If your socks make an impression (beyond just what people think of them) then you’re going to want to read this article. We’re covering performance socks: what they are, how to ensure they fit, the benefits they offer, and the marks they (might) leave behind.
We’ll go into why performance socks sometimes leave marks on your legs, how peripheral edema is involved, and what you need to know about reducing swelling and unwanted sock marks. We’ll also share some red flags you should be aware of to help you determine when the swelling you’re experiencing needs medical attention. Let’s jump in.
What We Mean by Performance Fit
To us, performance fit means socks that closely hug feet like a second skin, that move and flex to deliver activity-specific comfort and protection, and that resist wear and tear for superior durability.
Depending on which category of Darn Tough socks you’re considering(hiking,running,every day,snow,hunting,workandtactical) you will find the exact formulation for performance fit differs while the essential ingredients stay the same:
- All Darn Tough socks begin with naturally soft and thermoregulating Merino Wool
- We add stretchy nylon and spandex fibers for maximum comfort, durability, and fit
- Performance is enhanced with specific combinations of cushion, knitting techniques, and flex
At Darn Tough, socks are our sole focus. We like to say we have yet to knit our best sock, and that means we are continuously learning and striving to improve our socks, so they deliver the benefits you expect from a premium performance base layer.
With decades of knitting experience, and our warranty, design, and manufacturing teams in-house at our Vermont Mills, we have the data and context to tell us that a snug fit is the best choice for socks that will protect foot health and last a good long time.
How to Tell a Close Fit vs. Tight Fit
Since performance socks are designed to hug feet and legs, let’s consider how to tell the difference between a sock that has a close fit vs. a tight fit.
The simplest way to determine if your socks are properly close fitting or too tight is to wear them for a day. Go ahead and put on the pair in question. Don’t feel alarmed if it takes a little effort to pull them into place – for our socks that’s normal. Get your shoes on and go about your day.
When you’re ready to take them off, ask yourself whether you noticed those socks throughout the day. Generally speaking, if the answer is no, then you’ve got yourself a pair of close-fitting socks that are not too tight for you.
If your socks are too tight, the bottom line is that you’re going to be relentlessly aware of them the whole time they are on. You might need to keep tugging on them or feel like they are limiting your range of motion or connectivity with your footwear; they might even feel like they’re putting too much pressure on your feet and legs – pressure that you can’t ignore.
If your socks are tight and feel like they are causing you pain, it makes sense to take them off ASAP and try a different pair.
To be clear: just because a sock is snug does not mean it is too tight. Some socks are snug by design. And sometimes, you need to try a few pairs and sizes to figure out what works best for you.
DYK: Darn Tough has one of the best guarantees out there. If you try a pair of our socks, and they aren’t the right fit for you, you can return them to us (no questions asked), and we’ll help you get into a different pair. We also maintain a searchable directory of local shops that carry our socks, so you can find a place near you to get some in-person advice and maybe try before you buy.
A Close Fit Is Like a Second Skin, and That's Good
Darn Tough socks are intentionally designed with a close fit that acts like a second skin. That means it is normal for them to feel like they are hugging your feet and legs when you first put them on. After a short time wearing them, they should feel like they’ve become one with your feet, and you might even forget they’re on.
Here are 3 reasons why snug performance socks are a good thing:
- Snug socks protect foot health by flexing and moving with the body, instead of against it, preventing blisters and providing support
- Snug socks that blend Merino Wool with stretchy elastic fibers are more durable and perform longer, meaning you buy less frequently
- Snug socks resist wear and tear, meaning they stay in service much longer
Let's Talk about the Marks Socks Make
Now that we’ve gone over performance fit and why it matters, let’s look at why socks leave marks, how you can reduce the appearance of sock marks and get them to disappear more quickly, and when you may need to be concerned.
Why Socks Leave Marks on Legs
To put it simply, socks leave marks on legs because of pressure from stretchy fibers they are knit with. For instance, all Darn Tough performancewool socks include some nylon fibers to increase durability and spandex to improve their comfort and fit. Stretchy synthetics are why our socks hug your feet and also why they can leave an imprint on your legs.
Another factor that can cause sock marks to be more noticeable is the presence of fluid retention (aka swelling or peripheral edema) in the feet and lower leg. This type of mild to moderate swelling is normal and usually harmless.
Here are 5 things that may affect swelling in the lower legs, increasing the likelihood of socks leaving indentations:
- Extended sitting or standing
- Dehydration
- Heat
- Hormone changes
- Age & weight
Reducing Sock Marks on Legs: Hydration & Movement
Sock marks likely aren't hurting you... but if they bother you, here's how you can reduce swelling and thus reduce the marks.
One way to help reduce swelling in your feet and legs is to focus on proper hydration. Dehydration can cause your body to retain fluid, which leads to swelling. Being properly hydrated can help prevent unwanted swelling and reduce the appearance of socks marks on your legs.
Of course, tending to your hydration isn’t always as simple as just drinking 64oz of water daily, but it’s a good place to start. So go fill up your water bottle. We’ll wait…
In addition to hydration, regular movement is another thing you can do to help reduce unwanted swelling in your lower extremities. The simple explanation here is that when you sit or stand for long periods of time, gravity and muscles that go off-line because they aren’t being used both contribute to a buildup of fluid in the lower legs and feet.
If it’s an option for you, make it a priority to move regularly during your day, especially if you have a job that keeps you sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. March in place, set a timer to do some stairs once every hour, or take the long way to fill your water bottle…just keep your body moving to keep that fluid circulating and not pooling.
Hot Tip: If you’re moving regularly… you might need a little extra hydration! The two go hand in hand.
When You Should See a Doctor About Swelling
If you notice your socks leaving marks on your feet, ankles, or lower legs this can be a sign that you are experiencing some fluid retention or swelling. Mild to moderate swelling in lower legs and feet is common and most often harmless.
The amount of swelling we experience can be affected by the food we eat, our hydration levels, hormone changes, age, etc. and some fluctuations are considered normal.
However, if you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor ASAP and get checked out:
- Swelling in only one foot, ankle, or lower leg
- Worsened swelling in conjunction with heart or kidney disease
- Sudden increase in swelling if you are pregnant
- Pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness associated with swelling in your foot, ankle, or lower leg
- An open wound or other injury associated with swelling
- Severe swelling that has no apparent reason
If you experience swelling and you are having difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, confusion, dizziness or fainting, dial 9-1-1 for immediate help.
Find Your Sock Fit
We knit our socks with a performance fit and size them based on standard shoe sizes... but everyone is different, and everyones feet are different. We value those differencesand, while we're on the journeyto knittingour best socks, we don't have it perfect yet. But we're committed to the journey, and we're investing in relationships to help guide us there. Partners like Mirna Valeriogive us invaluable feedback to make our next socks better than the previous ones.
If your Darn Tough sock is leaving unwanted marks due to a fit issue, we want to help. Our Customer Service team is eager to answer your questions and help you find the best fit for you.
TL; DR
- Swelling in our feet and lower legs is common and usually harmless.
- Snug clothing, like performance socks knit with stretchy elastic yarns, is prone to leaving marks on swollen skin.
- You can do some things to reduce swelling (or fluid retention) in your feet/ankles/lower legs, like staying properly hydrated and moving regularly (especially if you sit or stand still a lot).
- There are some instances where swelling should be looked at by a doctor.
FAQs
What causes sock marks? ›
Sock marks are a sign of lower leg swelling that could be caused by high blood pressure. If you're noticing tighter shoes or sock marks, there may be a reason. Standing or sitting too long may be causing lower leg swelling, or edema. These symptoms may not be a problem if they are mild and don't happen often.
How long should it take for sock marks to disappear? ›The increased pressure pushes fluid from the blood vessel into the soft tissue, causing mild swelling. Swelling related to gravity is called dependent edema. It's more pronounced at the end of the day, which is why sock marks are typically worse in the evening. They are usually gone by morning.
Why do my socks always leave marks? ›At the end of the day, when you take off your socks, you shouldn't see any depressions or grooves in your skin. If your socks do leave marks on your legs or ankles, that's a sign you've got edema.
How do you treat peripheral edema? ›Treatment of edema includes several components: treatment of the underlying cause (if possible), reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet, and, in many cases, use of a medication called a diuretic to eliminate excess fluid. Using compression stockings and elevating the legs may also be recommended.
Do sock lines go away? ›One way to differentiate this from just plain old tight socks is if you wear the same pairs of socks and never noticed marks before, but suddenly begin developing them. A lot of the time, this swelling will go away on it's own. This condition is usually brought about when your body retains too much fluid.
Can dehydration cause edema? ›The kidneys begin to react by retaining sodium and water and fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. When one is dehydrated, it can cause water weight by retaining fluids. All of this can lead to puffiness, bloating, and discomfort. Drinking more water can help.
What blood pressure meds can cause swollen ankles? ›Calcium channel blockers, which help to manage blood pressure, are a common cause, especially a type called dihydropyridines. The drug amlodipine is an example. Some swelling of the feet and ankles occurs in almost half the people who take calcium channel blockers.
How do you get rid of edema in your legs? ›Hold the swollen part of the body above the level of the heart several times a day. Sometimes, raising the swollen area during sleep can be helpful. Massage. Stroking the affected area toward the heart using firm, but not painful, pressure might help move fluid out of that area.
Why do my legs leave indentations? ›Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be bad enough to leave a dimple, also known as a pit, in the skin after pressing on the area. This swelling, called edema, is the result of too much fluid in the tissues.
Is peripheral edema serious? ›Peripheral edema is a common finding in daily medical practice, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. It can vary from benign conditions to serious medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure.
Can you reverse pitting edema? ›
To treat pitting edema, it is important to diagnose and treat its underlying cause. Additional treatment for pitting edema will depend on its severity. Mild pitting edema may resolve temporarily with limb elevation. For more severe cases, however, a diuretic medication may be prescribed.
Why do all my socks get holes in the same spot? ›While the temptation is hard to resist, wearing socks without shoes causes the fabric to weaken due to friction. The weakest spots turn into holes over time, wasting away your favourite pair of socks.
How often should you not wear socks? ›The best time to go without socks is at night. This gives your feet a chance to air out. Other times to go without socks would be when wearing water shoes or showering.
Why do I lose socks so easily? ›Static electricity – is often to blame! When socks rub against clothes in the dryer, they create static electricity. This causes them to cling to other fabrics and makes them difficult to see. As a result, they often go unnoticed when you're doing laundry and end up getting lost.
What is a diabetic socks look like? ›Diabetic socks typically are made without seams along the toe to reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters that could lead to ulcers, especially for someone with neuropathy or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Diabetic socks also sometimes have white soles to reveal draining of a wound that may not be felt.
What does indentations in your legs mean? ›Pitting edema is when a swollen part of your body has a dimple (or pit) after you press it for a few seconds. It can be a sign of a serious health issue.
What are sock lines around the ankles heart disease? ›Health experts warn that oedema may be a sign of heart failure because when the heart is not pumping as well as it should, fluid from inside the blood vessels tends to leak out into the surrounding tissues. The legs and ankles are common areas for oedema because of the effects of gravity.