS:
- Molds to the natural curves and contours of the leg for the highest comfort
- Made of soft, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial bamboo fabric
- Extra-wide, extra-long, soft cuff that holds the socks in place without constricting
- Smooth toe seam for reduced chafing while walking
CONS:
- The soft bamboo fabric can be slippery if you wear these socks inside slippers
Buyer’s Guide – Extra Wide Socks
Sizing
Make sure the socks are the right size for your foot. If they don’t say that they’re extra wide, they’re probably not a good choice.
If you like socks that cover the calf, make sure the cuff offers extra room to accommodate your calf muscles.
It’s a good idea to read reviews on the product you’re interested in before you buy. You may get some good insight into sizing issues that you should consider to make sure you get the optimal size for you.
Height
The height you choose depends on your personal preference. Usually, you can choose from “hidden” socks, ankle-length, slightly above the ankle, and crew-length—mid-calf.
If you’re looking for more warmth, crew-length is a good choice but you should make sure the socks aren’t too thin. In warmer weather, ankle-length or no-show socks may keep you cooler.
Material
The sock material should be breathable enough to keep you cool and dry throughout your day.
Moisture-wicking properties are also essential. Sweaty feet can chafe, leading to blisters and general discomfort.
Some excellent materials to consider are bamboo, Merino wool, polyester, and stretchy materials like elastane or spandex.
Blister-Resistant
To prevent blisters from forming, you should choose socks with a seamless toe, a non-chafing cuff, and soft material. Some socks specifically say that they’re “blister-resistant.”
FAQs
Do Socks Come in Wide Sizes?
Some sock manufacturers make socks specifically for people with wide feet. Usually, these socks also accommodate wider ankles and calf muscles.
Sometimes you may see them advertised as “loose fit” or “loose-knit” socks. They can be found in most sock heights to suit every person.
Is It Better to Have Tight or Loose Socks?
The optimal tightness of your socks depends on your preference. If you’re an athlete looking for compression properties in a sock, then you’ll want something that specifies compression.
However, for normal, everyday socks, you should choose a fit that’s not too tight that it causes pain, but not too loose that they slip down while you’re wearing them.
How Do You Keep Socks From Shrinking?
If you want your socks to keep their shape and size after washing, avoid putting them in the dryer.
You should air-dry your socks in a natural setting, as the high level of heat from the dryer causes socks to shrink and lose their elasticity.
What Is a Non-Binding Sock?
A non-binding sock is designed to stay up without constricting the leg. Socks that have a tight, elastic cuff at the top may stay in place, but this cuff can compress the tissues and blood vessels in the leg, leading to pain, poor circulation, tingling, or numbness.
Non-binding socks have a lighter band at the cuff that’s designed to stretch with the leg and not cut into your skin. These socks usually still stay in place quite effectively, but you shouldn’t experience lack of circulation or pain.
