20 Best Padded Socks For Metatarsalgia (2022 Updated)

Before a summer trip, I bough five new pairs of “warm weather” socks from REI. All were ankle height or lower, most were merino or a blend, and most were brands I’d purchased before. I have some ongoing foot pain issues, so I am picky about wearing excellent socks.

I don’t need any other reason to notice my feet (beyond the pain from a medical condition!) The Feetures Merino 10 in Creamsicle turned out to be my favorite pair, though this was my first time trying the brand.

They were also the most expensive pair I bought. I ordered a size Medium to fit my ladies’ size 7. 5 foot. It doesn’t hurt that I love the orange-y coral color for summer. It goes with lots of clothes I already own, and I like a lower contrast between my skin tone and my sock.

(So no black or navy summer socks, ideally, since I have pale skin. ) I just think a skin-tone-ish color draws less attention to my feet and maybe makes me look a tiny bit taller. Certainly the thin, smooth nature of the material is another huge plus for me.

In spite of my foot issues, I try to address them with stretching, exercise, judicious use of orthotics, and good form, not with extra cushy layers between my damaged foot and the floor. The Feetures merino/tencel blend is lightweight and breathable, just as wool should be, but smooth and not “too hot” for summer wear.

Before my foot issues got so bad, I was a “barefoot at home all summer” person since I dislike feeling overly warm. This is a great minimalist sock for someone like me. Other brands from my order were Smartwool, Darn Tough, and Wrightsocks.

All were size M (except the Darn Tough where I size up to a Large because I think they shrink more than average over time. ) If these Feetures socks last anywhere near as long as Darn Toughs (currently IMO the longest lasting wool socks), I will consider paying the price premium for more of these in the future.

Smartwool tends to be much cheaper, but I find they wear out the fastest of all my wool socks. I love the fit of the Hide & Seek line, however.

Feetures are by far the best socks on the planet and well worth the price. I have been wearing them everyday since I bought my first pair over 15 years ago. And other than losing them they last forever and if you ever do wear out a pair they have a lifetime replacement and you only pay shipping.

Their socks are a no brainer and your Feet will thank you. I used to buy 2-12 pairs of socks monthly because they would wear out, stretch and become uncomfortable. Not a issue with Feetures I still have one of the first pairs I purchased over 15 years ago , still comfortable still tight and supportive.

Do yourself a favor a try a pair. You won’t be disappointed. Anytime a socks discussion presents itself I always suggest that they try Feetures-TRULY A GAME CHANGING EXPERIENCE!!! Jeffrey S Smith Independence MO.

I’ve been using a pair of the Feetures Elite Light Cushion socks for the past few weeks and I must say they are wonderful! Primarily used while trail running, but I’ve also used them on afternoon mountain bike rides and post activity social gatherings.

The material is perfect at keeping my feet warm during wet forest adventuring. I’ve had trouble in the past with socks getting wet and causing hot spots on my feet, but on both wet adventures I had zero hot spots or areas of worry.

The fit of the socks were perfectly designed to fit the shape of my foot. The cushioned areas provided just the right amount of support. And the best part was they didn’t fall down or become loose during a run or ride.

I can easily see myself replacing all my current socks with Feetures in the near future.

I am not diabetic, but I am prone to swelling in my ankles and feet when the weather gets warm and humid. I used to buy the diabetic socks at Dollar Tree, but they stopped carrying the smaller size and I had to find an alternative.

I tried these Dr. Scholl’s socks hoping they would work. I was not disappointed. I do not like thick socks and these were thin and comfortable. They came to just above my ankle bone and they did not slip or slide down when I walked.

The elastic at the top is loose enough so that I don’t get the big dents in my ankles, but snug enough to stay up. These are my new everyday socks. For the people who have written bad reviews about the socks being too loose or not thick enough, please people, read the item descriptions and educate yourself, especially on how to calculate sock size.

There are plenty of references on the internet. I wear a size 8 1/2 wife shoe and I bought the smaller size and they fits like a glove, just as they should. I’m ordering more shortly.

I have been purchasing these socks, starting with the regular sized socks. But when I found the 13-15 sizes I was thrilled. But then I purchased the socks (4 packs), and after I washed the socks, they all came out of the wash at different sizes.

Sometimes the body of the sock shrank a lot, and sometimes just the tops shrank. The ones I have on now, were worn once and then washed (on cold) and dried. (See photo). I tried going back to the regular size socks, but I was having the same problems there.

I even tried the longer socks, but experienced even a worse problem with those. I would have socks (even though they were all the same size when purchased), now looked like socks for my 11 year old daughter, my 12 year old son, my wife, or a small tight pair of socks for myself.

This has all been over the purchse of roughly 12 packages of socks. Now, to look for some other company that can make socks that are the same size, from one pair to the next.

I’ve been dealing with pain & cramping in both feet, with the right being much worse than the left, for close to a year. I was diagnosed with PF and given some stretches to do, and told to roll my feet over a frozen water bottle for relief.

That helped, to a degree. Then I spent a lot of money on really good sneakers and sandals, and that helped even more. But the store where I got the shoes introduced me to Feetures socks. Then I found the PF relief socks on their website, and ordered some of those.

And I can finally say that I am truly experiencing relief and improvement. I won’t say it’s all because of the socks, probably more a combination of everything, but the socks are a big part of it, and I just ordered some more.

Yes, they’re expensive, but I just look at it as they are a necessary medical expense.

The sock fits well and is comfortable. I got the black version and of course its sharp looking, as expected. I noticed it begin fraying at some seams after only a couple wears, but that seemed to level off and based on experience with the other sock manufacturers, this appears to be pretty normal for socks knitted like this one.

The sock is thin but ignoring the frays, I wouldnt say it feels delicate like some other UL socks do. It was both durable enough to handle my trail running and hiking, plus wearing around the house as an all day sock, as well as being thin enough to fit inside my climbing shoes when I wanted some extra warmth.

I like the Achilles coverage, its higher than some I’ve tried and I never noticed any rubbing from my runners. Overall I think its on par with the other big name brands and their version of a UL sock.

OK to Good socks for most high output athletic activities. Not so good for just day hiking. Just not the right socks for me. You might like them. The big selling point for these socks is a left and right sock and no seam toe.

I didn’t see much difference in the fit of these socks with the left and right vs. other socks. They looked nicer on my feet but the feel wasn’t any different. The no seam toe means the seam is on the left and right instead of across the top.

I rarely have any socks with issues with the toe seam. Never usually feel it. These socks I felt the seam on my toes on both sides in multiple shoes. It wasn’t irritating but it was there. The socks are really thin.

They fit fine for my running shoes. But most of my walking / day hiking shoes I wear thicker socks and the shoes don’t fit right. Or had to really adjust the shoe strings. On their own the socks were a bit hot.

They seemed to wick ok while doing an activity but when changing socks my feet were more sweaty than my typical socks (other athletic socks or more typical wool blend socks for day hikes). If you like really thin socks that wick these may work for you.

They didn’t work for me. I won’t stop using them but will only use them when light weight is a priority.

I love my socks. I play Senior games volleyball and I’m a setter, I end up running a lot and tend to blister my feet because of the stop and goes! I found these socks at a gift store in Utah and decided to purchase for the tourney.

I love the feel, they don’t make blisters anymore and they are light weight yet have great compression. I bought 6 pair the multiple colors. The toes of the sock work perfect and look good on my feet.

Feetures are my absolute favorite socks! They wear well and feel so good on my feet. I love the compression in the arches. I noticed that these neon ones I just ordered don’t have the R & L designations on them.

I don’t know if this is something new since I last bought some or not. These neon socks are perfect. I love the color! Will definitely buy some more.

Honestly, when something is well made and actually makes an impact on its desired purpose I am more than willing to write a positive review about it. That being said, these socks are absolutely ridiculous and the fact that they are $12 each is simply not worth it.

They are comfortable and do have supportive cushion, but there is nothing that makes this a running sock and especially not worth the price. The sock sizing is either way off or it is too compressed in the toe area and just scrunches up your toes.

First time running in them I had blisters. Haven’t had blisters in half a year. They are so tight that it almost makes my shoe sizing slightly off and although sounds like it doesn’t make a difference I have to tighten my laces even more and the sock design on the top foot leaves an imprint and causes itchiness or pain after runs.

Lastly, they are not absorbent whatsoever. Every run in these socks and my feet are still just as sweaty as a regular pair. I’m not sure if this version is the one that hides odors better but it doesn’t work for that either.

It is a nice sock to wear of course its has cushion and does not ride down the foot. That being said it is not a “special running” sock. ITS JUST A SOCK probably made for $2 each and should retail at $5 each.

Sorry, really tried to like them, but maybe the $20 “running” socks are the ones that actually work.

I started purchasing Thorlo socks 2 decades ago from REI. In the beginning those were ski socks which were outstanding and much better than other brands I’d tried. That led to trying Thorlo Hiking socks (now called Hiking Maximum Cushion Crew) which again were great socks but being on my feet and walking a considerable amount at work each day, I wanted a sock a little lighter that I could wear everyday year around so I tried Thorlo Light Hikers (now called Hiking Moderate Cushion Crew) and they were exactly what I was looking for; a cushioned, comfortable, and very durable work sock that doesn’t have to be replaced every few months.

Yes, Thorlo socks may seem expensive but having purchased Light Hikers several times over the years, I continue wearing them in boots, still have them all, haven’t had to discard a single pair due to wear, and they’ve retained their comfort and cushioning all these years.

Amazing! Needing something a little lighter than Thorlo Light Hikers, to wear in my casual shoes now that I’m retiredI, I purchased several pair the Ultra Light Cushioned Crew and not surprisingly wasn’t disappointed.

The Ultra Light Cushioned Crew continues the tradition of the previously purchased Thorlos; they’re simply the best socks made and 5 stars all.

I have worn post office issue Thorlo socks since 1980. I retired from being a mailman in 2008. When I retired I spent HALF of my post uniform allowance on socks. My “Old socks” were finally officially old.

I was nervous about buying socks on-line. THESE ARE WONDERFUL!!! They definitely have MORE padding than my used mailman socks. Who knows how they hold up to the REAL DEAL. I am VERY HAPPY with my purchase.

They keep my feet warm and toasty without making them sweat!!! [W hen I carried mail, sweaty feet were the WORST. I went through 3 pair of socks a day. Once my feet get sweaty, the get COLD! So, I changed socks AFTER casing, before I went out on my route.

Then I changed again after lunch. Luckily, my husband will NOT let me do laundry!].

These are my favorite socks from my favorite sock brand. They are the most comfortable socks I’ve found, and they work in a wide range of weather conditions. I wear them in all 4 seasons in Vermont and rarely do I need something warmer or cooler.

Thorlos are also super durable. I have some had some of their socks last for more than 10 years. I like nice socks. I have tried other quality brands like Darn Tough, SmartWool, Wigwam, Fox, Gold Toe, Columbia, Terramar.

For me, Thorlos are the most comfortable and versatile.

These are a nice pair of functional, utilitarian socks. Well built and obviously designed with durability in mind. Pros: Sleek, thin, form-fitting material that is highly breathable and avoids bunching.

(Maybe a little too tight) Fit true to size No hot spots Stay cool when activity levels increase Ultra durable, I mean it – these socks will hold up to whatever you throw at them. Truly Over the Calf, if you pull on them enough they could be Over the Knee.

Cons: My biggest gripe with Darn Tough socks, which I love, is the asymmetric toe design. I wish they made left and right footed socks and if they ever make the decision to do so I will gladly replace every other sock brand in my dresser with Darn Tough.

The material feels a lot more like nylon and less like Merino wool (hence the durability) Just don’t expect soft, plush socks. Worth noting: The material around the calf might be a little too tight. I find myself looking forward to taking them off after a long hike and it takes a few hours for the socks imprint on my upper calf to disappear.

I don’t consider this a Con however, socks that don’t stay up are a major pet peeve of mine and these definitely don’t slouch while hiking. Overall, these are a solid pair of socks that should outlast any other reasonably built pair of socks you own.

The trade off is that they aren’t super comfortable- but comfortable enough. One last thing: The website describes these as RFL OTC ultra light socks. I didn’t, and still don’t, have any idea what RFL means (Real F#$&ing Loud? Robot Fighting League?) No idea.

There is no explanation online or on the packaging. The package doesn’t even have RFL anywhere on it but it does say SNOW across the front in big bold letters. In fact, that’s all it says on the packaging.

So… apparently these are snow socks, thought you’d like to know.

T4050 is a nice blend. Like the heavyweight feel of the socks-79% Merino Wool, 20% Nylon & 1% Lycra Spandex. Of course, it’s NOT wintertime right now, so cannot say how they will preform in colder weather.

The cushion is nice though. They calf area doesn’t pinch into the skin or leave the “ring around the leg indentation” like other cheap socks do. LOVE how they engrave the T4050 into the sock on the TOP of the toe area.

Makes it easy to see WHICH sock you’re using and for reorder’s too. THANKS DARN TOUGH for going AGAINST THE GRAIN of what other company’s do(not putting the style # on theirs). Haven’t washed them yet, so cannot say how that will look.

These socks are great! I have over 35 pairs of Darn Tough socks now (various weights, models and designs) and all my other socks have been relegated to the rag bucket. Merino wool notwithstanding, these socks are just outstanding in all aspects.

As someone that wears Danner Fort Lewis boots all day/nearly every day (for the last 40+ years) that can pretty quickly wear out the usual players in the ‘high end’ sock world, these Darn Tough socks hold up like no other ‘high end’ socks I’ve ever owned.

Wish I’d found these a long time ago. Expensive? A little. Worth it? Absolutely. Get some. You won’t regret it.

I love these socks!!!! They are so comfortable and always stay on your feet, no slipping off your heel. Going from wearing sandals one day to socks and shoes the next was a bit of a struggle until I started wearing Feetures.

I had grabbed another brand out of the drawer, and they were very constricting. Then I put on the Feetures and total comfort was there. They are the only brand I will be using from now on.

I bought 2 pkgs of these socks because of what they were advertised to be. I’m so glad I did! That gave me 6 pairs of socks. They come 3 to pkg. I’ve always had trouble with any socks I buy except ankle socks being too tight from my ankle up.

And when I take them off I have deep “sock” prints on my legs. This indicates they were too tight and compressing too much and I don’t have large calves. Just average size calves. And they aren’t compressing in a good way like an actual compression sock that some people wear to help with their leg circulation.

These regular socks that are too tight actually compress or cut off leg circulation which is never good but particularly bad for older people. Their circulation is already compromised due to their age and tight socks that aren’t actually compression socks are really bad for older people! These padded sole socks from OrthoFeet are wonderful and I love them!, Besides the sole they also are woven in such a way that there’s no seam at the toe to be annoying and very uncomfortable.

The part of the sock from ankle to calf is woven to be loose. So there’s never that tight sock with the discomfort that that brings. Amazingly they are quite loose which makes them very comfortable yet they don’t fall down.

They’re made from bamboo which is very sustainable and feels so very soft! I highly recommend these socks. I think they’re best worn with a tennis shoe type of shoe or other lace up shoes. They’re a little on the thick side which I like about them but I don’t think they’d be as comfortable with a slip on or dressier type shoe.

I absolutely love these socks for so many reasons. First, they fit great and don’t bother my calves. I am a “fluffy” but fit woman and so when I play pickleball what is absolutely amazing is that the socks will absorb my sweat but my feet remain totally dry! I ordered 3 pairs initially in size M because I wasn’t sure if my feet were too small.

Turns out the M fit my husband, who also loves them. So I bought 9 more pairs in S and plan on buying more as my finances allow. I do not think I will ever buy another brand of socks again! Like I said, LOVE LOVE LOVE! – Oh and I’m not diabetic, so don’t let that concern you, these work great for “fluffy” people LOL.

I was so excited to receive these socks. They are soft and cushy and felt like a perfect fit right away. Within an hour, the socks were falling down and worse, the socks were rotating around on my foot so I was walking on the tops of the socks.

I was shocked to see that these guaranteed, free return and free shipping socks charge a $5 restocking fee and that is only if they are in resalable condition. I wore one pair of these socks for about 1 hour with pure intent to keep them.

Total scam and they definitely do not stand behind their product. Read the fine print, the return process is very misleading. Buyer beware.

I bought my first 4 pair 18 months ago, I have loved them and have now returned to purchase another 4. They are very comfortable and the design is perfect for me as I do a lot of walking. I will be back to purchase again.

My nephew said they had good support felt good not cheap material . Good value for money. I thought material was good.

great socks…. all good.. nothing negative about them…..hard wearing and warm. Perfect.