Parents probably spend more time selecting the right footwear for kids, but choosing the right socks is equally important. Suitable and good kids’ socks protect their small feet and enhance the comfort of their shoes.
For that reason, we crafted this parent buying guide to help you find suitable socks for different kinds of footwear, determine the right sizes for your kids, and choose the best style for those picky ones.
Contents
Why Is Choosing the Right Kid’s Socks Important?
Here are a couple of reasons why kids’ socks are a very important part of clothing:
- Kids’ socks help in absorbing sweat
- They prevent unpleasant kids’ stinky feet
- Keep feet from chafing and blistering in kids’ shoes
- Good in preventing athlete’s foot
Both adults and children can benefit from all of the points above. You’ll need to ensure that your kids’ little feet are protected with both suitable shoes and socks to avoid foot-related discomfort. If you are unsure how to choose socks for different types of footwear, let us help!
Define the Size
It’s certainly more than selecting fun designs with wacky prints when it comes to choosing kids’ socks – even though that is definitely the most enjoyable part! However, picking the right socks starts with defining the right size.
In uncomfortable socks or shoes, your kid might have trouble moving their toes freely. Therefore, socks should be just the right size and fit. This means that you should avoid too big or too tight socks. Here is the guideline on how to pick the appropriate sock size according to your kids’ shoe size:
Size – Age
3-7 12-24 months
7-10 2-4 years
10-13 4-6 years
13-4 7-10 years
4-8 11+ years
Before you go and buy kids’ socks, ensure that you have the right shoe size. You can do that simply by using the Footmeter. Within a few easy steps, you can get the right measures and precise foot size for your kids!
Moreover, kids do not always speak their minds about discomforts. Thus, it’s up to parents to ensure that socks fit properly.
Socks should be able to cradle the foot the second the kid puts it on. Ensure that the heel of the socks meets your kids’ heel.
If the socks’ heel is too high from the foot’s heel, then the socks are too big. If the socks’ heel is located underneath the kids’ foot, then the socks are too small.
The sock material should also adhere to the kids’ feet without clustering in any place. This is crucial for kids putting on their shoes since a sock that is too loose might quickly become uncomfortable if it sags within the shoe.
Finally, look at the toe seam on the socks. For a neat, smooth finish, they should sit directly over your kids’ toe tip of toes.
Choose the Appropriate Material
It’s important to pay attention to the fabric type when buying kids’ socks. Always consider the material when choosing socks, as it will influence the item’s comfort and durability.
Cotton is one of the most common materials used to make socks. Since cotton is absorbent, comfortable, and durable, it is a popular choice for crafting kids’ socks.
However, believe it or not, cotton has its own downside. Cotton socks can be bulky; thus, they are not suitable for certain types of footwear. But, in most cases, it is the best choice!
Another type of socks for kids is wool socks. These are a great option for those cold days and wintertime because they keep feet snug and warm. However, this material, just like cotton, has its own downsides. Even though the natural material is always the best option, wool socks can be a bit itchy and irritating to kids.
The third type of socks is the ones made of a wide variety of acrylic fabrics. The acrylic socks are very lightweight, which means they are good for sports shoes and colorfast. Colorfast means that the dye will not wash out in the machine and dye your other clothes. However, acrylic socks, just like others, have their flaws. The main weakness of these socks is that they are not as durable as cotton socks.
According to your kid’s needs and type of shoes, choose the socks material to provide your kid the highest comfort!
Types of Kids’ Socks
There is a variety of sock types available. Each one of them suits a different kind of footwear and has different purposes. Let’s check each one of them!
Sport socks
Sport socks are designed with a specific purpose and frequently employ thicker fabrics to accommodate a busier lifestyle if you have active kids who are always on the go. Many include padding on the edges to make it more comfortable for kids, especially on the playground or when wearing things like basketball shoes. Also, it is good to look for material that has moisture-wicking properties that may absorb perspiration and reduce unpleasant odor.
Dress socks
These socks are often made of thinner materials and are designed for more formal occasions. However, most of these socks are still thick enough to give their feet comfort and protection. Luckily, these dress socks are available in neutral hues like black, navy, and brown and have cuts that range from crew to knee-high.
Non-slippery socks
If your kid is just starting to crawl/walk or is still developing their motor skills, these activities require socks designed especially for this lifestyle. These socks grip the surfaces easily; thus, they are suitable for our active babies navigating floors for the first time. Look out for socks with rubber on the soles if your kid is just starting to walk. This will provide just enough traction to improve stability and prevent slipping. The best thing is that they’re suitable for wearing indoors and outside because of their inventive design.
Designed socks
These socks are for kids’ pleasure. Simply because the are full of colors, design, details, and energetic prints. The greatest thing of all is that parents can easily match these socks with casual dresses, jeans, skirts, and shorts. At the same time, kids will never refuse to wear them and will proudly show off their new, crazy socks.
Seasonal socks
These socks are in connection with the previous one; hence, these are socks with the designs. Although the above ones are designed in a special cartoon character, seasonal socks are designed for each season.
For instance, choose Christmas-themed socks for the winter season or pumpkin-motivated socks for those October days. Your youngster may easily become enthusiastic for the season and have more sock alternatives by adding a few pairs of themed socks to their wardrobe.
However, you also need to consider the type of weather. Look for thick, fluffy, seasonally themed socks when winter arrives. These will keep your kids’ feet warm and cozy when the temps drop. As for those hot summer days, look for lighter and cooler socks. The trick is to choose socks that offer the appropriate amount of coverage without compromising comfort, style, or pleasure.
Different Socks Styles
Crew cut socks
These types of socks are probably the most popular ones. Their purpose is to stretch up about halfway up the calf and offer appropriate ankle covering. The crew cut style works for both sport and formal socks for your kid with an easy, comfortable fit.
No-show ankle socks
Also popular as invisible socks, these ones are located right beneath the ankle. Once they are on the kids’ feet, they get covered up by the shoes, so it feels like the kids are not wearing any socks. They are usually suitable for sporting settings, are excellent choices for everyday casual clothes, and ideal for gym class and playing in the park.
Trouser socks
Trouser socks are knee-high socks with a rubber band on the opening so they can remain in place once they are on. For energetic youngsters who are frequently tying up loose socks while running and playing, these socks are saviors!
Swimming socks
Swimming socks are great for those fun activities around and on the water surfaces. These include pools, seaside, ocean, rivers, lakes, and others as well. Their purpose is to protect kids’ feet from rough surfaces, keep them dry, and provide warmth in cold water.
Boot socks
When winter comes and your kid switches from summer shoes and slip-ons to more appropriate boots, boot socks are a must. These socks are usually made from naturally thicker materials such as wool. Thus, they are ideal for keeping kids’ feet and toes warm on those freezing days and are often higher in length to cover the whole boot shaft.
