We are stronger than
Diabetes
MENU
Menu
While searching for the best diabetic socks, you might have run into the phenomenon of nano-socks. Nano socks is quite a new thing that seems to be gaining a lot of ground lately on the diabetic socks market. You can find ads on nano socks for diabetes, nano socks for neuropathy, compression nano-socks, etc. Can we trust these advertisements? Are nano socks really different from regular socks? Can they help with diabetic foot problems?
Reading suggestion:
When you make a quick search on the Internet about nano socks, things are pretty unclear. No one can really tell you what a nano sock is. Some say they’re light compression socks, others refer to a secret top-notch technology, etc.
Things are much simpler than that. The adjective “nano” refers exclusively to the socks’ fabric. That’s all. No special technology, no compression stories. You can indeed find nano socks that are non-binding at all, nano socks that are light compression, and others nano socks that are compression socks.
So, when it comes to nano, think about the fabric first. Nanofabrics are textiles engineered with smaller particles than ordinary materials. You can make nanofabrics either directly from nanoscopic fibers, or by applying a nanoparticle solution to a regular fabric. As we’ll see under, nano-textiles have great properties for diabetic socks.
Let’s be real: nano-socks are no magic and won’t cure all of your diabetes-related foot problems. Keep in mind that nano-socks are all about the fabric. Fabric is very important when it comes to socks, but it’s not the only criteria you need to look at when buying socks for diabetes.
You first choose what socks you need: do you need non-constricting diabetic socks? Or has your doctor advise you to wear light-compression or compression socks? Then, look for these socks in a nano textile fabric!
Textiles from nano technology show many interesting specificities for socks, and especially for diabetic socks. They’re water-resistant, eliminate moisture and odor, have a better elasticity and strength, and they’re more resistant to bacterias.
These features are very important when it comes to diabetic foot, as you mostly want to avoid moist and bacteria. Keeping your feet dry and healthy is essential when living with diabetes. Tiny infections, fungus, blisters, or any other apparently insignificant thing, can turn into real nightmares such as foot ulcer and even lower-limb amputation.
The exceptional properties that nano-textiles offer are a great addition to diabetic footwear, and especially diabetic socks. We can only recommend you get diabetic socks made from nano textile if you can afford it. They tend to be a bit more expensive than regular diabetic socks, but not that much!
Another great fabric that is particularly recommended for diabetic socks is bamboo textile. Like nano-socks, bamboo socks are moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, odour controlling. Bamboo fibers also have the advantage of being thermo-regulating, keeping your feet warm in winter times, and keeping your feet cold in summer times.
Here’s a comparison table between nano-socks and bamboo-socks, so you can quickly grab the main difference between these two types of fabrics when it comes to diabetic socks. It’s informative and of course, specificities and features’ efficiency can vary depending on other factors (fabric quality, sock construction, etc.)
| Fabrics Diabetes-friendly Features | Nano-socks | Bamboo-socks |
|---|---|---|
|
Moisture-wicking power |
|
|
|
Breathability |
|
|
|
Elasticity & Stretchability |
|
|
|
Thermo-regulation |
|
|
|
Anti-bacterial power |
|
|
|
Anti-odor power |
|
|
|
Softness |
|
|
|
Hypoallergenic |
|
|
Reading suggestion:
Be careful when looking for nano-socks for diabetes on the internet, as many companies use the term “nano-socks” referring to light-compression or full compression socks made from nano-textiles. You can find nano-textile socks that are non-constricting, light-compression, or full compression.
Generally, diabetics are not recommended to wear compression socks (except in some cases but you’d want your doctor’s advice on that). Compression socks are made to favour blood flow from your legs to your heart. On the contrary, diabetic socks should help favour your blood flow from your heart to your lowerlimb. That’s why diabetic socks are non-binding! To let blood flow towards your feet.
Reading suggestion:
If you have diabetic foot nerve pain, or diabetic neuropathy, you sometimes need some extra compression on your socks to alleviate foot pain. That’s why some “neuropathy socks” are actually compression socks. Be careful, and be sure about what type of compression you need before you buy diabetic socks!
Here’s some of our best diabetic nano-socks picks for you to choose from:
We hope this article was useful to you!
I’m Laura. Type 1 diabetic. Mother. Traveler. Writer. Researcher. I started this blog 5 years ago to investigate diabetes-related topics and share different views on the subject. I hope you find it useful!
