All people have different foot shapes, lengths and widths, so choosing the right shoes is not easy. The same can be said about the size of socks, which is determined by special tables. Parameters vary depending on gender and age. When choosing products, keep in mind that domestic markings differ from foreign ones.
Reasons for the difficulty of choice
In order to feel comfortable, you need to know the size of your socks. Contrary to popular belief, this value does not coincide with the shoe parameters. Incorrect calculation is fraught with the following consequences:
- Lower limb compression syndrome.
- Calluses.
- Torn, deformed sock.
- Corns.
- Unaesthetic appearance of legs.
- Discomfort when walking.
To determine the optimal size, measure the length of the foot. Then you should find this data in the manufacturer's table, and find out the recommended marking of socks.
The difference in materials and manufacturers matters. Knitwear stretches better, while woolen ones, on the contrary, tend to shrink, especially after several washes. A Chinese product will be smaller than an American or European one with the same marking. Determining the size of a sock by the size of shoes is a gross mistake.



How to measure your foot and insole correctly
Let's figure out how to determine the length of your feet to determine the size of your socks. You need to measure each foot separately. With some diseases and orthopedic problems, one foot may be slightly larger than the other, although visually this is almost imperceptible. It is necessary:
- Prepare a large sheet of thick paper.
- Place it on a flat, non-carpeted floor.
- Stand on the sheet.
- Trace your feet with a pencil or pen.
- Measure the length from the big toe to the heel, in a straight line.
The feet should be traced in a stationary position to avoid errors in the results. It is better to have an assistant do this. To find out the length of the insole, it is not necessary to remove it from the shoe. It is enough to put a flexible tape measure inside the shoe. A tailor's tape measure will do. Then you should refer to the sock size chart.
Experts recommend taking all necessary measurements in the evening. At this time of day, feet usually swell from fatigue, so the length and width of the foot may increase slightly. If you use the data recorded in the morning, the products may turn out to be too small. It is better to choose a sock size that is slightly larger than necessary.
Size Conversion Charts
If the table does not contain a specific foot length value, you should round up, since hosiery tends to shrink when washed. In this case, one nuance should be taken into account: women's and men's sizes are marked differently. You should also know that the tables adopted in Europe and the Russian Federation differ from each other.
Women's
Quality socks are 70% made of natural materials. Bamboo fiber products are very popular. When choosing a suitable pair, you need to pay attention to the elastic band, it should be moderately tight. The sizes of women's socks are presented in the table.
| Russian size chart | European (does not correspond to the marking in the Russian Federation) | Shoe size (according to the stitch-mass system) | Length feet |
Length insoles |
| 23 | 37/38 | 35 | 21.3-21.9 | 21.8-22.4 |
| 23 | 37/38 | 36 | 21.9-22.6 | 22.4-23.1 |
| 23 | 37/38 | 37 | 22.6-23.3 | 23.1-23.8 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 38 | 23.3-23.9 | 23.8-24.5 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 39 | 23.9-24.6 | 24.5-25.2 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 40 | 24.6-25.3 | 25.2-25.9 |
If a woman spends a lot of time on her feet, compression hosiery can be recommended. Doctors recommend such products for the prevention of varicose veins. Therapeutic socks and stockings are often sold in pharmacies.
Men's
It is not difficult to choose socks for men. If your feet sweat a lot, it is better to choose products made of bamboo fiber or cotton. This material provides good ventilation. In such products you can feel comfortable even in the heat. You can find out the size of men's socks from the table below.
| Russian sock size | European | Shoe size range | Length legs |
Length insoles |
| 23 | 37/38 | 35 | 21.3-21.9 | 21.8-22.4 |
| 23 | 37/38 | 36 | 21.9-22.6 | 22.4-23.1 |
| 23 | 37/38 | 37 | 22.6-23.3 | 23.1-23.8 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 38 | 23.3-23.9 | 23.8-24.5 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 39 | 23.9-24.6 | 24.5-25.2 |
| 25 | 39/40 | 40 | 24.6-25.3 | 25.2-25.9 |
| 27 | 41/42 | 41 | 25.3-26.0 | 25.9-26.7 |
| 27 | 41/42 | 42 | 26.0-26.7 | 26.7-27.4 |
| 27 | 41/42 | 43 | 26.7-27.3 | 27.4-28 |
It is important to know not only how to determine the size of socks, but also what color is best to choose. The products should be the same color as the trousers. Dark blue ones will suit jeans, black ones will suit a business suit. They are not worn with open sandals at all.
Children's
Many people do not know how to determine the size of a child's sock. To do this, you should check the manufacturer's markings. The main requirement for products, especially for babies under one year old, is hypoallergenic material. The fabric should not prick, so that the child does not experience any discomfort. Therefore, in winter, when you have to wear woolen socks, it is better to wear thin cotton ones underneath.
The table shows the sizes of socks for children:
| Russian sizes | Shoe size for children's socks | European marking | Foot length in centimeters | Insole length |
| 10 | 16 | 17 | 9.7 | 10.4 |
| 10 | 17 | 17 | 9.7 | 10.3 |
| 12 | 18 | 17.5 | 10.4-11.0 | 10.8 |
| 12 | 19 | 18 | 11.0-11.6 | 11.9 |
| 12 | 20 | 19 | 11.6-12.2 | 12.2 |
| 14 | 21 | 20 | 12.2-12.8 | 13.2 |
| 14 | 22 | 21 | 12.8-13.5 | 13.3 |
| 14 | 23 | 22 | 13.5-14.2 | 14.0 |
| 16 | 24 | 23 | 14.2-14.8 | 14.6 |
| 16 | 25 | 24 | 14.8-15.5 | 15.0 |
| 16 | 26 | 25 | 15.5-16.2 | 16.3 |
| 18 | 27 | 27 | 16.2-16.9 | 16.7 |
| 18 | 28 | 28 | 16.9-17.6 | 17.4 |
Hosiery with fingers resembling gloves is very popular with children. They are suitable for teenagers and preschoolers. However, for active games and walks, it is better to choose the classic shape.
Useful tips
When choosing socks, you should study the composition of the material: the more synthetics it contains, the worse the quality of the product. It is also necessary to pay attention to the strength of the toe and heel. The fit on the foot depends on what the product is made of, what exactly was added to the main fabric:
- Elastane with the addition of artificial fibers - stretches perfectly.
- Spandex with synthetic fibers - resembles knitwear, but is more elastic and comfortable to wear.
- Cashmere with natural wool - significantly decreases in volume after washing.
- Cotton with added synthetics – easily takes and remembers the anatomical shape of the foot.
You should also pay attention to the practicality, air exchange and durability of the product. For summer, it is best to choose cotton, polyester, bamboo fiber. In winter, you should give preference to sheep or camel wool. It is not recommended to buy socks made of 100% angora without other additives for the cold season, they are warm and beautiful, but they stretch very poorly.
Socks of the same size, made in different factories, may differ slightly in foot width and ankle circumference. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to choose a specific manufacturer and buy only their products.
To correctly determine the size of children's socks or products for adults, you need to consider not only the length, but also the shape of the foot. The main thing is that the product does not tighten the feet, in order to avoid circulatory disorders. If a man or woman has problems with veins, it is better to give preference to special compression hosiery with a therapeutic effect. It can be found in pharmacies and specialized stores.




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