Sock aids eliminate the need to bend down, therefore reducing your chance of unnecessary injury or strain. These dressing aids are extremely helpful for people with a wide range of medical conditions including patients who are post-surgery, people with arthritis, and anyone with low or limited back, leg, or arm mobility.
These handy daily living aids make putting socks on exponentially easier while also putting less strain on the back, legs, arms, and hands—especially valuable if your loved one had limited mobility! If you’re using a sock aid, you’re protecting your body from future injury.
Sock aids aren’t all made the same, but there are tons of sock aids on the market that are worth trying out. Below are our top sock aid recommendations as well as a guide on how to choose the best sock aid for you and yours.
The best sock aid/helpers review
RMS Original Deluxe Sock Aid With Foam Handles
RMS makes putting on socks as easy as can be. This product is an Amazon favorite with almost 13,000 reviews!
This sock assist device works with a straightforward, four-step process. All you need to do is place your sock in the flexible plastic shell, put the aid on the ground, slip your toes in the sock opening, and then pull the aid straight back until your socks are all the way on. It’s that simple!
The aid is made with a flexible and soft plastic shell for maximum comfort and usability, designed for people with limited dexterity in their hands in mind. Soft foam handles provide a comfortable grip.
In total, the sock aid is 38-inches long including the shell and cords, but the rope is adjustable for any length that suits you.
If you’re not crazy about the design or it isn’t doing what it needs to be, don’t worry—RMS offers a limited lifetime warranty to ensure your customer experience is as good as it can be.
Pros
- Highly rated sock aid tool on Amazon
- Works with differently sized feet and socks
- Limited lifetime warranty just in case
Cons
- Might be too big for smaller feet
- Could be difficult for some to add sock to device
- Requires both hands to use
Key Features
- Durable yet flexible molded plastic
- Compatible with feet of any size
- All sock styles and materials will work
- Soft foam handle for easy gripping
- Adjustable ropes for the desired length
- The shell has a foam pad so socks won’t slip off
- The package comes with a sock helper and instruction sheet
Specifications
- Brand: RMS Royal Medical Solutions, Inc.
- Model: BD15252
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 3 inches
Vive Sock Aid
Vive’s sock assist is another option that makes putting on socks quite a bit more simple and pain-free and features a similar design as our top products.
The sock aid consists of 33-inches of rope sandwiched by three centimeters of thick foam padding and a latex-free plastic shell built to comfortably fit against your feet.
The main difference here is on the bottom of the shell – there is a slip-resistant cuff to ensure the sock will stay put until it transfers to your feet. This provides more hold than the slip-resistant foam pad, but could also make it more difficult to slide the sock on and off the device.
Vive offers a 60-day warranty for customers just in case they aren’t completely content with their purchase.
Pros
- Thick foam padding for comfortable use
- Slip-resistant cuff
- Latex-free
Cons
- Requires both hands to use
- The warranty is only for 60 days
- Cuff could make sock more difficult to remove
Key Features
- Slip-resistant cuff
- Each handle has 3 centimeters of foam padding
- Sock cords are 33-inches in length, easily adjustable
- 60-day warranty
Specifications
- Brand: Vive
- Model: BD15846
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 4 x 3.25 inches
Allstar Innovations Easy On, Easy off Sock Aid Kit And Shoehorn
Allstar Innovations created a sock aid that is both outside-the-box and versatile. Not only does their product help put on socks, but shoes, too! Part of the contraption can detach and be used as a shoehorn which makes slipping on a pair of sneakers or sandals worlds easier. The detachable shoehorn also assists with removing socks from the feet as well.
The product consists of a sock slider handle and cradle, as well as a rubber grip bottom which keeps the product stable while you’re putting on your socks. Since the product doesn’t rely on handles as other sock aids do, AllStar’s product reduces strain to your fingers, hands, and arms.
After putting on your socks, you can detach the sock slider handle, use the shoehorn to put on your shoes, and then you’re ready for whatever!
Pros
- Unique design
- Doubles as shoehorn
- Grips to floor
Cons
- It’s more complicated than the traditional sock aid
- Might be difficult for taller individuals
Key Features
- Works with all kinds of socks
- Packs up easily
- Soft grip bottom to keep it in place
- Unique design
- Handle top
Specifications
- Brand: Allstar Innovations
- Model: SK112
- Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 10 inches
Jobst Stocking Donner, Aid for Putting On Compression Socks
Jobst’s product is designed to make putting compression socks on uncomplicated.
The product is made of a steel frame that the user can step into from a seated or standing position. To make stepping in easier, the product is padded with foam handles at the top, steadying users.
Though the product is designed specifically if you want to wear compression socks, it works best if the person’s calves are 16-inches in circumference or less. Therefore, this product isn’t for everyone.
Pros
- Compression sock-friendly
- Two different ways to use
- Sturdy steel frame
Cons
- Not for all sizes
- A little less user-friendly than others
Key Features
- You can step into the frame from a seated or standing position
- Foam-coated handles
- Comfortable grip
- Works with calves 16- inches in circumference or less
Specifications
- Brand: Jobst
- Model: BEI010913
- Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 8.5 inches
RMS Sock Aid Kit
Getting socks on is only half the battle–you need to be able to easily remove them as well! That’s where the RMS Sock Aid Kit comes in handy. Not only does it come with the traditional sock assist consisting of a flexible plastic shell, rope cords, and foam handles, but it also includes a sock remover.
This remover is made from medical grade plastic that features an easy-grip handle complete with a strap for those with weak hands – simply hook and push.
The bright blue design also makes the kit easy to spot in your closet or dresser.
Pros
- Includes a sock remover that even works with compression socks
- Bright color easy to find
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Cords shorter than other options
- Color could be off putting to some
Key Features
- Medical grade plastic shell and remover
- Deluxe sock aid with slip-resistant pad
- Foam handles
- Limited lifetime warranty
Specifications
- Brand: RMS Royal Medical Solutions
- Model: 4336308105
- Dimensions: 18 x 5 x 3 inches (including cords)
Our best sock aid/helpers guide
All sock aids do the same thing, but not in the same way. There are lots of seemingly small details to take note of before purchasing your own sock aid. In order to get your money’s worth, be sure that all your needs are being met from the get-go.
Below are a few key details that will ensure your sock aid will work for all your needs.
Foot size
If you have bigger, wider, or swollen feet and legs, make sure to do your research about which sock aids are actually compatible with larger feet and calves. Conversely, if you have smaller feet be mindful of the size as well. Checking product dimensions is very important with a sock aid.
Sock type
Ideally, all socks are compatible with sock aids. That isn’t always the case though, especially with compression socks and hand strength. If compression stockings are what you’ll be wearing more often than not, select a sock aid that specifically has compression socks in mind. The length of your sock is also something to keep in mind, as longer stocks may be more difficult to apply or may require some manual effort as well.
Design
For the most part many sock aids will be similar in design and use, with the differences being in details. Things like cord length, resistant pads to hold the sock in place, and shell size are important factors to consider when looking at more traditional designs. As a general rule of thumb, factor in the conditions for which this product is required and the design that will best aid those conditions. So if you or yours has back issues, finding a product that requires minimum bending is a must. If weak hands are an issue, something that is easy to apply the preferred sock type and glide onto the foot is a must.
Material
Most stocking aids are made of plastic. The ideal kind would be sturdy enough to hold the sock in place and not break with repeated use, but flexible enough to conform to the sock and foot. Metal is more durable but lacks flexibility, which might be fine depending on the design.
Handles
For most sock aids, long handles make the magic happen. It’s best if the handles are soft, made with foam (or have a foam grip), and are slip-resistant. This way, you will not have to fret about accidentally losing your grip on the handles or putting too much pressure on your hands. The softer and easier to hold, the better.
Cord length
If part of the design, the best length of the cords depends on your height, weight, and a variety of other factors. As a rule, just in case, it’s likely in your best interest to choose a sock aid with longer cords than you think you might need, so you have extra inches to work with! If you have more cord than you need, all you have to do is tie a knot or cut the cord and you’re ready to use your sock aid once more.
Warranty
Purchasing something with a warranty isn’t a necessity, but it does instill a sense of peace of mind. Depending on the product you buy, you might be able to get a money-back guarantee if the sock aid doesn’t work for you.
