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Home / Blog / Clothing and Style

Where to Buy Socks for Small Feet [2023 Guide]

Published on January 28, 2021 by Brock McGoff · Clothing and Style May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Tired of one-size-fits-all socks that are too big? Here’s where to buy socks for small feet that actually fit.

Socks for small feet
Don’t worry: you do have some great options for smaller sized socks!

When it comes to clothing, many things are one-size-fits-all. This works okay for some accessories, like hats and scarves. But socks? Come on…

Why should a man with a size 8 foot wear the same socks as a man with size 12 feet?

It doesn’t add up.

Plus, even if it did make sense, it’s very hard to find socks made for men who wear shoes smaller than size 8. I wear a size 7 U.S., and most socks are just too big.

Socks falling down
“I love this feeling!” -no one, ever

Sure, you can wash them and hope they shrink down to size, and this works okay sometimes, but it’s not ideal.

So if you’ve ever been frustrated with socks that bunch up around your heels and toes, this post is for you.

Most Socks Are Too Big

When socks are too big for your feet, it causes all sorts of problems. Some are just annoying, while others are downright dangerous.

🧦 When over-the-calf dress socks are too big, they go up past your knee and feel like stockings (at least I’m assuming that’s what stocking feel like…).

🧦 When boot socks are too big, they don’t hug your calf and slip down your leg throughout the day – a terrible feeling, especially in winter.

🧦 When no show socks are too big, they simply fall off your heel as you walk around.

🧦 And when running socks are too big, they bunch up in the toe box of your shoe and can cause all sorts of foot problems.

Bottom line: socks that are too big are a total pain in the…foot.

What to Look For

I set out to find the best socks for small feet. I looked high and low, searching the vast corners of the internet for any company claiming to make smaller sized socks.

Brock in sweater and socks
Me crunching some sock numbers 🤓

Why did I do this? Why did I spend hours obsessing over socks? Because, dammit, we svelte gents deserve socks that fit properly, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less.

Here were my requirements:

  • Sold in multiple sizes*
  • Multiple colors (not just black)
  • High-quality fabrics
  • Reputable brands

*The first criteria means I didn’t consider any sock makers that only offered one-size-fits-all socks, which rules out the vast majority of men’s fashion brands.

Sure, some one-size socks might run small, but I wanted to find socks that are actually made for men with smaller feet.

Many companies claim to make socks for small feet. But more often than not, these are empty promises. Worse still, when I found a company that actually did make smaller sized socks, the pickings were slim (i.e., they’d only have one sock length in two colors).

But, fear not! There are plenty of great options for smaller sizes socks. Here’s a full list of brands to check out, along with some info about what type of socks they offer:

Socks for Small Feet

Note: the Size column is based on men’s U.S. shoe size. It lists the smallest size each brand currently offers.

BrandSmallest SizeStylesQuick Take
Bombas6-9No show, casual, dress, compression, athleticSome of the comfiest socks you can buy; mostly known for casual socks
Smartwool3-5.5No show, casual, OTC, outdoor, athletic, winterMy personal favorite wool socks; great for boots and outdoor activities
Darn Tough5.5-7.5No show, casual, athletic, outdoor, winter, tacticalSimilar to Smartwool but more heavy duty workwear options
Nordstrom5.5-7.5Dress, OTCNordstrom's house brand; excellent cotton and wool dress socks
Swiftwick3-5.5Casual, running, hiking, golf, cycling, winterLesser known brand with *tons* of options for active people and athletes
Stance3-5.5No show, casual, running, hiking, golfCool, premium brand; excellent no show, running and crew socks
Falke5.5-7.5No show, casual, dress, OTC, luxuryGerman luxury brand; my personal favorite no show socks
Feetures6-8.5No show, casual, runningHigh quality socks with anatomical design (left/right) and lifetime guarantee
Thorlos5.5-8.5Casual, running, outdoor, tactical, compressionMade in USA since 1953; great for workwear, outdoor, tactical, cold weather

Let’s also take a look at some of my personal favorites (I’ve road-tested and worn all of these for a long time).

My Personal Favorites

I know the above table has a lot of options, so I wanted to run through a few of my favorite pairs of socks.

For reference, I wear a size 7 shoe (men’s U.S.), and I usually buy Small or Medium size socks.

Small No Show Socks

My favorite pair is the Falke Invisible Step. They’re super thin, they stay on my feet and last forever.

Falke Invisible Step no show socks on feet
Falk Invisible Step

A great affordable alternative is Invisasox. These are surprisingly good for the price.

Small Running Socks

My current favorites are the Stance Run Tab sock. With a reinforced heel and plenty of arch support, these are my go-to socks for running and lifting weights.

Small Casual Crew Socks

My favorite everyday crew length socks are the Smartwool Ultra Light Hiking Socks. Don’t be fooled by the name: these are excellent everyday socks, even if you never go outside!

They’re also great for travel since the wool material is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant.

Small Boot/Winter Socks

My go-to boot socks for fall and winter are the Darn Tough Boot Cushion Sock. These bad boys are built like tanks, and they keep my feet warm in any pair boots.

Small Dress Socks

My top recommendation for smaller sized dress socks is from Nordstrom. These are premium enough for almost anyone, and they’re relatively affordable for dress socks.

If you want more options, check out our round-up of the best over-the-calf dress socks.

Plenty of Options

So there you have it. Men with small feet don’t have to settle for one-size-doesn’t-fit socks anymore.

We can find affordable, high quality socks that actually fit. It just takes a little searching. But in my opinion, it’s totally worth the effort.

Clothing and Style Buying Guides, small feet, socks

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About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Bearded Tractor Man says

    December 5, 2022 at 4:29 am

    I wear a size 6 in US men’s – that is a difficult size to find socks for, never mind shoes. They are narrowish too, so I am better off getting socks in women’s (that are gender-neutral) and kids. I did find a company though called Kane who actually make socks specific to your actual size! They do however only go down to a size 7 in men’s, so I still have to buy the women’s versions, which fortunately many are same styles & colors as the men’s. This will benefit a lot of people here tho since a lot of people here reported wearing size 7 – 8!

    Reply
  2. Ronnie Rogers says

    August 18, 2022 at 8:27 pm

    I’m so glad I found this site. My husband wears a size 7 and his feet are very wide and thick. Now if you could only find me pants for him. 38 x 28. LOL! Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Rob I says

    March 10, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    i’ve been annoyed by bulk sock sizing for 3 decades – size 6-12?!? WTF?!?
    i figured out my size 9 feet fit into youth large socks perfect but now my store stopped selling them.
    i’m back on the hunt, so thanks for the helpful site!

    Reply
  4. L arry says

    February 23, 2021 at 11:15 am

    London Sock Company has some great choices for smaller feet. They are not just plain black and brown.
    They often have sales and have a first order discount.
    I have always had a problem with the heel being on my calf as I have a size 7 foot.

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    December 20, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    I’m a 5 foot tall woman, and can’t find women’s socks large enough for my calves. Smartwool men’s fit my feet but way too tight. I also resent paying $2 more than similar men’s socks. I don’t wear flimsy thin nylon socks, either.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      November 1, 2022 at 4:15 am

      Ditto. Sock makers need to open their eyes! The most uncomfortable thing is socks too big or small, scrunched up under your arch, choking your knee or ankle or sliding down to your ankle because they barely go up to your calf. Study anatomy and be more sustainable! How many crappy fitting socks end up in landfills?

      Reply
  6. Steve Merrick says

    December 7, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    I wish my feet were smaller. I am 5’5″ and wear a size 10 shoe, so my feet are disproportionately large.

    Reply
  7. 5WarVeteran says

    June 20, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    An here I am 6’2″ and size 9EEEEE (I). I am tired of the heel being behing my ankles.

    Reply
  8. Doc says

    April 16, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    With a 7.5 foot, I’ve had plenty of disappointment when a sock that looked great in the store fit poorly. Who looks good with a dress sock, heel colored differently, riding a few inches above the back of the shoe? The pickin’s are slim for us, unless you go the route I did. Noticing my wife had plenty of athletic and thermal socks, I tried wearing them and found they were indistinguishable from the mens variety other than for their smaller size. I hit the local stores (C21, JCP, etc) and snapped up a number of women’s socks that seemed gender neutral in colors. Eliminating florals, cutesy patterns and pinks still left a good variety of stripes, leaves, etc. It didi initially feel a bit odd knowing I’m wearing clothing designed for a woman, but hey, who cares? My wife, for her part, crosses over to some mens athletic and hiking footwear to fit her wide width feet. In the end, it’s nothing but marketing, and so far, I get no protest from my now happy feet.

    Reply
  9. Peter says

    February 15, 2019 at 11:09 am

    YES! I have been saying this for years, with regard to socks. It’s nice to see someone finally calling attention to the size disparity. If a sock is listed as “size 7-13” what they are really saying is it’s size 13, and everybody else has to deal with too much fabric, either shoved into the shoe or sticking out of the shoe. (I have the same issue buying kid’s clothes for my son. Sizes are usually listed as 6-8 or 10-12. At least kids grow and will eventually fit into the clothes.) I will certainly explore some of the brands listed above. Thanks again.

    Reply
  10. A God says

    January 8, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    If anybody can please comment on quality/durabiity & fit of these brands that make smaller socks: Bresciani , Falke, Nordstrom for size 7 feet.

    Reply
    • Ron says

      January 8, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      Falke have been pretty durable and high quality. Bought some light grey Nordstrom which seem to have been discontinued which were very light and hence not durable.

      Reply
  11. Emanuel says

    February 14, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Dapper Classics has a line of socks sized 5-9.

    Reply
  12. Ron Helpman says

    August 12, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    On the positive side, the quality of the cotton, and the elasticity of the Viccel socks I’ve ordered has been impressive. On the other hand, I find the mid calf a bit too short: when I cross my legs I can see the virtually the whole sock, including the very wide top band. Also, the images of the grey colors are misleading: the charcoal is virtually black, the grey is a very dark grey. Have also found some color variations between pairs of the grey socks. I contacted Viccel after I received the charcoal pair and sent them a picture of the sock. They sent me a replacement that was the same dark color.
    As for durability, the summer weight socks developed holes at the upper heels in a few weeks. The winter weight socks are holding up well. In any case 100% cotton socks tend not to be as durable.

    Reply
    • Ron says

      July 21, 2018 at 10:42 pm

      Update: recently ordered some more socks to discover that they’ve extended the the sock by about an inch, which remedies the foot crossing issue. Also the colors are now the same as on the web site.

      Reply
  13. AVY says

    August 4, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    I am so glad to have found this site. I thought I was the only person with small feet. It’s so tough, esp since I’m really a 7-8 depending on the shoes, mostly 7.5 but my feet are wide and thick so it’s tough. Socks too are tough.

    Reply
  14. Robert says

    March 23, 2017 at 3:43 am

    Can we just say “normal sized” socks? I’d bet if you did some stats on average men’s feet you’d find 8 is closer to the mean. Considering we have 7.5 billion people on the planet and half are men and half of those are size 8 or less that’s a bit less than 2 BILLION sets of feet that require “smaller” men’s socks.
    Anyway, thanks for this.

    Reply
    • Toby says

      August 21, 2017 at 4:22 am

      I totally agree – and asked this question on on Answer me This: https://soundcloud.com/answermethis/amt305 – fast forward to 9min 44sec.
      If I had the energy, I’d go to China and set up a factory making socks for each shoe size.

      Reply
  15. Rossalind Horne says

    February 16, 2017 at 1:16 am

    My 7 year old wears a size 5½ shoe (that’s big kids sizes) and XL socks for kids are way too small already… There is a serious market for this ‘in between’ situation. This article is very helpful in that I have been looking online at men’s S socks, but now I’m seeing per customer experience, that most of them really fit a size 7½. So the struggle continues… I would be in the market for mostly wool socks. Who’d of thought, socks!

    Reply
  16. Lynn McKee says

    December 25, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    I ordered a bunch of Viccel OTC regular cotton (thin) socks. After 6 months of wearing the black one wore holes in the heels. Ive know thrown away four pairs. I emailed Viccel but never heard back from them. Let’s see if they answer this post. Seems to be a reoccurring problem with these socks. Love the fit, collar and look – just disappointed in the quality.

    Reply
  17. Bruce Jacobs says

    November 13, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    I ordered Viccel over the calf socks and the back just above the heel my shoes wore a hole in just 3 wearings. Very disappointed.

    Reply
  18. INH says

    June 19, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    I’d also recommend checking out H&M. They routinely carry men’s socks in the 7.5 – 9 (sock size) which fit my feet perfectly and are typically prices less than $4 a pair! The designs are great as well.

    Reply
  19. zorab says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    I have found this blog post very useful for me because I have very small feet almost 6.9. I am fond of wearing branded colorful socks but these are not available in local market in small size. So I have to buy simple cheap socks of my size. But now I don’t need to buy these uncomfortable socks because I get my choices’ socks through your website. The best thing is that you provide discount. Love your website! superb!

    Reply
  20. Jason says

    November 11, 2015 at 11:54 pm

    I stumbled upon this blog/blog post while searching for smaller sock options. Anyhow, I really like Smartwool socks. I wear a size 7.5-8.5 shoe depending on brand/style/etc. and the Smartwool Medium fits me perfectly without any excess fabric around my heels, which happens often with fits 8-12 one size fits all socks. Smartwool’s medium still spans a range but at least it’s limited to fits 6-8.5. I have most of their casual/dress styles so now I’m looking for another company to expand my collection.

    Reply
  21. Kumar says

    September 7, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    very information. I have no idea why a socks designer is not thinking for smaller feet. Its ridiculous. I hate if I see the heel of the socks is above my heel.

    Reply
  22. BJV says

    May 17, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I ordered a pair of over-the-calf dress socks from Viccel. They arrived two weeks later and were obviously high quality. BUT (you knew that was coming, didn’t you) although labeled correctly, they were Humongous! The sock was 28 inches total length (my inseam is 29), 22 inches from heel to end (reaching my thigh), and the foot portion was literally a foot–12 inches from toe to heel.

    If these are their “shorter” dress socks, I’ve got to see their larger ones, which would probably reach my armpits.

    Perhaps most annoyingly, I found no options for returning the product. But since they only cost me $14, it was a moderately-priced lesson learned.

    I would certainly not recommend this company.

    Reply
    • Isa says

      September 28, 2016 at 9:09 am

      I just had the exact same experience – humongous socks! I wish I saw this comment before I ordered. Now, I’m waiting to get an address for a return. Cross my fingers they honor their return policy.

      Reply
      • BJV says

        September 28, 2016 at 10:41 am

        Good luck, Isa. When I finally did get a reply, they suggested I send this socks back but provided no further information. I was not about to pay for shipping to Turkey.

        They got me once.

        Reply
    • Anu says

      March 29, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      I agree. Same situation here! If anyone is reading this, pls save your $ and don’t order from viccel. $70 worth of socks returned bc they were huge! And it’s been 2 months and no word back about refund!

      Anu

      Reply
  23. Lawrence says

    December 29, 2014 at 9:37 am

    Have you tried Sock Dreams? While they cater mostly to women they have some options.

    Reply
  24. Robert York says

    December 26, 2014 at 1:49 am

    This is great information except that there are more than a few of us with even smaller feet. I am size 5-5.5 US or 38 EU, and I have yet to find any sort of selection anywhere. The best in Los Angeles so far is Nordstrom kids department but the style isn’t really what I want. For black and navy I just buy boys socks at Target and toss them after a few months. It would be nice to find great socks. Any ideas?

    Reply
  25. Amber Steindl says

    November 13, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I ordered socks from viccel oct. 27th. Now its Nov. 13th and i havent received an email saying its mailed, just a paypal payment on the 28th of Oct. Im very upset when someone has my money and I dont have the product. Doesnt work the other way around.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      November 14, 2014 at 10:58 am

      Sorry to hear that! Have you heard from them yet?

      Reply
      • Kemal Onyurt says

        November 16, 2014 at 3:44 pm

        have you received the socks ? please send an e-mail please be sure that we will do our best to solve your issue.

        Reply
        • Anu says

          March 29, 2021 at 4:47 pm

          Really, Kemal? I presume you work for Viccel! I would be happy for you to respond to the many emails I have been sending you regarding my order. It was returned two months ago and no refund yet.

          Anu

          Reply
  26. Kamren says

    October 22, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    Our shipping is free, our shopping cart has a problem with the district of Columbia is that where you had your socks shipped to? we have been trying to fix that its a post office issue
    Thank you
    http://www.sockbroker.com

    Reply
    • Brock says

      October 22, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      Yes, I was trying to ship to DC. Bummer!

      Reply
  27. Jesse A says

    April 9, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    You may also check out FoxRiver socks. They have pretty good selection specially for Everyday socks (pinstripe, jersey, diamond, trouser) and they are made in USA:
    http://www.foxsox.com/Catalog/search.aspx?type=subcategory&code=PMEN

    Reply
    • George says

      March 22, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      You can buy Stance socks in several different sizes, I wear a size 7 mens and the medium size on stance socks fits great. They are meant for size 6 to 8 and the majority of them are under 20 dollars cad

      Reply
  28. Richard says

    April 8, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Brilliant post! I think socks are always neglected even here in the UK- they are just one of those parts of a wardrobe we never niggle over but your right, a lot of men are expected to make do when that really shouldn’t be the case. Fantastic advice, I will be sure to pass this on! – Richard

    Reply
  29. rafael says

    February 28, 2014 at 2:29 am

    Great article, it already helped me find no-show fitness socks that fit. In addition to all this valuable information, sometime ago I found out that Boss men’s socks run small and are also a great, fashionable alternative for us.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      February 28, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Thanks for the tip. I’ll check out Boss next time I need socks.

      -B

      Reply
  30. Dennis says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Socks have been a bugaboo since I grew out of boy’s socks in high school. That’s right, I only broke past the 5′ mark in 10th grade.

    I currently wear size 7.5 (US sizing) in shoes and began buying women’s all purpose socks back in college after borrowing a pair of socks from my girlfriend.

    Since I began sartorially upgrading, I have found that there are quite a few socks being produced with appropriate quality, materials, colors and patterns in women’s socks that work well for me.

    Thank you, this post has opened my tool chest a bit more, because I have focused my attention looking for quality women’s socks and over the years I have all but ignored men’s socks.

    Reply

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