Are Ankle Socks Bad for Circulation?

Socks are cool! They let you make a statement, help you express yourself, and make sure that you’re comfortable. With the right pair, you can stay warm in the winter or stay cool in the scorching summer heat.

There are multiple kinds of socks out there: knee-high socks, compression socks, ankle socks, no-show socks, and more. We’re particularly digging into just ankle socks today, what makes them safe, and what are some of the red flags you should be on the lookout for when buying a pair. Let’s get started!

What are Ankle Socks?

Ankle socks fall right around your ankle bone, and they’re almost always visible when you’re wearing a low-top shoe. These socks are ideal to be worn in summer since they’re mostly made out of light materials and trap little to no heat on your lower leg.

The Anatomy of Perfect Ankle Socks

The benefits of ankle socks are no secret to anyone. There are a few key considerations. However, that can make or break this seemingly insignificant attire investment. Here are a few features that you must consider when buying ankle socks:

Blister tab

These socks are minimal, small and easy to wear. It’s all fun and games until you realize that there are some devil-may-care shoe designs out there that will rub against the back of your feet so frequently that you’ll have an agonizing blister popping up in no time.

That’s exactly where a blister tab sweeps in and saves the day. It’ll be a pity for you to find a nice, comfortable pair of ankle socks that doesn’t have a blister tab. Out of the five key features we’re putting forth, you do not want to compromise on this one.

Cushioning

Whether you’re buying ankle socks for casual use or plan on pairing these up with compression sleeves later on, ample cushioning will always come in handy. If you want to continue floating in your expensive Yeezys seamlessly, you’ll need your socks to offer at least some cushioning.

Season-fit

If you’re buying ankle socks for summer, it goes without saying that you should only opt for lightweight, breathable materials. If you’re buying them for colder seasons, however, get your hands on ankle socks made out of wool or other relatively thicker materials.

Moisture wicking

If you’re buying socks for athletic use, moisture-wicking properties are a must. There’s not any hard and fast rule about this, though, and such socks will also serve well for everyday use.

Durable

In the pursuit of making them breathable, some manufacturers may end up producing socks that are way too light to stand up to regular wear and tear. So, make sure your standards for quality don’t suffer while you’re trying to secure cool features in your ankle socks.

Can Ankle Socks Cut Off Circulation?

Ankle socks cannot cut off blood circulation unless you’re wearing a pair that’s an inappropriate size. It’s only when the socks are too tight and uncomfortable to wear that you will have something to worry about.

If your socks are too tight and you continue to wear them over time, they may distort the original shape of your feet and even encourage ingrown nails to cause infections.

Summing Up With Some Dos and Don’ts of Ankle Socks

As you’re now up to date with the various features of ankle socks and the potential harms of choosing inappropriate ones, here are some more dos and don’ts to get you going:

• Do not wear ankle socks with sandals.
• Make sure to wear them with sneakers, hiking shoes, and casual shoes.
• Make sure to add a splash of colour to your socks and coordinate the colours with your outfit.
• If you’re wearing breathable socks, avoid stretching them too harshly to ensure longevity.
• Opt for high-density knitting to ensure durability and increased comfort.