Best Socks for Morton’s Neuroma in 2023

 

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that can cause discomfort every time you place pressure on your forefoot. This can make walking, exercising, or even just standing uncomfortable.

While the best course of action is to choose better shoes or add a pair of insoles to your current shoes, you can also help to reduce the pain by wearing the best socks for Morton’s neuroma.

Your socks should provide comfort, an extra layer of padding in the forefoot, and support for the metatarsal area of the foot.

We recommend the Feetures Elite Max Cushion Low Cut for our top pick. They have substantial cushioning in the forefoot, use moisture-wicking material, and have compression panels in the midfoot for more support.

Browse through all the options to find the one that best suits you, so you can start getting relief for your Morton’s neuroma pain.

Top 3 Best and Favorites

 

Feetures Elite Max Cushion Low Cut

 

  • Moisture-wicking polyester fabric
  • Lightweight construction
  • Compression panels
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Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks

 

  • Medium cushioning underfoot
  • Seamless toe closure
  • Extra-deep heel pocket
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Swiftwick MAXUS One

 

  • Soft, cushioned footbed
  • Y-shaped heel
  • No-show design
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Best Overall

1. Feetures Elite Max Cushion Low Cut

The Feetures Elite Max Cushion Low Cut socks are ideal for almost anyone with Morton’s neuroma.

The sock is cushioned to the max, in the forefoot, heel, and Achilles. This protects the foot, reduces impact on the forefoot, and increases the comfort of the sock.

A tighter midfoot section offers light compression and better support while keeping the sock fitting optimally with no bunching or slipping. The socks are also designed with an anatomical fit for a more snug and fitted feel.

It’s made from moisture-wicking material, which also helps to reduce the chance of blisters and chafing. This also helps to protect the feet and prevent misalignment of the joints that can occur as a result of altering your gait when chafing happens.

A lower-density thread under the arch allows for improved airflow through the socks, which helps to keep your feet cooler and dry in warm weather.

Their low-cut design is not too long or too short, and most people will be comfortable with the above-the-ankle cuff. You can get them in other heights as well.

These socks come with a lifetime guarantee, so although they’re slightly expensive, it should be a worthwhile purchase.

PROS:

  • Moisture-wicking polyester fabric
  • Lightweight construction
  • Compression panels
  • Substantial padding in the forefoot and heel

CONS:

  • These socks are quite expensive
 

Top Quarter-Length

2. Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks

The Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks are ideal for people who like a quarter-length sock.

They come with medium cushioning, which will be perfect for those with mild Morton’s neuroma symptoms and prefer a lighter sock.

It’s extra cushioned in the heel and the forefoot, providing light shock absorption that helps to protect the foot and reduce pain. An extra-deep heel pocket helps to improve the fit of the sock, helped by the comfortable elasticized cuff and elastic sections across the foot.

A seamless toe closure significantly reduces the chances of getting blisters due to friction.

As well as no uncomfortable seams, the material is breathable thanks to strategically-placed vents and wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry.

You may find that these socks run slightly warm in hot weather, due to the extra cushioning.

PROS:

  • Medium cushioning underfoot
  • Breathable, moisture-wicking material
  • Seamless toe closure
  • Extra-deep heel pocket

CONS:

  • These socks may run warm in the heat
 

Best Cushioning

3. Swiftwick MAXUS One

This maximum-cushioned no-show sock offers a high level of padding for increased comfort and softness underfoot. High-volume fibers make up the plush footbed, absorbing shock and cushioning every step.

The upper portion of the sock is light and thin, allowing for good ventilation to keep your feet cool. As well as being comfortable and cushioning the neuroma, the MAXUS Olefin fibers in the footbed wick away sweat and help your feet to stay cool.

In the arch, the fabric is slightly more compressive to provide more support and comfort, preventing the sock from slipping. With a sturdy Y-shaped heel, the sock molds to the shape of your foot and doesn’t move around, for an almost customized fit.

The maximum cushion of these socks may make your shoes feel too tight. You may need to take some time to get used to it.

PROS:

  • Soft, cushioned footbed
  • Molds to the shape of your foot
  • Y-shaped heel
  • No-show design

CONS:

  • The maximum cushion may make your shoes feel tighter
 

Top Merino Wool Socks

4. Darn Tough Nomad Boot Midweight Hiking Socks

Merino wool is an excellent choice of material for socks, as it regulates temperature. This makes it warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the perfect sock for year-round wear.

As well as being suitable for all-weather, Merino wool is also naturally moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and antimicrobial. Your feet will stay dryer, cooler, and fresher in these socks. It’s also known for being soft and extremely comfortable.

The cushion in this sock is midweight, so it’s cushioned but not so thick that it feels uncomfortable. It’s soft under the foot, on top of the foot, and up the leg, where the cuff ends mid-calf.

Not only does this cushion the forefoot and ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma, but it provides great shock-absorbing properties to help reduce vibrations that could aggravate the neuroma.

Their Performance Fit with fine-gauge knit design means these socks are comfortable and light on the feet, as well as anti-slip and blister-free.

Some people may feel that the thick cushioning of these socks increases the tightness of the sock too much and it becomes uncomfortable. If you like a slightly looser fit, you may need to go up a size.

PROS:

  • Merino wool pulls moisture away from skin
  • Full-length cushioning
  • Naturally antimicrobial
  • Dries quickly

CONS:

  • The thick cushioning may cause the sock to feel too tight
 

Best Crew Length

5. Smartwool Classic Edition Hiking Socks

Your feet and calves will be covered with this mid-calf crew-length sock.

It features full-length cushioning that wraps around the foot for protection from all angles. This provides good shock absorption and comfort, although it can run warm in summer.

As well as extra padding to protect your forefoot, there’s an elastic arch brace in the midfoot for support and a tight but comfortable fit. A flat-knit toe seam means there’s very little chance of friction to cause blisters.

These socks are made of a combination of recycled nylon and Merino wool. Although Merino wool is an excellent temperature regulator, these socks may run slightly warm in medium to high temperatures due to their thickness.

PROS:

  • Made from soft Merino wool
  • Full-length plush cushioning
  • Stay-put arch brace
  • Flat knit toe seam

CONS:

  • These socks may run slightly warm
 

Top Socks for Work

6. Darn Tough Steely Boot Midweight Works Socks

These socks feature comfortable cushioning made of terry cloth loops. It runs throughout the whole length of the sock, lowering the impact and providing extra comfort.

As well as comfortable padding, the Merino wool keeps the feet cool in the heat and warm in the cold. It’s also very soft and comfortable, and the fine-gauge knitting and seamless toe add to the comfort and guarantees no slipping or bunching.

They’re also moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and quick-drying. A deep heel pocket and elastic arch support add to the comfort fit and support of the sock.

These socks are covered by a lifetime guarantee. Those with large calf muscles should note that these socks may be tight around the calf and you should consider ordering one size larger if you feel that this may be a problem.

PROS:

  • Full-length medium cushioning
  • Breathable and odor-resistant
  • Deep heel pocket
  • Elastic arch support

CONS:

  • These socks may be tight on those with large calf muscles
 

Best Odor-Resistant Socks

7. Balega Silver No-Show Running Socks

The Balega Silver No-Show Running Socks come with medium cushioning throughout the sock. This sock is thick and padded, providing shock absorption and protection for the forefoot. The ankle collar is also padded for comfort.

It’s constructed from Drynamix polyester, elastane, and nylon, creating a soft, comfortable wearing experience. On top of the foot, a full mesh panel allows for good airflow to keep the feet cool and as dry as possible.

A deep heel cup, compressive arch bands for support, and seamless toes keep these socks where they should be and prevent them from slipping down or chafing.

These socks have excellent odor-resistance features. They use fibers with silver ions to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, which are invisible to the eye but effectively antimicrobial.

Some may find that the thicker cushion of this sock makes them too warm in summer weather.

PROS:

  • Antimicrobial silver layer
  • Full mesh panel
  • Compressive arch support bands
  • High heel tab

CONS:

  • These socks may be too warm in hot weather
 

Top Toe Stretching Socks

8. Happy Feet Socks

Sometimes, toe stretching socks can help to alleviate pressure on the forefoot and reduce the pain and discomfort of Morton’s neuroma. Toe stretching socks—or toe separating socks—are often used to relieve hammer toe pain, but they’re also effective for Morton’s neuroma.

These Happy Feet Socks are made of a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane. The cotton makes them quite warm, so they’re best for wearing in winter.

The toe separators are soft and don’t chafe. These help to gently align the toes properly, spacing the metatarsals out and reducing any pressure that’s placed on them. This can effectively help to lower pain that happens as a result of pressure on the metatarsals.

They come in a range of colors and sizes and they stretch, so you can get them on and off easily. According to the manufacturer, they do run small so you may want to order a size larger than usual.

You can wear these toe separators comfortably and safely while you sleep. But they may be too bulky to wear with shoes on, so save them for when you’re relaxing.

PROS:

  • Made from soft breathable material
  • Built-in toe separators
  • Can be worn while you’re sleeping
  • Available in a variety of colors

CONS:

  • They’re a bit too bulky to wear with shoes
  • These socks run small
 

FAQs

Why Are Socks Important if You Have Morton’s Neuroma?

The socks you choose to wear can either make Morton’s neuroma pain feel worse or help to alleviate it. If you choose the right socks, you can expect a light layer of protection for the painful area and some light shock absorption.

But choosing the wrong socks can increase the chance of pain, blisters, and discomfort, especially when you have Morton’s neuroma. It can also leave the forefoot with little protection against impact.

What to Look For When Shopping for Socks for Morton’s Neuroma?

When shopping for the best socks for Morton’s neuroma, you should consider the following factors.

The material of the sock can make a difference in your level of comfort. You should avoid cotton, as it retains heat and moisture and can contribute to blisters and pain.

Instead, choose socks made from lighter material like polyester or nylon. Merino wool is a good choice if you want a sock that works for all seasons, and bamboo is a natural fiber that keeps the feet cool and reduces odor.

You should also pay careful attention to the cushioning in the sock. There should be extra padding in the forefoot to provide light shock absorption and comfort to the affected area of the foot.

Are There Special Socks for Morton’s Neuroma?

Although there are no socks made specifically for Morton’s neuroma, people may find that toe socks help to relieve the pain and take pressure off the painful spot.

Also, socks that have extra cushioning in the ball of the foot may be helpful.

Do Toe Socks Help Morton’s Neuroma?

Toe socks can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of Morton’s neuroma by helping the toes to splay more comfortably and providing a more balanced base to walk on.

Spreading the toes also helps to relieve pressure on the metatarsals, which can help to alleviate pain.

Can Compression Socks Cause Neuroma?

Although compression socks can have good effects and help to stimulate circulation and speed up recovery, they can also contribute to Morton’s neuroma as they compress the foot.

But it’s more likely that tight shoes will cause Morton’s neuroma and not tight compression socks.