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Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, and your choice in sock can make a big difference in your healing process.

Dr. Patrick McEneaney, a board-certified podiatrist and founder of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, explained that athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs on the foot skin, typically on the bottom and sides of the foot, and in between toes. “It often looks like dry, scaly and red in nature,” he said. It can also make the area between the toes look wet. 

Dr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City, pointed out that since fungus thrives in warm, moist, and dark environments, it can be found in places like gyms, locker rooms, showers, or around pools. “Once fungal elements have attached to the skin,” he said, “placing the foot in a sock [or shoe] offers the fungus a perfect opportunity to grow.”

Anyone can be susceptible to athlete’s foot, but as the name suggests, it is more common in athletes, likely as a result of spending more time in communal locker rooms and showers. McEneaney noted it’s also more common in men, older people and diabetics. Evans added that those with sweaty feet, poor foot hygiene and people in damp environments are also more likely to get athlete’s foot. 

Both agree that wearing socks made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials like merino wool can help mitigate athlete’s foot. Additionally, “Bamboo fibers and cooper-infused fabrics have proven to be helpful in defending against athlete’s foot as well,” said Evans.

McEneaney warned that wearing socks with a high synthetic content can actually promote fungal growth, and recommends people disinfect shoes and socks to help rid them of fungus. He also cautioned that “while nanosilver socks are popular online, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support their effectiveness for treating athlete’s foot.” 

In keeping with our experts’ recommendations, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best socks to wear if you are managing athlete’s foot. Take a look below and pick up a pair for yourself.  

All of Farm To Feet's socks are made with American-sourced merino wool and the brand is committed to working with several wildlife and ecological organizations to protect habitats in need, so you can feel good about your purchase. If that weren't enough, these traditional crew socks were designed to be supportive and long-lasting, with a bulk-reducing silhouette that can even help to reduce friction that causes blisters. 

Get them from Farm To Feet for $23 (available in unisex sizes M–XL and three colors).

Stock up with this six-pack of bamboo blend socks. The soft, comfortable fabrication is sweat-absorbing and breathable, while the seamless and anti-slip design can help to prevent rubbing or slippage. They're available in a few different color combos in four sizes. One reviewer called these the best socks they ever owned, and said that "these bamboo socks work like magic when it comes to avoiding my feet from smelling."

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in unisex sizes S–XL and four colors).

"Swiftwick is my favorite brand to wick away moisture," said board-certified podiatrist Dr. Patrick McEneaney. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy the benefits of this thin, moisture-wicking merino wool crew sock. It's designed to offer moderate compression to support the foot and ankle while running, hiking, cycling and more, but is comfortable enough to wear for everyday activities. 

Get them from Amazon for $20 (available in unisex sizes S–XL and four colors).

In keeping with podiatrist Dr. Gary Evan's recommendation, we've included these bamboo crew socks from Boody. They have a mid-calf rise that looks good with a range of styles and shoes, and has a refined ribbed weave with a soft, silky feel that makes the socks look more expensive than they are. A reinforced toe and heel can help to extend the lifespan of these socks, making them a great investment.

Get them from Boody for $12.95 (available in unisex sizes S–L and in slate).

There's a general consensus among the newsroom that SmartWool socks are an absolute must during the cold months. They're fully cushioned for maximum comfort, while the innovative wool fabric keeps you feeling cozy and warm without getting too sweaty — a key component of abating athlete's foot. 

Get them from Amazon for $23+ in women's (available in sizes S–XL and three colors) and for $27 in men's (available in sizes S–XXL and five colors).

Per Evans's suggestions, these copper-infused socks provide all the functionality of a lightweight, breathable sock (moisture-wicking, sweat-resistant) with the added benefit of having copper's antibacterial properties. They are crew length and available in two sizes. One reviewer noted that "they are perfect for daily wear," while another said that these socks keep their feet dry and odor-free.

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $25.58+ (available in men's sizes 6–14 and six colorways).

Made with a delicious merino wool blend that provides cushion without feeling bulky, these socks are odor-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking. They're available in several different colors and unisex sizes.

My eternally cold friend, art therapist Ingrid Mellor, swears by these hiking socks from REI The merino wool fabrication also makes it a great option for those dealing with athlete's foot. They're as multifunctional as they are cute.

They are also a great option for people who are always cold. She has Reynaud's disease, which can cause her extremities, like fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to certain situations, making warm socks absolutely imperative. These cushy socks are breathable and moisture-wicking and can keep your toes nice and toasty no matter how cold it is outside. 

Get them from REI for $16.95 (available in men's sizes S–XL and three colors).

Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and sweat-wicking, but it can be really pricey. These unisex merino wool hiking socks from Amazon come in three packs, for less than the price of one from a fancy name brand! Reviewers are really impressed by their thickness and quality, and they've also got a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe areas; we have a feeling you'll be wearing these year-round. 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and three color combos).

In previous reporting, senior editor Jillian Capewell told us that she loves Darn Tough hiker socks. They're made with shrink-treated merino wool that helps to make them long-lasting and durable while also making sure they're as comfortable and warm as possible. They're perfect for hikes and other outdoor activities or cozy on days spent lounging on the couch, and the merino wool fabrication can help to support your foot's health as you recover from athlete's foot. They're available in a variety of sizes and colors.

Get them in women's from Backcountry for $25.95 (available in sizes S–L and three colorways) and in men's from REI for $26 (available in sizes S–XXL and nine colorways).

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.