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While buying shoes that fit right is always on our minds, choosing the right sock size is an often neglected issue. However, contrary to popular belief, socks are not a one size fits all type of deal. 

In the lines below, we have compiled a detailed guide that will help you make a purchase that suits your needs best - whatever those might be at the moment. So, if you want to find out why knowing your sock size is important, as well as how to determine it depending on several factors, then keep on reading. 


Why Is It Important to Know the Right Sock Size for You?

 Know the Right Sock Size

The answer here is fairly simple - wearing the wrong size socks impacts both your comfort, as well as the lifespan of the pair. On one hand, socks that are too small can cause a myriad of issues, such as:

  • an uncomfortable tightness
  • chaffing of the feet
  • fabric stretching
  • material damage
  • and eventual wear and tear of the sock 

On the other hand, socks that are too large also come with their own set of problems, namely:

  • bunched up fabric while you step
  • blistering of the feet
  • an overall unpleasant sensation 

Therefore, knowing your sock size is essential to both your personal comfort and your investment in new clothing. Not only will you feel better overall when wearing the right pair, but you will also spend a lot less money on replacing your socks every year. 

How to Determine Your Sock Size 

How to Determine Your Sock Size


The easiest way to determine your sock size is through your shoe size.

There are four factors that influence how your shoe size is determined:

  • length
  • width
  • type
  • region

Length

sock Length

Shoe size measurements are usually based on your foot’s length in inches, and so are sock sizes. However, the ways in which they are determined differ from country to country, which is why you need to pay attention to the respective size charts in your region when choosing what goes under your footwear. 

We know that purchasing socks online can be rather tricky, and having to go through returning a product if it doesn’t fit is always a hassle.

For all models across all of our collections, you’ll be able to find an easy-to-navigate sizing chart that lists the foot and leg lengths for each available size. Our comprehensive charts also provide a comparison between the US, UK, EU, AU, CA, and UK sizing systems. This will be particularly useful, especially if you shop internationally or need to convert your size to find the equivalent in a different sizing standard.


Width

sock Width


Width is also an important factor to keep in mind when equating shoe size to the sock size chart.

What you need to remember in this particular situation is that everyone is built differently. Therefore, when choosing your sock size, you need to consider your anatomical particularities as well.

If you have wide feet, you might find that many pairs end up being too tight and uncomfortable when shopping for socks. If this sounds familiar, it’s best to go one size up so the fabric can easily adapt and stretch to a perfect fit.

On the other hand, if you happen to be someone with narrow feet, you might find that most pairs of socks are always too saggy and loose. In this case, choose a pair that’s one size down to enjoy the feeling of cozy, snug socks properly.


Type

sock Type

Another factor to consider when discussing shoe size vs sock size is the variation in measurements according to age, gender and region. 

NORDIC SOCKS INTERNATIONAL SHOE SIZE CONVERSION CHART FOR MEN & WOMEN

Size  UK (Unisex) EU (Unisex) US/CA (men's) US/CA (women's)
M 3-5 35-38 3.5-6 5-8.5
L 6-9 39-42 6.5-9.5 8-11
XL 10-12 43-46 10-12.5 12-14

 

NORDIC SOCKS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN SHOE SIZE CONVERSION CHART

Size  UK EU US/CA
XS 9-11.5 Kids 27-30 10-12 Kids
S 12 Kids - 2L 31-34 13 Kids - 3L

Region

sock size by region

Shoe sizes and their sock size counterparts vary depending on the geographic region. You might have noticed when browsing shoe websites that charts are different depending where the store is located. This is because various corners of the world use various systems, as follows:

  • The United Kingdom and North America rely on the old English measurement of the barleycorn, which equates to 1⁄3 inch or 8.47mm.
  • The rest of Continental Europe uses the Paris point system, which consists of 2⁄3 centimetre, 6.67 mm or 0.26 in increments and whole shoe sizes go up one Paris point at a time. 
  • Eastern Europe uses the international Mondopoint metric system that is quantified in millimeters based on 5mm and 7.5mm increments.

All of this might seem like a lot to keep in mind, but rest assured that you don’t need to memorize all of this information by heart when you’re choosing to buy our Nordic socks. We’ve adapted our size charts so that you can easily find the right fit for you, wherever you are in the world.

Even though you’ll be asked about the region you’re ordering from every time you enter our website, which should give you the according size charts when browsing through our products, you can still access our comprehensive size guide here if you’re in doubt. There, you’ll be able to find size conversions for all regions, including EU, UK, US, CA, and AU.

 

    What Size Socks Do I Need? 

    What Size Socks Do I Need?


    Considering all the particularities that come into equating your shoe size with your sock size, you might be left wondering at this point - what size socks do you need? To determine what the best choice for you is, you need to keep a few factors in mind.

    What type of shoes do you plan to wear them with? As we mentioned before, shoes serve different purposes. The socks you wear with them should align with them.

    Where will you be wearing them? Sock sizes might differ depending on where you’re going. Indoor socks look nothing like their outdoor counterparts. Going to work is far less demanding on your clothes than hiking in the mountains is.

    What will the weather be like? Wool socks are better suited for rainy days, while cotton is the ideal fabric for leisurely activities. Depending on the thickness and functionalities of the fabric, you might have to size up. 

    What will you be doing? Hiking socks are different from running socks, walking socks aren’t the same as dress socks, and so on. Before considering the sock size you need, you should first of all think about your plans for the occasion. 

     

    Kids Sock Size Guide
    kids socks guide

    Are you looking to buy socks for your kids?

    As with regular socks, kids' sizes vary according to region, making the purchasing process a little bit complicated sometimes. But if you decide to purchase our fun and comfy Nordic socks for kids, we want to make sure that finding the perfect pair for your little ones is as easy as possible. As always, you'll be able to find a kids' size chart when browsing through the various models in our Kids Socks Collection

    Final Thoughts

    sock size guide

    Determining your sock size seems like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be like that. As long as you accurately measure your foot and correlate your shoe size with the results, you will be able to shop for socks that fit you well and serve their purpose.

    Luna Meschiari
    Written by:Luna Meschiari


    Kids Socks

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