Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (2024)

I have had plenty of socks slide down on me. They look out of place and sometimes get pulled into my shoe. Then walking becomes uncomfortable, especially if you’re on a hike somewhere. Most of the socks I have purchased recently don’t slide down and I think I know why.

Socks slide down because of many reasons. Loss of elasticity and the amount of space between the sock and the shoe are two of the most common reasons they slide down. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why socks slide down.

  1. They are stretched out.
  2. They are too big or not tight enough.
  3. They are not pulled up high enough.
  4. Your socks get pulled into your shoe.
  5. They are made with little elasticity.
  6. They are washed in bleach which can cause a loss of elasticity and stretching.
  7. They need extra grabbing power.
  8. Your feet are too dry.
  9. The socks are low-quality socks.
  10. Your shoes are too big.

Ankle-high and no-show socks seem to be the worst offenders when it comes to socks that slide down. I’ve had severalankle-high socks in the past that lost elasticity and slide down most of the time. Now there are socks with silicon built in to help prevent slipping.

Table of Contents show

10 Reasons Socks Fall Down and 10 Solutions

If you have socks that slide down, it can be inconvenient and look embarrassing, like you got dressed too fast in the morning. If you are doing a lot of hiking or running it can be even more problematic because you may start to get blisters quickly.

In this section, we’ll discuss how we can prevent socks from falling. One of the best solutions is just to buy new socks. Sometimes this can be helpful but not always, so we’ll see when you might need to and when not to. Here are 10 reasons and 10 solutions for your falling socks.

1. Stretched Out Socks

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (1)

Problem

When socks fibers are pulled apart over time they start to lose their ability to stay tight. The knitting starts to relax and the elastic material in the sock starts to be less effective.

This happens to socks that are loose-knit socks more often and happens to socks that are cheaply made as well.

In addition, older socks will start to see this problem occurring as they age. Washing and wearing your socks over a period of time naturally will loosen their fibers and materials.

Solution

Buying high-quality socks that are tight-knit socks can help them stay up. If you look at the materials used and the general quality of the socks, this can be an indicator that the sock will stretch less in the future.

Look for high-density knitting and areas on the sock that provide extra support to prevent slipping.

Try washing socks on the gentle cycle and with a gentle detergent. This should help them stay tightly knit for longer periods.

2. Socks That Are Too Big (or Not Tight)

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (2)

Problem

When you buy a sock that doesn’t quite fit right it can’t sit close to your skin. The tension needed to stay up is too low.

This happens when you buy socks that are too big and it can occur if your socks fibers are loose in the first place.

Some hand-knit socks are not tight enough, to begin with. The fibers may be too loose and the sock may not have any elastic material in it.

Washing some socks, such as wool fiber socks, in a washing machine can cause the fibers to loosen.

Solution

Buy socks that have stretchy material in them such as spandex. If your socks have no stretchy material they may lose their hold much quicker.

Some socks come in small, medium, or large. Other socks say they fit a wide range of feet, such as feet between the range of 6 -12 inches.

Look for socks that fit a more specific range such as 9-11 inches.

When buying wool socks and some other types of fibers, you may need to hand wash them to keep them tight.

3.Not Pulled Up High Enough

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Problem

Many socks use an elastic band at the top of the sock. This ensures the sock stays better in place. If low pressure is applied to the band, the sock won’t have enough tension to stay up for long.

I used to push my crew socks down around my ankles so they looked better with what I was wearing.

This works fine if the socks have enough tension around my feet and ankle, but if not my shoes tend to pull them down into the shoe itself.

Solution

Pulling your sock as high as it is meant to go can help the elastic band in your sock have much better tension to keep your sock in place.

Soccer socks are meant to go over the calf. This helps them stay up better because of the additional pressure and shape of the calf muscle.

Snug shoes will also help the socks stay in place better. Ensure your laces are snug so you have a good fit.

4.Socks Get Pulled into Shoe

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (4)

Problem

Socks tend to stay in place inside your shoe if there isn’t anything to grab hold of.

When socks are loose or low cut socks like no show socks theirs usually extra material for shoes to grab ahold of when you walk.

If your shoes catch this material, your sock will start to slide down into your shoe.

Loose shoes can also cause excessive rubbing and pull your socks down.

Solution

Check your shoes to see if they are snug on your feet. This will help socks move less and allow socks to stay in place.

Check that your socks are snug and not loose. Snug socks hold better.

If you use no-show or ankle socks, get ones with silicon around the heel area, a tab at the top of the collar, or ones with strong elastic compression especially at the top collar of the sock.

Some athletes use short compression socks and these work well at staying in place as well.

5.Sock With Little Elasticity

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (5)

Problem

You have socks that have lost their elasticity or didn’t have much elasticity when purchased.

These socks may have been stretched out due to being too small for your feet, are old, or washed too much.

These socks may be older socks you’ve had for years that were made before modern techniques were used to help socks stay up better.

Solution

Use no elastic socks for low activity situations, such as wearing around the house.

You can try a DIY hack and try using a smooth flat bead of glue from a hot glue gun on the inside of your sock at the back collar or glue a strip of silicone on the inside back collar to prevent slipping.

Other fabric glues may also work because they have a rubbery texture when dry and should prevent socks from slipping.

If your hiking with low elasticity wool socks, a sock liner can help prevent socks from moving much.

6.Socks Washed in Bleach

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (6)

Problem

You washed your socks with chlorine bleach. Bleach can damage rubber and spandex. Rubber and spandex are used to help socks keep their elastic properties.

Bleach also can degrade polyester which is used in most socks I use regularly. So, if you use bleach avoid washing socks in it.

Older socks that you’ve had for years may lack the elasticity of modern socks.

Solution

Avoid using chlorine bleach and use nonchlorine bleach. Chlorine can damage the elasticity and fibers in cotton, polyester, wool, and mohair.

The best way to clean socks is to use the gentle cycle and use cold water. Then you can hang dry them if you want to prevent further wear from the dryer.

If your socks smell bad adding some baking soda (1/2 cup) the next time you wash your clothes.

7.Sock Just Don’t Grab Well

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (7)

Problem

You’re involved in activities that place a high demand on your socks. Your socks may slide down from excessive movement when hiking, running, sports, and other activities.

Your socks may also tend to move inside your shoe or your shoe is a bit big for your foot so some rubbing occurs.

Solution

Try to wear two pairs of socks when hiking to keep your feet snug in your shoes and prevent socks from rubbing.

Use non-slip socks and socks with silicon inside to help socks stay in place.

Use calf-length socks or compression socks to give you extra gripping power. These socks should help during more intense activity.

8.Your Feet Are Too Dry

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (8)

Problem

Your feet are slippery because your skin is dry. Feet need to be moisturized if they are too dry.

Socks may slide over your skin much easier if your skin is too dry.

Shoes, socks, and skin will all play a part in how things turn out. Yet, dry skin may be one factor in pulling your socks into your shoe.

Solution

Keep your feet moisturized. If you are a runner or a hiker you may have used a product such as BodyGlide to prevent rubbing from occurring.

Conditioned skin grips better than dry skin. As you sweat you want your feet to stay relatively dry so the fabric doesn’t cling to your skin.

A moisturizer or balm, along with a sock that can breathe and wicks away moisture, can help keep socks in position without moving much.

9. You Have Low-Quality Socks

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (9)

Problem

You bought a multipack of socks thinking it was a good deal and then came to realize your socks weren’t very durable.

This has happened to me on several occasions. I would wash my cheap sock several times and the elasticity was soon almost gone.

Now I look to see if they are made by a name brand and check review if I can find any.

Solution

Even higher-priced socks might not last long depending on the situation. It’s best to look for socks that have higher levels of spandex, ones with long fiberdurability(some wools, nylon, polyester, bamboo, acrylic, polypropylene, Tencel), and that have a feature to help them stay up.

Cheap socks are made with less expensive materials and just don’t last as long.

10.Shoes are Too Big

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (10)

Problem

If you have roomy shoes, they might be too loose for many socks. When your foot slips a bit in your shoes, you will start to getting rubbing.

Rubbing can pull a sock into your shoe and cause the material to bunch up.

Normally it’s ok if the toes have plenty of room to wiggle, but the rest of the foot and heel should be snug.

Solution

One solution is to get thicker socks to use in your large shoes. You can also do what hikers do and put on a sock liner and an outer sock layer to prevent rubbing.

This could stop your socks from sliding down.

Try adding a thicker insole or extra pad inside your shoes to see if your shoes feel snug as you walk.

Mix and Match Your Shoes and Socks

The right mix of shoes and socks for the type of shoe you are wearing and the type of activity you are participating in can make a difference.

For example, I have gone on long hikes without proper socks and have gotten blisters. Then when I went hiking for even longer with proper socks I didn’t have any blisters at all. My shoes fit snug, I have two pairs of socks, and hiking shoes, my socks stayed in place and my feet were fine.

You may need to invest in a new sock for the shoes you have right now or just come up with the right combination of socks and shoes. If you don’t have the right shoes for the activity you’re doing I would also suggest getting some if you plan on doing the activity a lot.

Final Thoughts

I always prefer to get quality over quantity when buying socks, although I tend to want to get a good deal at the same time. If you’re looking for new socks, try looking at about 3 different ones within your budget and get the best ones you can find.

Try to get ride of sock that your holding on to that no longer work well and recycle them or maybe reuse them as a rag. Then, only get socks that work well and have higher quality features to ensure they stay up during all the activities you are engaged in.

Thanks for visiting Helpshoe.com

References

https://www.pburch.net/dyeing/dyeblog/C1975726308/E20110417091021/index.html

https://www.hunker.com/13422741/how-to-bleach-polyester

https://www.windetergent.com/blogs/how-to/how-wash-compression-socks

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/bleach-isnt-so-scary–if-you-know-how-to-use-it-correctly/2019/01/07/decb5514-0470-11e9-b5df-5d3874f1ac36_story.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-smell-out-of-clothes

https://sheecsocks.com/blogs/being-chic/5-tricks-to-prevent-your-no-show-socks-from-slipping

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe (2024)

FAQs

Why Socks Slide Down [10 Reasons Why and 10 Solutions] | Help Shoe? ›

Get The Right Size. Even if you have socks that are over the calf and they have the right amount of elastic, they can still slide down if you choose them in the wrong size, particularly if the size is too small. What happens is while you walk, the sock wants to contract, so it pulls down your heel.

What causes socks to slide down into shoes? ›

Get The Right Size. Even if you have socks that are over the calf and they have the right amount of elastic, they can still slide down if you choose them in the wrong size, particularly if the size is too small. What happens is while you walk, the sock wants to contract, so it pulls down your heel.

How do I keep my shoes from pulling down my socks? ›

How to Keep No Show Socks from Slipping
  1. Find the right fabric and coverage for your shoe type. Different types of shoes require different types of invisible socks. ...
  2. Find the right sock size. ...
  3. Check the silicone grips on your no-slip socks. ...
  4. Get a new pair of no-slip socks.

How do you keep no show socks from sliding down? ›

If your no show socks keep slipping, odds are they are missing this key feature. A silicone heel grip is a must-have to ensure your no-show socks stay on. This small silicone grip ensures the socks stay adhered to your heel.

Why do my socks sink into my legs? ›

When socks leave an indentation, it is typically the result of peripheral edema. Several benign causes are possible, such as standing for long periods. However, edema can sometimes result from an underlying health condition, such as renal or heart failure.

What causes the shoe to wear down? ›

Most likely, uneven wear will be a result of an overpronating gait (when your foot rolls inwards to the big-toe-side) or a supinating, or underpronating gait (where your foot rolls outwards towards the little toe).

Why do socks lose elasticity? ›

Low Quality Socks

Cheap socks don't use enough bands of elastic in the welt of the sock, so after a couple of wears / washes they start to sag. Decent socks have strong elastic at the top of the sock with multiple bands. Not too tight and not too loose.

How do you make socks tighter? ›

Set the dryer to the hottest setting for cotton or polyester socks. Use the longest cycle possible to give them enough time to shrink, and check on your socks every once in a while to make sure they are reaching the right size. Set the dryer to a warm setting for wool socks.

What are the things called that keep your socks up? ›

Amazon.com: Garters For Socks.

What is sock glue? ›

Sock glue is a gentle roll-on body adhesive that washes off with water, leaving no stain. It is useful in any situation where clothing needs to be held in place, whether that's bra straps, strapless dresses or theatrical costumes.

What is a sock slider? ›

The Sock Slider System consists of the sock cradle and a long handle that will help you slide your socks on without bending over, twisting or turning. The handle will also help you take your socks off when you're done wearing them and help you hold your shoes in place while you put them on.

What happens to your feet when you wear socks all the time? ›

Wearing socks and shoes all day prevents your feet from getting fresh, dry air. If your socks are damp or not that clean, your feet can develop fungal infections like athlete's foot and fungal nails.

Why can't I lift my leg to put on socks? ›

To don or doff your socks, you need adequate hip range of motion. If you're finding it harder and harder to get that foot up on your opposite leg, it could be because of lost hip range of motion. As discussed above, the fact that you can't put on socks could mean that severe hip arthritis is on its way.

How do you know if shoes are bad for your feet? ›

6 Signs Your Shoes Are Damaging Your Feet
  • You've Had Your Shoes For a Long Time. ...
  • Your Feet Hurt When Running Or Walking. ...
  • Your Toenails are Damaged. ...
  • You Are Developing Blisters, Calluses, And Corns. ...
  • Plantar Fasciitis. ...
  • You Can't Take Off Your Shoes Easily.

What are the symptoms of wearing shoes too small? ›

Many people across the globe experience the most common foot conditions that are caused by ill-fitting shoes.
  • Foot Pain. Aching foot pain is one of the first signs that your poorly fitting shoes are causing harm. ...
  • Deformities. ...
  • Ingrown Toenails. ...
  • Debilitating Pain. ...
  • Peripheral Neuropathy. ...
  • Infections. ...
  • Alignment and Posture.
Mar 15, 2023

Why do I slide my feet when I walk? ›

Foot supination happens when you don't use the proper muscles to walk correctly. People who develop this issue struggle with pushing or activating the right muscles in their feet as they walk. It could be due to a number of factors, but usually, it's caused by a muscle imbalance in the feet.

How can I stabilize my feet? ›

6 Proven Exercises for Building Strong Feet and Ankles
  1. Toe pick-ups/curls. Place several small objects, like marbles or Monopoly pieces, on the floor in front of you. ...
  2. Bent-knee wall stretch. ...
  3. Negative calf raises. ...
  4. Towel tug. ...
  5. Ankle pump up and down. ...
  6. Foot roll.

Should your feet slide in your shoes? ›

When your foot bends to take a step in a new shoe, your heels should slip slightly. 1/8” movement is normal but can feel like much more. Loose slipping in the heels will not cause blisters when broken in gradually, but wearing shoes that are too small and tight will cause friction and then blister.

Does hairspray stop shoes slipping? ›

Keep slippery bare feet in place with a few spritzes of hairspray. Spray the bottom of your feet with a thin coat of hairspray and immediately put on your shoes.

Is it better for socks to be tight or loose? ›

At the top of the foot, you want the socks to feel tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that they can't expand a little while you are walking. If you're wearing a crew-length sock, this feel should extend all the way from the ankle up the calf to the elastic band on top.

Is it better to wear tight socks or loose? ›

“Socks that are too tight are going to impair circulation,” Tina said. On the other hand, loose socks are more likely to move around and cause friction. Fit is especially important for people with diabetes who have poor circulation and experience swelling in the feet or legs.

What to do with socks that lost elasticity? ›

By hand-sewing four or five rows of elastic thread around the cuff of the sock, you can provide enough elastic to give new life to those socks and save money in the process.

Why won't my socks stay up? ›

If you wear no-show socks that are too small or too big, it's more likely to cause slippage. Proper fit is essential for no-show socks that don't slip down. Additionally, lower-end socks manufactured with inferior materials stretch and deform after use, leading to slippage even when they initially fit correctly.

Why do all my socks shrink? ›

Hang Dry Your Socks

Using the high heat of dryers will help prevent your socks from retaining elasticity, especially those with high nylon content. Small drying racks can be used while hang drying your socks. This step will help prevent your socks from any shrinkage.

Do thick socks make shoes tighter? ›

A thicker sock will generally provide more cushion as well but beyond that the thickness of your socks will primarily only affect the way your shoes fit as in a thicker one will make your shoes tighter.

What is a sock trick? ›

Did you know scoring six goals in lacrosse is called a sock trick?

What does pull your socks up? ›

The pull your socks up meaning encourages one to get up and achieve something, try extra hard to do it if you really have to.

Is Sock tape waterproof? ›

IS SOCK TAPE WATERPROOF? Yes, SOCK TAPE is made from a waterproof PVC so it will hold steady no matter the conditions. Just don't apply to wet kit.

How do you wash Irish dancing socks? ›

Machine wash in cold water with like colours on a gentle cycle or hand wash in cold to lukewarm water and rinse. Wash with a mild soap.

How do you clean Irish dance socks? ›

These Irish dance socks are made of 80% cotton and 20% nylon. It is the ultimate quality when it comes to comfort for dancing feet. They are also very easy to clean, you can just wash them in the washing machine.

What is the best sock slider? ›

The best sock aid/helpers review
  • 1 RMS Original Deluxe Sock Aid With Foam Handles.
  • 2 Vive Sock Aid.
  • 3 Allstar Innovations Easy On, Easy off Sock Aid Kit And Shoehorn.
  • 4 Jobst Stocking Donner, Aid for Putting On Compression Socks.
  • 5 RMS Sock Aid Kit.
Dec 20, 2021

Why do socks make you slide? ›

Get The Right Size

Even if you have socks that are over the calf and they have the right amount of elastic, they can still slide down if you choose them in the wrong size, particularly if the size is too small. What happens is while you walk, the sock wants to contract, so it pulls down your heel.

How do you ensure your sock doesn't slip up and down when you walk? ›

Check the silicone grips on your no-slip socks.

Some brands use silicone dots or lines placed strategically around the heel and ball of the foot to provide extra grip, while others use wider silicone strips that wrap around the entire circumference of the sock.

What tool helps disabled people to put socks on? ›

- A sock aid is designed to make the process of putting on socks simpler and more comfortable. Also known as sock helpers, our aids feature an easy-to-use gutter design that assists with changing.

Why can't I bend to put my socks on? ›

There are many reasons why you may find it difficult to put on socks. The extensive range of motion can be very challenging for people who have reached a certain age, those who suffere from arthritis, Parkinson's, back pain, lack of upper body strength, pregnant women and bariatric individuals.

Why do my feet slide in my shoes? ›

There are a few reasons your feet might slide forward in your shoes. It could be because the shoes are too big, or it could be because you have high arches and the arch support isn't adequate. It's also possible that you're simply not tying your shoes tight enough.

Are socks and slides normal? ›

The history of wearing socks and sandals together is not as negative as you might think. People have been wearing socks and sandals together since ancient Egyptian and Roman times. In modern times, it is not only acceptable but encouraged in places such as India and China.

How do people keep slides on their feet? ›

Take a strip of masking tape and double it over, sticky side out. Press the tape to the sole of the slide, toward the front, so that the ball of your foot adheres to the sticky upper side of the tape. Such is the price of looking fashionable.

Why do Americans wear slides with socks? ›

Many of the people who are on board with socks and sandals do it for the comfort. Wearing sandals without socks allow their feet rub against the sandal and can create blisters for some. Socks also provide sandal-wearers with extra cushion and comfort.

Is it OK to always wear socks? ›

Wearing socks all of the time is generally regarded as perfectly healthy if done properly. There are myths that wearing socks 24/7 can lead to fungal growth and result in foul smelling feet. If changed regularly, there should be no health problems associated with wearing fresh socks all day and night.

How should your foot sit in a shoe? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

How should feet look in shoes? ›

So, what exactly is a good fit? Toes should have enough wiggle room in closed shoes. For high heeled pumps, the toes should be lying flat next to each other and not squashed uncomfortably together. Dress shoes for men should have at least a half an inch between the longest toe and the leather of the shoe.

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