How to Choose the Right Sock Size

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Know your sock size for a cozy, comfortable fit every time
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Sock sizing can be listed in different ways, depending on the brand. However, as long as you know your foot length and your shoe size, you'll have no problem picking the right pair of socks for your feet. Since socks are stretchy, one pair of socks can fit a range of different foot sizes, so don’t stress too much about finding an exact size. We'll help you pick socks based on your foot length and shoe size, so you're never left scratching your head.

Things You Should Know

  • Measure the length of your foot from your heel to your longest toe to purchase socks that are sized by length.
  • Choose small socks if you wear a women’s shoe sizes 4-7, and medium if you wear women’s shoe sizes 7.5-10 or men’s 5.5-8.5 (U.S. sizing).
  • Go for large if you wear women’s shoe sizes 10.5-13.5 or men’s 9-12, and XL if you wear men’s shoe sizes 12.5-15.5 (U.S.).
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

By Foot Length

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  1. Place a ruler flat on the ground and put 1 foot on top of it, with your heel at the start of the ruler. Look at the number where the tip of your longest toe rests to find the length of your foot in inches or centimeters, depending on what system you use where you live. [1]
    • If you live in the United States, measure in inches. If you live in Canada, the UK or Australia, measure in centimeters.
    • For example, if your longest toe is the toe right next to your big toe, read the number right in front of that toe to find your precise foot length.
    • You can also get your feet measured at a shoe store or in the shoe department of a department store.
  2. Sock sizes are usually listed by inches, centimeters, or as small, medium, and large. Check the tags on socks if you’re shopping in person or look at the drop-down sizing menu if you’re shopping online to see how that particular brand lists size. [2]
    • If the socks you want to buy are listed in sock sizes instead of foot lengths, move on to the next method.
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  3. Look at the available sizes on the tags or in the drop-down sizing menu. Select a pair of socks that most closely matches your foot length in inches or centimeters. [3]
    • Some brands may also list sock sizes as shoe sizes, in which case you can just choose a pair that corresponds to your shoe size.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

By Sock Size

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  1. Size "small" socks are for smallest available for adult feet. Purchase small socks if you wear women’s shoes in this size range. Size ranges may vary slightly by brand. [4]
    • These are US shoe sizes, which also apply to Canada and Australia (women's sizes only).
    • UK women's size equivalent: 2-5
    • Euro women’s size equivalent: 35-38
    • Online sellers often have a handy sizing chart you can use.
  2. These are the US shoe size ranges used for most medium socks. Keep in mind ranges may vary slightly by brand. [5]
    • UK women's size equivalent: 5.5-8
    • UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 5-8
    • Euro women’s size equivalent: 36-40
    • Euro men’s size equivalent: 38-42
  3. Large socks fit feet that are reach the higher end of the foot length scale. Pick large socks if you wear shoes in either of these US size ranges.
    • UK women's size equivalent: 8.5-12
    • UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 8.5-11-5
    • Euro women’s size equivalent: 41-44
    • Euro men’s size equivalent: 42-45
  4. These are the biggest socks available and fit the feet of the largest men. Choose these if you wear men’s shoes in this size range. If your feet are any bigger than this, some sock brands may offer 2XL socks. [6]
    • UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 12-15
    • Euro men’s size equivalent: 45-48
    • Some larger socks come in a variety of widths if your feet are particularly wide for your shoe size.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Kids Socks

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  1. Just like the name implies, baby socks are for babies! Use these for your newborns until they reach about 1 year of age or outgrow the baby socks. [7]
    • Kids socks are generally sized by age, rather than an actual size. This makes it easy to pick the right size for your kids, no matter where you are in the world.
  2. Toddler socks work for most kids in this age range. They usually fit any kids who wear toddler shoes in US sizes 4-7. [8]
    • If your toddler seems to outgrow things quickly, skip the toddler socks and move up to the next biggest option so they have room to grow. They’ll last longer this way!
  3. Boys and girls socks fit kids in this age range who wear kids shoes sized from 8-13 in US sizes. They also work for anyone who wears adult shoes sized up to US size 3. [9]
    • After about age 10, most children have big enough feet to start wearing small adult socks.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you know what size compression socks to buy?
    Victor Adrian
    Footwear Expert
    Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute.
    Victor Adrian
    Footwear Expert
    Expert Answer
    Just measure your calf! From there, it's easy to see what size you correspond with, especially if you buy them online.
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  • Question
    What size sock should a woman wear if her shoe size is 8½?
    Community Answer
    She would wear a medium-size sock.
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  • Question
    Are sock and shoe sizes the same?
    Abu
    Community Answer
    Yes. Sock and shoe sizes are the same. For example, if you wear a men's size 11 shoe, you would wear a large sock size (10-13).
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • If you’re in between sock sizes, pick the larger size for more comfort.
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      • Socks are pretty much all unisex these days, so just make sure you know what sock size corresponds to the range your men’s or women’s shoe size falls in.
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      Warnings

      • If you’re shopping online, make sure you understand how the sock sizes are listed before you click “buy.” There’s usually a size chart link nearby!
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about shoes sizes, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian .

      References

      1. ↑ https://sockrevolution.com/sock-size-information/
      2. ↑ https://sockrevolution.com/sock-size-information/
      3. ↑ https://sockdrawer.com/pages/sock-sizes-explained-finally
      4. ↑ https://support.danner.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010816154-How-do-I-determine-my-sock-size
      5. ↑ https://support.danner.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010816154-How-do-I-determine-my-sock-size
      6. ↑ https://support.danner.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010816154-How-do-I-determine-my-sock-size
      7. ↑ https://sockdrawer.com/pages/sock-sizes-explained-finally
      8. ↑ https://sockdrawer.com/pages/sock-sizes-explained-finally
      9. ↑ https://sockdrawer.com/pages/sock-sizes-explained-finally

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