You may not have considered them before, but swim socks are a simple way to cover and protect your feet while you're out in any kind of water.
Whether you're open water swimming, worried about verrucas or simply enjoying a paddle at the seaside, you can feel safe in the knowledge that your feet won’t get injured by the likes of coral or sharp debris.
Plus, neoprene swim socks allow you to maintain grip should you be attempting to navigate slippery or wet surfaces.
Before you take a look at the best swim socks available to buy below, here's what to look for when choosing the best swim socks.
Things to consider before buying swim socks:
Is this your first time buying a swim sock? Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or hoping to take a dip on your next getaway, here's what to look for when it comes to investing in a pair.
Sizing: Choosing the right size swim sock can be tricky. Did you know that swim socks should feel snug? When these accessories get wet, they expand slightly - if your swim socks slip on like a regular pair in your underwear draw, then they're not going to fit properly in the water.
Watertight: If you're open water swimming, it's essential to ensure you minimise the amount of water that can get into your socks. However, if you're paddling in the sea on holiday, this may not be a requirement.
Thermal insulation: Going for a swim on a chilly day? You must pick swim socks that have a thermal function to keep your toes warm. If you don't have the insulation, being in cold water can be painful and even make you ill.
Should I get swim socks or swim booties?
While the booties are great when it comes to walking across rocky surfaces, they can often create extra drag in the water, generally weighing you down as you swim. Socks, however, are more flexible on the feet and will allow you more freedom to kick, making them ideal if you want to get your swim speed up.
The best swim socks 2021
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Best budget swim socks
Available in seven different colours, the textile sole of these slim shoes have an anti-slip dot design to prevent slipping, while the lightweight stretchy material makes them easy to wear and take off.
Key features:
• Gum rubber sole
• Easy to put on
• Features anti-slip dots
One reviewer said: "I didn't quite realise what this was when I ordered, I expected a more shoe like product and was disappointed when I received it as it's like a thin sock, but after trying them at the beach on the sand, stones and shingle I have to say they were brilliant, comfortable and I didn't feel any of the shingle under foot. I really struggle on the beaches as my foot can be so sensitive and it really hurts I walked all over the beach and back along pavement to the car. Amazing."
Best lightweight swim sock
Offering a huge variety of different colours and patterns, these ultra-lightweight swim socks are effortless to put on and take off. Plus, they are comfortable to wear all day while enjoying the water.
Key features:
• The fun design
• Although small, they have a good amount of stretch
• Good grip on slippery rocks
One reviewer said: "Excellent water shoe. Perfect for stony, pebble beaches and for walking short distances along river gorge and gave good grip on slippy rocks. Still in great shape after a two week holiday and I will use again. I saw other reviews saying they are not suitable for walking, this is because they are not walking shoes as they are designed to protect your feet from stones and pebbles found on beaches and rivers."
Best thermal swim sock
These PAWHITS Wetsuit Socks slow down your feet temperature loss while in the water and protect your feet from being hurt by some sharp objects. Made of SCR neoprene and imported nylon, the socks are eco-friendly, high-elastic, and have brilliant thermal insulation performance as well as a long life span. Key features: u2022 Practical design u2022 Although not completely waterproof, keeps feet warm u2022 Fit well thanks to generous sizing One reviewer says: 'These are great socks. You can get straight into the water without that initial shock when the water touches your feet. They are easy to get on, comfortable to wear although a little stiff to remove. These were tested in the North West Highlands of Scotland in February!'
Key features:
• Practical design
• Although not completely waterproof, keeps feet warm
• Fit well thanks to generous sizing
One reviewer said: "These are great socks. You can get straight into the water without that initial shock when the water touches your feet. They are easy to get on, comfortable to wear although a little stiff to remove. These were tested in the North West Highlands of Scotland in February!"
Best breathable swim sock
We adore the funky patterns available to choose from with these swim shoes. Made from breathable and smooth fabric, they will keep your feet protected on the beach, in the sea and in the swimming pool. Flexible and comfortable, they roll up for easy storage.
Key features:
• Variety of pattern choices
• Quick dry material
• Good for walking across hot sand
One reviewer said: "Sent for the cheapest rather than nicest looking and was very happy indeed to receive a nicer style. I'm now going to order for the rest of the family, however it's a bit tricky because the kids want to know what style they are buying. They are so comfortable and will be great to stop burning our feet around the pool on holiday. Good sole on them too rather than some other sites I've seen. Very happy and much better than the bulky original types."
Best warm lined swim sock
www.swimthelakes.co.uk
If you're a fan of outdoor swimming, especially when it's cold, try these seriously warming swim socks. They have a full thermal polypropylene loop liner to keep your feet cosy with a tough nylon overlay on the soles to protect the neoprene of the swim socks.
Key features:
• It has a fully thermal loop liner
• Protects feet without stopping swimming performance
• Snug fit
Best water tight swim sock
Secure and watertight, these swim socks are much longer than other options, which means they can easily be tucked into wetsuits offering you full protection. There's also a velcro strap to keep them firmly in place.
Key features:
• Tight fit to top water entering
• Long length
• Strong gripped sole
One reviewer said: "Kept my feet warm and comfortable."