Best Socks for Kids with Sensory Issues – The Only Socks Your Child Will Want to Wear!
Is your child refusing to wear socks? Does your child complain that the seams feel strange, the fabric is too scratchy, the top part of the socks squeezes the calves, or the socks simply don’t stay up? Socks are super important for children with sensory issues. Children with sensory issues will have regular meltdowns if the socks that they wear don’t feel right.
I have spoken with several families who tell me how their children panic as soon as they hear they need to wear socks with their shoes. I will help you find the perfect pair of socks for your child so you never have to force your child into wearing socks that don’t feel comfortable.
It’s hard for some parents to be patient when they see their children kick, scream, cry, and yell. However, keep in mind that the feeling can be intolerable and feel like real physical pain. Whether you believe it or not it is absolute torture for them to endure it.
The socks that have proven to be most effective are the ones that are 100% seamless, come with a non-binding top that prevents them from slipping down, and also offer a form-fitting design that prevents wrinkling and bunching.
It’s important to stay away from socks that claim to be seamless but have a flat or hand-linked seam across the toes.
If you are feeling exhausted and can’t seem to find a single pair of socks that your child agrees to wear, you came to the right place. Before I show you a selection of the best socks for kids with sensory issues I want to make sure that you know how to order the correct sock size online.
The Importance of Getting the Correct Sock Size!
It doesn’t matter if the socks are super comfortable and 100% seamless, if the socks are not the correct size your child will refuse to wear them.
Socks that are too large or “too baggy” are a no go for children with sensory issues. The socks can’t be too long or too short, they must fit just right.
Whether you buy your children’s socks online or at your local store, you can follow my simple method to order your child the correct sock size.
How to Order the Correct Socks Size – Follow One Simple Step!
The first step in finding the correct sock size is to know your child’s shoe size.
Always ignore the label that reads “sock size” or “age guidelines”. To provide your child with the correct sock size, you must always look under the label that reads “shoe size” in the socks tags. Ordering your child’s socks based on your child’s shoe size is the most effective way to find your child’s correct sock size. Take a look at the image below for clarification:
Now that you know how to order the correct sock size, let’s take a look at the best socks for kids with sensory issues. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Socks for Kids with Sensory Issues
There are 3 different sock styles that have proven to be the most effective for children with sensory issues. I will describe them in order of effectiveness.
Number 1: SmartKnit Seamless Sensitivity Socks
- Socks made by SmartKnit
- Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
- The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
- Socks made by SmartKnit
- Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit
- “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
- The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
Refer to the chart on the website and choose your child’s sock size based on your child’s shoe size.
These socks are perfect for kids with sensory processing disorders as they are completely free of seams. The socks are also made with super soft materials and a non-binding Halo Top, which eliminates irritating indentions and reduces slippage on the legs.
You won’t have to turn these socks inside-out as these socks are great for children who struggle with “bumps & lumps”.
One important downside of these socks is the price. I want to note that for some families the price is worth it as they work extremely well for children with sensory issues. However, not all families can afford to invest that amount of money in socks.
The 2 alternatives below provide similar features as the SmartKnit socks at a more affordable price.
Number 2: Jefferies Seamless Socks
- Socks made by Jefferies
- Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Half cushion foot for added support and impact protection
- Ribbed leg support stays up on the leg and provides added support
- Cotton rich blend provides optimal softness and durability
- Socks made by Jefferies
- Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet
- Soft and durable cotton rich blend provides optimal comfort and long lasting wear
Refer to the chart on the website and choose your child’s sock size based on your child’s shoe size.
These socks come with a sensory friendly smooth toe seam that provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet.
Children with sensory issues also love these socks because they come with a “stay up design” that prevents the socks from slipping and no bunching for lasting all day wear.
The socks are made from 80% cotton which makes them durable and comfortable to wear.
Number 3: Rambutan Seamless Socks
- Socks made by Rambutan
- Comfortable Comfort Seam Toe – Sensitive Toes Friendly (Hand Linked Toe)
- Odor Resistant Bamboo (Rayon) Fabric
- Socks made by Rambutan
- Comfortable Comfort Seam Toe – Sensitive Toes Friendly (Hand Linked Toe)
- Odor Resistant Bamboo (Rayon) Fabric
Rambutan socks are comfortable and they don’t slip off! There is still a seam in these but it is hand stitched so you really can’t feel it.
These socks are made of bamboo which is an awesome material as it allows the foot to breathe and is durable at the same time.
Keep in mind that what might work for a child with sensory issues might not work for the other. I mention this because I get a lot of parents who tell me how they read a review of a parent saying “these socks are not truly seamless” or “these socks didn’t work for their child with sensory issues”. All you can do is try the socks and see how your child reacts to them.
What Are the Best Shoes for Kids with Sensory Issues?
If you are having trouble finding a pair of shoes for your child with sensory issues you should refer to a different article I wrote where I describe the best kids’ sneakers for sensory issues.
Parents of children with sensory issues go through a lot of trial and error before finding the perfect pair of socks for their children. The socks I recommend will hopefully pass your child’s exhaustive standards.
Please share your experiences and findings below so other parents can learn and benefit from your input.
Try city of clouds wonderfully splendid school sock range
Hello Dave,
Thank you for your feedback. I believe that sock brand is only sold in the UK, am I right?
None of these are TRULY seamless. I ordered a pair of the SmartKnit and they have ‘bumps’ on both sides, so my daughter couldn’t get them off fast enough. They have the ‘claim to be seamless’, “but have a flat or hand linked seam across the toes.” I’m at a total loss. Other suggestions? Boombas make the same ‘seamless’ claim but have the same issue.
Hello Anna,
I cannot comment on Bombas socks, as I don’t know their process. As far as the socks I recommend in this article are concerned (SmartKnit),the confusion typically comes from what it’s call a pressing line. Essentially, after the socks are knitted, they are finished by pressing them – kind of a heavy duty iron, for lack of better description. This process sometimes makes a very faint line in the knitting. But, it is absolutely not a seam. In fact, because of the patented process of how they knit their socks, a seam is impossible. The socks are knitted circularly, starting at the toe and knitting in a circle to the top of the sock.
Most seam sensitive children are able to wear SmartKnit socks with no issue. However, there will always be children that still find irritation with wearing socks.
As an alternative to SmartKnit socks I suggest trying Rambutan Socks. Please make sure that you order the socks in the correct size.
Same issue here. They all still have seams. Going to try Q for Quinn next. But I hate spending so much on socks that get lost so easily.
Hello Laura,
Let us know how they work out for your son.
I’m totally with you, Anna. Whether it’s a “seam” technically is just semantics. It’s a line across the toes with bunches on both sides. They lasted less than 3 seconds.
Did you ever find a brand of truly seamless socks? I’m desperate. I have tried every so called seamless sock for my son and he has issue with them all.
Hello Shaylyn,
I am not sure whether your comment was directed to Anna or me but SmartKnit socks are truly seamless. I explain this in more detail in the comment above.
I don’t think there are any other options. Have you tried a sensory diet before she puts socks on and then sensory activities immediately after or distraction? My daughter struggles as well but Smartknit are the only ones we can make work. (It is still painful at times) Sorry to hear of your struggles, it sucks going through sock troubles 🙁
Thank you Cayley for sharing your experiences.