Everyone gets sweaty feet once in a while, particularly after a long, summer day or after an intensive workout. Occasionally, though, sweaty feet have other causes. If you’re sick with the flu, have a cold, or you’re anxious, you might sweat more all over, including from your feet. “Menopause, thyroid problems or diabetes can also contribute to excessive sweating,” explains Ashley Lee, podiatrist, because fluctuating hormones can alter your internal body temperature.1

However, some people just sweat more—regardless of the activity they’re doing, the shoes they’re wearing, or the temperature outside—and there is no known cause. This is called hyperhidrosis, or more specifically to feet, plantar hyperhidrosis.2 

“Excessive sweating of the feet seems to be an inherited problem,” explains Angie Seelal, registered physician’s assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC. “No one knows exactly why it occurs, but people who sweat excessively seem to have a different ‘set point’ than other people [so they] sweat excessively almost all the time.” 

Whatever the cause of sweaty feet, one thing is certain: it’s unpleasant, sometimes smelly, and it can be embarrassing. The good news is that if you wear the right kind of sock, it can help keep your feet a little drier and keep your feet more comfortable. “Wicking fabric is best for hyperhidrosis,” says Lee. “Fabrics that are considered wicking are usually made up of two or more of the following: Polyester, nylon, lyra, and merino wool. CoolMax technology fabrics are usually a combo of spandex, wool or cotton.” 

There are lots of socks made of these fabrics on the market though, so picking the right ones can be a little overwhelming. So, to help narrow down your choices, we spoke to podiatrists and dermatologists to determine the very best socks for sweaty feet.

Here are the best socks for sweaty feet on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bombas Cushioned No Show Sock at Bombas.com Temperature regulating vents built into the fabric allow the feet plenty of ventilation. Best Budget: Under Armour Women’s Essential No Show Socks at Amazon Offers arch support and is made of sweat-wicking material to keep feet dry all day. Best Wool: Smartwool Hiking Light Crew Sock at Amazon Features an elasticized arch brace that prevents the socks from sliding off as they’re worn. Best with Cushioning: Nike Spark Cushion Quarter Running Socks at Amazon Very comfortable to wear thanks to its built-in strategic cushioning and Y-stitch heel pocket. Best Compression: Dowellife Plantar Fasciitis Socks at Amazon Lightweight, but can still provide firm heel compression needed to reduce inflammation. Best for Arch Support: Lululemon Power Stride No Show Sock at Lululemon Provides 360-degree arch support for maximum comfort. Best Ankle Sock: thorlos Distance Walking Ankle Socks at Amazon Made from ‘Thor-Lon acrylic’ fibers, a cotton-like yarn that wicks away moisture.

Best Overall: Bombas Women’s Performance Cushioned No Show Sock

View On Bombas.com Pros

• Performance yarn wicks away moisture
• Airflow venting built in
• Strategic cushioning
• Seamless toe

Cons

• Not gender neutral
• Heel can bunch on some users

While technically designed for working out, these no-show performance socks are great for everyday use if you have sweaty feet. They are thin enough to conform to the shape of your foot and they feature targeted cushioning to keep you comfortable. However, what makes them perfect for people with sweaty feet is the fact that they have temperature regulating vents built into the fabric to allow your feet plenty of ventilation and that they are made from a special yarn that wicks away moisture.

Material: 66% Polyester, 21% Nylon, 12% Cotton, 1% Spandex | Fit: Ankle

Best Budget: Under Armour Women’s Essential No Show Socks

View On AmazonView On Underarmour.com Pros

• Soft and stretchy
• Anti-odor technology
• Available in a variety of colors

Cons

• Thin material
• Not the best for working out

For an affordable yet still high-quality sock, these Under Armour ones are the best you can get. Sold as a set of six, they’re stretchy, soft, lightweight, and super comfortable. They offer some arch support and they have sweat-wicking material to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. They’re also truly no-show, with a scooped ankle.

Material: 90% Polyester, 6% Nylon, 4% Elastane | Fit: No Show

Best Wool: Smartwool Hiking Light Crew Sock

View On AmazonView On Backcountry.com Pros

• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Has a light cushion for comfort
• Available in a variety of colors
• Arch brace to hold sock in place

Cons

• Only available in dull colors
• Run small
• Will shrink if washed and dried incorrectly

Originally designed to be a hiking sock, these socks are a great choice for other activities too, including biking, running, or skiing because they provide light cushioning on the soles of the feet to keep you comfortable. They’re made from a combination of merino wool and nylon, two fabrics that have great moisture-wicking properties to help keep your sweaty feet dry. They also feature an elasticized arch brace to prevent them from sliding out of place as you wear them.

Material: 64% Merino Wool, 34% Nylon, 2% Elastane | Fit: Crew

What the Experts Say

“Wool socks are your best bet for cool and dry feet in the summertime, as wool wicks away moisture to prevent your feet from becoming soggy and wet. They are suitable for every lifestyle.” —Angie Seelal, registered physician’s assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC

Best with Cushioning: Nike Spark Cushion Quarter Running Socks

View On Amazon Pros

• Dri-Fit Technology to wick away sweat
• Strategic cushioning for comfort
• Y-stitch heel pocket for better fit
• Breathable

Cons

• Expensive price per pair
• Run small

These socks have special Dri-Fit technology to help wick away sweat from your feet and keep you dry. They’re also very comfortable, thanks to built-in strategic cushioning to minimize the impact on your feet and a Y-stitch heel pocket. In addition, they stay put, even while you’re running or working out so you don’t get any blisters.

Material: 56% Polyester, 39% Nylon, 5% Spandex | Fit: QuarterThe 8 Best Compression Socks for Varicose Veins of 2022

Best Compression: Dowellife Plantar Fasciitis Socks

View On Amazon Pros

• Lightweight
• Moisture-wicking
• Firm arch-support
• Supportive compression

Cons

• Snug fit not for everyone
• Exposed toes can cause odor

Compression socks aren’t always ideal for people with sweaty feet because they can be thick and restrictive. However, these are the opposite: they’re made of lightweight fabric that is moisture-wicking, while still offering the firm heel compression and ankle support you want in socks designed to reduce inflammation.

Material: 75% polyamide, 25% spandex | Fit: Ankle

What the Experts Say

“There are certain types of compression socks that can be worn even by those with sweaty feet, but it may be important to change the socks if you feel like you have soaked through the socks. Dowellife Compression Foot Sleeves may be a good option for those with sweaty feet looking for a compression option as they are lightweight and moisture-wicking.”  —Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist

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Source: verywellhealth