One of the biggest annoyances of wearing shoes is the sliding-down socks that wrap around the feet. It feels truly bothersome and even frustrating at times. But why do socks slide down in the shoes to create such nuisance?
It happens when the sock loses elasticity, is less tight than it needs, or has bigger shoes where the socks might slide it easily. These are the most common reasons for the socks sliding inside the shoes. Also, it might slide if the socks are too big for your feet and shoes.
Thankfully, you can purchase a pair of tight-knit socks, naturally stretchable socks, or stop washing shoes in bleach contained detergents to solve the problem. However, there are other reasons and solutions for sliding-down socks.
You need to read this article to know about them if you wish to enjoy the best out of socks and premium shoes.
What's Inside:
Why Do Socks Slide Down in the Shoes: Top Reasons Explained
A sock is designed to give you a snug-fitting with the shoes. But, things can go upside down when it starts sliding in the shoes. It is annoying and disturbing. Here, we have prepared the list of the top reasons for sliding in socks pair.
Loss of elasticity:
Many a time, your socks will lose elasticity due to overuse. Also, some socks may have less elasticity when you purchase them. Whatever may be the reason, the loss of elasticity is the primary reason for sliding in the socks pair.
The socks will lose elasticity if they are stretched out too frequently or old. Plus, smaller socks lose their elasticity if you pull them to make them bigger or fit your feet. As the socks lose their elastic capacity, it gradually rolls over to slide in the shoes.
Washing socks in bleach:
Since socks get dirty soon, you need to wash them regularly. Consequently, many people will use chlorine bleach or detergents with chlorine elements to wash their socks. You should know that chlorine and bleach will damage the spandex material of your socks, including rubber. Both spandex and rubber materials are used for the optimal stretchiness of the socks.
Also, the spandex material is directly responsible for the elasticity of the socks. On top of it, bleach also damages polyester, which is the primary material of socks. Therefore, the sock will lose its stretchiness to slide in the shoes.
Wearing bigger or loose socks:
Socks are designed to fit snuggly around your feet and legs. So, choosing the right fit for the socks is crucial to maintaining that snug feel. Sadly, many people will purchase bigger socks. Also, at times you might buy loose socks.
Both bigger and loose socks are not the right choice as they easily slide in to give you a disturbing feel. Also, there’re hand-knitted socks. These socks often use a material that gets loose over time. So, hand-knit socks, too, will start sliding in sooner than you expect, only to pull your eyebrow up with annoyance.
When socks get stretched out:
This problem is much like the socks losing their elasticity. When you keep using the same socks for seasons or months, it will get stretched out eventually. So, it won’t stay tightly in its position likewise previously. Due to overuse, the socks material will become relaxed and lose elasticity. Consequently, the sock will slide down.
It happens mostly when you purchase cheap socks that already have loose or inappropriate knitting material. Also, when the socks get aged and you have washed and reused them for months, the fiber will gradually become weak, so it slides in around the shoes.
Pulled up inappropriately:
When people are in a hurry, they often put on their socks inappropriately. Hence, their socks will not pull up at the right height. If you are one of them, you will gradually see the socks sliding in.
It happens because most socks have an elastic band on their top. It holds the sock in its place. When you don’t pull up the socks to their proper height, the elastic band fails to tighten the sock properly. So, it slides down as the day grows.
See Also: How much height do shoes add By type.
Loose shoe:
Even a pair of loose shoes will force the socks to slide inside it. Loose shoes often have unused space inside, so the socks get space for movement. Hence, it starts sliding inside the shoe. On top of it, when you wear shorter socks, its elastic band remains close to the shoe’s opening. If the shoe catches the elastic band, it grabs the socks down and gives you an annoying feel.
Since loose socks create space for the socks to slide and increase rubbing frequency, the socks get into the shoes quicker than they would have with a properly fitted pair of shoes.
Low-quality socks:
Buying a pair of low-quality or cheaper socks can also cause it to slide in the shoes. It happens mostly when you buy socks in multipack or at a discount, considering it great. In reality, these socks are often not QC passed and have defects in their manufacturing. Thus, it will fail to deliver the performance you want and slide in rather easily.
How to Stop Socks from Sliding Down
Since we have discussed the primary reasons for sliding down socks, you can take quick actions to fix it and enjoy a snug feel. The following suggestions will surely be useful.
- First off, always try to get a quality pair of socks. Instead of looking for brand names or discounts, check the material quality. Socks with proper spandex material will have better elasticity and stay in their position.
- You should never wash your socks using chlorine bleach and chlorine-based socks. When you use non-chlorine detergents, it won’t damage the rubber and spandex material of the socks. So, it won’t lose its elasticity to slide down frequently.
- You should always buy a sock with a proper fit. If your socks are bigger or loose, it slides in rather easily. So, always get a pair of tight and snuggly fitted socks to avoid the problem.
- You should also try to get socks that reach at least the calf. If it gets over the calf section, it is even better. Usually, socks that have a length up to your calf will get a snug and tight fit. So, its elastic band will wrap around your calf better, so it won’t slide in the shoes.
- If you anyway use shorter socks, using a sock garter could be the solution. It is much like the shirt garters many people use to hold their shirts on position. You may use the little clip to attach the socks and help them stay in their position all day.
Final Words
A pair of socks should give you a comfy and snug feel and prevent blisters around the feet. However, it cannot be very enjoyable when it starts sliding in the shoes. Thus, people ask, “Why do socks slide down in the shoes?
So, did you find the suggestions for keeping the socks in their place useful? Don’t forget to mention any better solutions; we would like to incorporate them for others.
Reference: https://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/laundry-tips/how-whiten-socks-7-clever-hacks-brilliant-clean
Hello, I’m Kristin, the founder and main author of footwearsfact.com. I’ve been working as a footwear designer and have built a keen interest in different footwear problems, suggestions, and designing. I hope I’ll be able to serve your needs with my skillful team member.