You (Didn’t) Ask, We Answer: Should You Sleep with Socks On?

Sometimes you have to look deep and ask yourself the age-old questions: Am I living up to my full potential? Am I leaving this world in a better place than before? Does a falling tree demand an audience? Can I wear socks with sandals? And should I, or should I not, wear my socks to sleep?

Sleep Responsibly: What Type of Socks Should You Wear to Sleep?

First of all, if you’re going for socked sleep, please do so responsibly. Polyester and other synthetics will trap heat and retain unwanted moisture. Natural fibers, especially Merino Wool, allow for breathable, dry, and anti-odor foot nesting.

Take our advice: you’re better off with a non-compression edition for proper nighttime blood circulation. Something lightweight, like our Blossom Crew or the Oxford Crew.

Socks vs No Socks: Our Take on the Controversy

Just like pineapple-as-pizza-topping, there are many people firmly in Camp 100% Yes and Camp Absolutely Not. We conducted a poll, and turns out at least 42% of you fall into that first camp.

But our years of experience lead us to recognize the nuance. There’s no reason to delude ourselves with the duality of this dilemma, dudes. Not everything in life has to be an either/or.

Instead, let us appreciate that there are moments when bare feet should freely twist around the sheets, and other times when your toes deserve to be tucked into their own silky yarn sleeping bags.

Pros of Sleeping with Socks on

Why do we wear socks? During the day, they protect our feet, manage moisture, and keep us comfortable. At night, the right pair can support good sleep hygiene by helping create a more comfortable and consistent sleep environment, especially after long days on your feet.

Choosing the right socks for bed can help:

1. Keep your feet warm without overheating, especially in cooler rooms
2. Absorb moisture so sweat does not sit against your skin overnight
3. Reduce friction and irritation around toes, heels, and soles
4. Feel more comfortable after long periods of standing, walking, or hiking 

Socks made from breathable, natural fibers like Merino Wool work especially well for sleeping. They help manage temperature, resist odor, and stay soft against the skin, all while remaining lightweight enough for overnight wear.

For some people, socks also become part of a wind-down routine. Putting on a clean, cozy pair at night can help signal that it is time to relax and get ready for sleep.

Cons of Sleeping with Socks on

As comfortable as socks can be, they are not always the right choice for every sleep. The wrong socks or the wrong fit can make sleep less comfortable instead of more.

Sleeping with socks on may not work well for you if:

1. The socks are made from synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture
2. The fit is too tight or restrictive and feels uncomfortable over time
3. The socks are too thick for your sleep environment
4. You tend to run hot or prefer sleeping barefoot 

Socks that bunch, twist, or slide around during the night can also be distracting. Wearing socks you already wore during the day is another common mistake, since moisture and odor can build up quickly (better to let that pair air out overnight and grab a fresh one).

Like most things related to sleep, personal preference matters. Some people sleep best barefoot, while others sleep better with socks on. Paying attention to comfort, fit, and materials is what makes the difference.

When (and When Not) to Sleep with Socks

With that in mind, please join us on this journey as we give our advice on a few specific scenarios regarding sleeping with socks.

1. YES: when you’re doing early or late season camping.If you can see your breath in the evening, or step out onto a light frost in the morning, you should probably fall asleep with socks to keep those extremities toes-ty. (We really thought we did something there.) Opt for something a little more robust to keep you cozy all night, like the Treeline Midweight Hiking Socks or the Number 2 Midweight Hiking Socks.
   

   

2. YES: if you're a foot dangler. Children or adults who love to hang their feet off the bed, lend me your ears. If you want to kick past the covers into the great beyond without the nagging fear of foot-grabbing goblins beneath the bed, consider socking up. The Sal or the Bear Town Micro Crew might be just what you’re looking for.
3. YES: energy-saving environmentalists. If you don’t touch the thermostat until there’s snow on the ground and your compost is frozen, you might consider sleeping with socks. Keep the heat on low and rock your favorite earth tones. Your appendages don’t need to be ice blocks for you to keep it real.
4. YES: insomniacs. According to SleepFoundation.org, “Evidence suggests that utilizing socks or other foot warming methods may lower your core body temperature and help you fall asleep faster.” One study suggests that wearing socks to bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. (There are some other, ahem, pleasures of socked sleeping that you can read about through the same link. Science is amazing.)
5. NO: sweaty slumberers. If you’re a night sweats kind of person, maybe don’t wear socks to bed unless you’re prepared to wake up in a swamp of your own making. But hey, even then — at least you’ve got some sweat-wicking material on your feet.

Sweet Dreams: So Should You Wear Socks to Bed or Not?

Okay, we admit it. We’re clearly on Team Almost-Every-Situation-Calls-For-Socks. Especially when they’re as breathable, durable, and comfortable as the ones we’re whipping up at the mill.

At the end of the day, though, we’re all different, and that difference should be valued. One of us even chooses to sleep with just one sock on. As long as you’re getting good sleep, you do you. 

Sweet dreams, friends.