Most people wear socks to keep their feet warm, especially in winter. But now that you wear your socks, instead of your feet to get warmer, they keep getting colder. Why?
There are several possible reasons why your feet are colder with socks on, which we discussed in this article. They could be from your choice of socks or health-related.
Whichever way, there are solutions to them in this article, so your feet can be warm.
1. Poor circulation of blood around your feet
Poor blood circulation is a common cause of cold feet. One of the causes of poor blood circulation is wearing tight socks. Tight socks cut off the circulation in your feet, thereby making them cold. This is most common when you wear compression socks with compression levels higher than you need. A common rule of thumb for beginners is to choose those between 15 and 20 mmHg compression levels.
Read also: How Long Can You Wear Compression Socks?
2. The socks are too loose on your feet
Although it is important not to wear tight socks, especially to sleep, for blood circulation sake, you should not wear loose socks either. If your socks are too loose, air will penetrate and cause the air around your feet to be colder; it’s as easy as that!
3. Fabric of choice
Another reason why your feet are colder with socks on is because of the type of fabric in your socks. Some socks are made light and breathable for summer, while others are made thick and comfy for winter.
When choosing socks to wear for winter, you should choose ones made from merino wool, polyester, and spandex. They usually provide better warmth and temperature regulation.
4. Health conditions
Health conditions such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and iron deficiency can cause you to have cold feet even with socks on.
According to Neufoot, a lack of iron causes anemia, which leads to chronic cold feet. Diabetes damages the nerves, leading to cold feet.
Conversely, low thyroid hormone production results in hypothyroidism, which affects the body’s metabolism. Since metabolism controls body temperature, thyroid deficiency leads to cold feet.
5. Natural body temperature regulation
According to Healthline, the body is designed to control the temperature. When it’s cold outside, the body ensures that the core and vital organs are kept warm by increasing the blood flow.
However, it might change the quantity of blood flow to your hands and feet, making them colder even with socks on.
How to Keep Your Feet Warm
If your feet keep getting cold even when wearing socks, then you might need to do something different. Here are some ways that we believe will help you get out of the regular cold feet:
1. Wear snug-fitting socks
Wearing tight or loose socks doesn’t help keep your feet warm. Hence, you should opt for snug-fitting and cozy socks to enhance blood flow to your feet.
2. Improve blood circulation to your feet
There are many ways to encourage blood flow to your feet, such as:
- Movement. Getting up from your bed or chair and moving to and fro around the room enhances blood flow
- Elevating your legs with a pillow when you are lying down on the bed
- Wearing compression socks
- Exercise regularly and target your exercises to your feet
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet also helps
3. Get super-warm boots
One of the best ways to keep your feet warm is to buy quality winter boots and wear them. These boots are specifically designed to protect your feet from harsh weather conditions. As such, they are generally waterproof, cozy, and insulated. If you are wondering where to buy one, you might want to turn towards Amazon, and there you will find some cute winter boots that not only keep your feet warm but also give you a fashionable look.
1. Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
Specifications
- 4.6/5 stars with 34,892 ratings
- Waterproof leather upper
- Omni-grip traction sole
- Fashionable
2. ArcticShield Women’s Anna Winter Snow Boots
Specifications
- 4.5/5 stars with 6,371 ratings
- Insulated and waterproof
- Memory foam insole
- Excellent traction
4. Use toe warmers
Toe warmers are small, flat pads that you can put in your shoes or boots to keep your toes warm in cold weather. They work by producing heat and are often used in chilly environments to prevent your toes from getting too cold. So, they are great, especially if your toes get cold outdoors. You can wear them with your boots.
5. Use heated slippers
Heated slippers are like regular slippers but with built-in heating elements, making them perfect for keeping your feet toasty in cold conditions. Some of them work on battery-operated modules, while others are powered up with USB cables. Once they are fully charged, you can unplug them and use them.
Here is how to use heated slippers:
6. Use thermal or heated insoles
Placing this insole inside your shoe or boot is an excellent choice to keep your feet warm. These insoles, which could be rechargeable or disposable, generate heat when powered.
Read also: How to Keep Socks From Slipping — 6 Best Methods
The Best Socks to Keep Your Feet Warm
1. 5 Pack Women Wool Socks Winter Warm Socks
These socks are made of wool, cotton, and polyester. They keep your feet warm throughout the winter and make them comfortable.
They are breathable, and they also last a long time. Another pro of having these socks is that they are versatile. They can be worn to work, school, hiking, sports, etc.
2. Busy Socks Winter Warm Thermal Socks
They don’t only keep your feet warm but also provide a soft and comforting feeling to your feet. These socks are warmer than regular socks. They are insulated and well-designed to keep your feet warm even at the lowest temperatures.
These socks are versatile. You can wear them in a cabin, at work, outdoors, or in sports. And they can be presented as gifts.
Read also: How Often Should You Change Your Socks?
3. Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks
These socks are made of 80% merino, 15% polyester, 4% nylon, and 1% spandex. They are perfect for hiking in any weather, especially in winter. They provide you with maximum comfort and warmth around your feet.
These socks go well with winter boots as they provide a shaped cushioning in their footbed.
4. BomKinta Boot Socks
These socks are specifically for women. The elastic band is not too tight or too loose. It fits your ankle perfectly and keeps it warm. These socks offer so much comfort that you can use them to sleep.
They are also perfect to gift to your loved ones, as they are fashionable and versatile.
5. Hot Feet Thermal Socks
These socks are just for men. They ensure they keep your feet warm all day as they feature acrylic, spandex, and polyester. These features make them soft and cozy on your feet.
You don’t have to worry about sweaty feet, as they wick away moisture and keep your feet cool and dry.
Read also: Do You Wear Crocs With Socks?
FAQs
Should I be worried if my feet are cold?
Yes, you should. Poor blood circulation, in particular, is the main medical condition that causes cold feet. These problems won’t resolve on their own except when taken to a medical practitioner.
If left untreated, it could lead to even worse cases.
Does having cold feet cause stress?
Yes, it does. According to the Texas Foot and Ankle Center, when there is poor blood circulation on your feet, it triggers the flight or fight response, also known as acute or hyperarousal stress.
Conclusion
Your feet are colder with socks on because of the kind of socks you wear, the restriction of blood flow to your feet, and health conditions.
You can change that by choosing the right type of socks, encouraging blood flow to your feet by indulging in some activities, and seeing your doctor if it is health-related.
