For people with diabetes, good foot care practices are a must. That includes wearing the right socks. They need to keep their feet dry because moisture promotes fungal growth. Socks that are associated with less moisture tend to be a good option. Comfort, too, is a huge factor. If you’re shopping around for diabetic socks, whether for yourself, colleague or loved one, then here are some doctor’s recommendations to guide you along.

Look for Comfort

That’s first and foremost. A sock that fits too tight isn’t ideal. Even when you don’t have diabetes, wearing those socks will leave abrasions on your skin. They could also get itchy. Scratching those abrasions might lead to open wounds, which could get infected. That is the outcome that you want to prevent the most. That’s why it’s crucial to find socks that fit just right. They shouldn’t be too tight, but they shouldn’t be lose either.

Consider the Material

Many recommend wool since socks made of this material since they have excellent moisture wicking properties. Aside from keeping feet dry, they’re also warm. And with many socks that aren’t garterized, the fit is comfortable. They won’t leave marks behind that could result into abrasions and wounds.

Choose White Socks

If you’re shopping for diabetic socks for the first time, it might surprise you to see that the most common options are only white and black. There are some gray socks, too. But the norm is white. If you think that’s too boring, or you want to add more color into your life, or to get colored socks because they’re more fun, you might want to rethink those reasons. Diabetes often leads to nerve damage, which means people with the condition often don’t feel anything in their feet anymore. That means even if they get injured—scratched, nicked, cut—they won’t feel it. By the time they see the wounds, infection could have already set in. That could lead to bigger problems. White socks, though, are ideal, since it’s easy to spot any stains or blood that might bleed through the fabric. The next time you shop for these socks, go for the white ones.

Review the Thickness

You’ll want to consider the weather conditions, too. Thick socks are good for cold weather. The added insulation keeps you comfortable. Thin ones work better if you expect sunny weather. You could also go for liners too.

Know How Much 

How much is your budget for the socks. Don’t go for the cheapest pair if you want good quality socks. Cheap options don’t often offer the quality you want. Reviews can give you more insight into those options so you can determine which socks are worth your time and money.

Choose Durability

It doesn’t matter if the socks aren’t the cheapest ones you’ll ever find. What matters is that they offer you the best value for your money. Meaning, look for options that will last you longer. That way, you won’t need to worry about stocking up on socks so soon after you’ve only bought a few pairs.