Designed to prevent falls without impeding patient movement, hospital socks play an important (but frequently overlooked) role in health care. The underside of the sock typically features grips or treads, which help to keep patients from slipping on slick hospital floors. Hospitals also tend to be very cold, and a comfortable and cozy pair of socks can help a loved one stay warm.
Of course, hospital socks are available in a variety of styles, some of which are more appropriate for certain types of patients. We’ve reviewed some of the most popular options available to help caregivers find functional socks that improve comfort while adding some protection from a common source of injury. In case you’re having trouble making a choice, we’ve also included a detailed buying guide at the end of this list.
The best hospital socks
Pembrook Non-Skid/Slip Socks
For pure comfort, these Pembrook socks are difficult to beat. They’re made from a chenille blend (cotton, polyester, and Spandex), an ultra-soft material ideal for keeping warm during a stay at a healthcare facility. Gripping rubber treads help to prevent falls, and buyers can choose from a variety of colors.
Pembrook socks provide gentle compression, but they’re fairly easy to slip on and off. They maintain their softness even after multiple washes, and they’re quite inexpensive given the quality of the materials.
Pros
- Affordably priced and designed for long-term use
- Chenille blend stays warm and soft
- Non-slip treads are well integrated into the unisex design
Cons
- Might be too warm for some users
- Limited color options
Key Features
- Made with high-quality chenille material
- Designed for use in healthcare facilities, but perfect for home
- Stretches to fit adult male shoe sizes up to 11 and women’s sizes up to 9
- Unisex design with several color and pack size options
- Skid-resistant grips matched to sock color
Specifications
- Brand: Pembrook
- Model: B00UGGNMA8 (Amazon Serial Number)
- Size: One size fits all
RATIVE Anti-Slip Hospital Socks
RATIVE’s non-skid socks are made with terylene and spandex, two synthetic materials that dry quickly while offering superior ventilation. They’re not the warmest socks on this list, but for some patients, that’s a significant advantage.
They also feature extra arch support and, of course, non-skid grips to help patients maintain balance on slick hospital floors. There are quite a few grips on the bottom of each sock. The flexible fabric isn’t excessively tight, but won’t come off in bed—a key consideration during overnight stays.
Pros
- Plenty of non-slip grips for better stability
- Breathable material dries quickly
- Knitted fabric seems durable
Cons
- Limited color options
- Elastic material might not appeal to some buyers
Key Features
- Added arch support for a comfortable, secure fit
- Made from 97 percent terylene and 3 percent Spandex
- Quick-drying material offers excellent ventilation
- Available in sizes from Medium to XX-Large
Specifications
- Brand: RATIVE
- Model: B07NFBPSCH (Amazon Serial Number)
- Size: Medium to XX-Large
XXXL Slip Stopping Terrycloth Socks (Double Tread) (Extra Wide Bariatric) (Yellow) (3 Pairs)
Let’s be frank–sometimes you just need large socks to accommodate larger, wider feet, especially if swollen or bandaged–and this choice has you covered. Their high quality terrycloth socks measure XXXL, fitting shoe sizes ranging 14+.
Another unique feature is the 360-degree tread that wraps completely around the foot. This allows the treads to expand and contract with the foot size to ensure a nonslip grip every time.
As a bonus, every order comes with two PrimeMed metatarsal pads, which are great to help align the transverse foot arch or rebalance lower leg tissue.
Pros
- Perfect for extra large, wide, swollen, and/or bandaged feet
- Wraparound tread ensure nonslip grid regardless of foot size
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Only one size
- Only available in one color
Key Features
- Four pairs of XXXL royal blue socks
- 360-degree wraparound tread
- Comfortable terrycloth fabric
- Free PrimeMed metatarsal pads
Specifications
- Brand: Pillow Paws (made by Principle Business Enterprises)
- Size: XXXL
Gripjoy Grip Socks Non-Slip Hospital Socks
Unlike many of the products on this list, Gripjoy socks are made to be worn with or without shoes. Their grips are fairly thin, which prevents them from being noticeable when paired with your favorite footwear, but they’re still capable of reducing slip risks.
The slim, unisex design will appeal to some buyers, though these certainly aren’t the warmest hospital socks on the market. They’re also somewhat expensive, but 10 percent of profits go to finding cures for neuromuscular diseases.
Pros
- Fit comfortably when worn with shoes
- Traction grips are well-integrated into sock design
- Cotton blend is warm but breathable
Cons
- Limited color options available
- Material is somewhat thin and can wear out with regular use
Key Features
- Made with a blend of cotton, polyester, and Spandex
- Manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Thin grips provide traction without disrupting comfort
- Fits comfortably even when worn with shoes
- 10 percent of all profits go towards funding neuromuscular disease research
Specifications
- Brand: Gripjoy
- Model: B07ML55XYM (Amazon Serial Number)
- Size: Small/Medium or Large
unenow Unisex Non-Slip Grip Socks
These ankle socks are highly elastic, but made from cotton fibers, which provide an excellent blend of breathability and warmth. The short length makes them easy to slip on and off, and a grid of silica anti-skid grips helps to protect against falls.
The manufacturer offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but only for 30 days after the date of the purchase. Nevertheless, this is a durable and comfortable option for patients who prefer a low cut.
Pros
- Cotton material is both warm and breathable
- Silica anti-slip grips won’t crack or come apart with regular use
- Cushioned bottom provides extra comfort
Cons
- Low-cut style might be too short for some patients
Key Features
- Highly elastic cotton socks with silica anti-slip grips
- Unisex low-cut design with four color options
- Three size options (small, medium, and large)
- Manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Specifications
- Brand: unenow
- Model: B07YFGYYVQ (Amazon Serial Number)
- Size: Small, Medium, and Large
Our Best Hospital Socks Guide
Hospital socks play an important role in managing fall risks, but they vary considerably in quality and features. Consider these factors when making your purchase:
Hospital Sock Materials
For the most part, material choice comes down to personal preference, so consider the patient’s needs and wants. Elastic materials like Spandex and terylene provide a tight fit with plenty of ventilation, while materials like cotton and chenille are warmer and potentially more comfortable for long hospital stays (though they aren’t as breathable).
Any garment material is capable of irritating sensitive skin in certain individuals, but the vast majority of allergic contact dermatitis is caused by fabric additives. For that reason, it’s important to wash hospital socks prior to their first use.
Measurements
Be sure to consider the patient’s condition when sizing your purchase. Bariatric patients and diabetics may prefer larger socks that don’t constrict the feet or cause discomfort; look for products specifically marketed towards bariatric patients to ensure a comfortable fit.
For non-bariatric patients, be sure to check sizing charts, as there’s no real standard for sizing. Manufacturers often use U.S. shoe sizing as a point of comparison, but garments can run small or large, so check user reviews for additional guidance. Several products offer a money back guarantee, so if you’re unsure of the sizing, look for this benefit.
Non-Skid Grips
Most hospital socks have grips to prevent accidental slips. Check to see that the grips are firmly adhered to the sock. Lower quality socks might lose their treads after a few trips through the laundry, and you should replace these as soon as possible.
Here, we should note that non-slip socks are not a substitute for high-quality footwear or mobility aids. While non-slip treads are helpful, caregivers should take appropriate precautions when working with patients who have high fall risks.
You should check with hospital staff to determine whether the facility has any guidelines that might affect your purchasing decision. For instance, some hospitals use sock colors to indicate fall risks and other medical information—while that’s not the standard, a few quick questions can prevent a misunderstanding.
