How to Choose Sock Size

Co-authored by Victor Adrian

Last Updated: March 21, 2023

Sock sizing can be listed in different ways, depending on the brand. However, as long as you know your foot length and your shoe size, you should have no problem picking the right pair of socks for your feet. Since socks are stretchy, one pair of socks can fit a range of different foot sizes, so don’t stress too much about finding an exact size. Just make sure you understand how the sizes work for the brand of socks you want to buy, then use your foot length or shoe size to purchase a pair that fits. That’s all there is to it!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

By Foot Length

1
Stand on a ruler and measure the length of the longest part of your foot. Place a ruler flat on the ground and put 1 foot on top of it, with your heel at the start of the ruler. Look at the number where the tip of your longest toe rests to find the length of your foot in inches or centimeters, depending on what system you use where you live.^{[1]
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- If you live in the United States or Canada, measure in inches. If you live in the UK or Australia, measure in centimeters.
- For example, if your longest toe is the toe right next to your big toe, read the number right in front of that toe to find your precise foot length.
- You can also get your feet measured at a shoe store or in the shoe department of a department store.
2
Look at sizes available for a pair of socks to see how the size is listed. Sock sizes are usually listed by inches, centimeters, or as small, medium, and large. Check the tags on socks if you’re shopping in person or look at the drop-down sizing menu if you’re shopping online to see how that particular brand lists size.^{[2]
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- If the socks you want to buy are listed in sock sizes instead of foot lengths, move on to the next method.
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3
Choose a pair of socks that corresponds to your foot length. Look at the available sizes on the tags or in the drop-down sizing menu. Select a pair of socks that most closely matches your foot length in inches or centimeters.^{[3]
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- Some brands may also list sock sizes as shoe sizes, in which case you can just choose a pair that corresponds to your shoe size.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

By Sock Size

1
Pick small socks for women’s shoe sizes 4-7. Size "small" socks are for smallest available for adult feet. Purchase small socks if you wear women’s shoes in this size range. Size ranges may vary slightly by brand.^{[4]
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- These are US shoe sizes, which also apply to Canada and Australia (women's sizes only).
- UK women's size equivalent: 2-5
- Euro women’s size equivalent: 35-38
- Online sellers often have a handy sizing chart you can use.
2
Get medium socks for women’s shoe sizes 7.5-10 or men’s 5.5-8.5. These are the US shoe size ranges used for most medium socks. Keep in mind ranges may vary slightly by brand.^{[5]
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- UK women's size equivalent: 5.5-8
- UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 5-8
- Euro women’s size equivalent: 36-40
- Euro men’s size equivalent: 38-42
3
Choose large socks for women’s shoe sizes 10.5-13.5 or men’s 9-12. Large socks fit feet that are reach the higher end of the foot length scale. Pick large socks if you wear shoes in either of these US size ranges.^{[6]
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- UK women's size equivalent: 8.5-12
- UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 8.5-11-5
- Euro women’s size equivalent: 41-44
- Euro men’s size equivalent: 42-45
4
Buy extra-large socks for men’s US shoe sizes 12.5-15.5. These are the biggest socks available and fit the feet of the largest men. Choose these if you wear men’s shoes in this size range. If your feet are any bigger than this, some sock brands may offer 2XL socks.^{[7]
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- UK/Australia men's size equivalent: 12-15
- Euro men’s size equivalent: 45-48
- Some larger socks come in a variety of widths if your feet are particularly wide for your shoe size.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Kids Socks

1
Choose baby socks for newborns up to approximately 1 year old. Just like the name implies, baby socks are for babies! Use these for your newborns until they reach about 1 year of age or outgrow the baby socks.^{[8]
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- Kids socks are generally sized by age, rather than an actual size. This makes it easy to pick the right size for your kids, no matter where you are in the world.
2
Get toddler socks for kids from about 1-4 years old. Toddler socks work for most kids in this age range. They usually fit any kids who wear toddler shoes in US sizes 4-7.^{[9]
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- If your toddler seems to outgrow things quickly, skip the toddler socks and move up to the next biggest option so they have room to grow. They’ll last longer this way!
3
Opt for boys and girls socks for children 5-10 years of age. Boys and girls socks fit kids in this age range who wear kids shoes sized from 8-13 in US sizes. They also work for anyone who wears adult shoes sized up to US size 3.^{[10]
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- After about age 10, most children have big enough feet to start wearing small adult socks.

Warnings

If you’re shopping online, make sure you understand how the sock sizes are listed before you click “buy.” There’s usually a size chart link nearby!

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