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Original poster

Can you wear thermal socks on top of compression socks?

14 replies

HairyKitty · 03/03/2023 20:25

Not a very stylish question or look, I know!

I wear light compression socks and furry slippers and this year my feet are always freezing and I’ve got my first chilblain. I’m not sure if it’s to do with aging and circulation, cold weather and less heating, or maybe both.

Anyway, I was thinking of getting thermal socks to wear on top of the compression socks round the house. But for some reason I thought the thermals needed to be in contact with the skin to warm up.

I guess I also need to try a few days without the compression socks in case they are what’s making my feet cold.

OP posts:
UsingChangeofName · 03/03/2023 23:26

Thermals keep you warm by trapping air.

It isn't an issue to wear something thermal on top of something else.

<caveat>

I mean, if you are wearing compression socks around the house generally, I presume you have a medical need, so I wouldn't want to make any claims of knowledge in that area, only on the fact that thermals are all about the layering and trapping air, generally for people who are going to be outside all day.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 04/03/2023 00:01

It will be the tight socks that's causing your feet to be cold. If you look at thermal socks they tend to be merino or other like materials which are a little softer and looser to allow that air layer as per previous post.

anunlikelyseahorse · 04/03/2023 00:24

Wool socks over compression socks will keep your feet warmer.
Fleece or fury slippers won't help keep your very warm unless they are wool. If you are not a vegan wool slippers (either felted or sheepskin) will be much warmer.
If you wear compression stocking for a medical reason, make sure wool socks don't 'bite' into your skin. You can get soft top ones so they don't impede your circulation.
Alternatively silk socks have a great warmth to weight ratio and will be fine over your compression stockings, again just make sure the cuff of the sock doesn't dig in to you.

oviraptor21 · 04/03/2023 00:31

Furry slipper boots are very warm.

dontgobaconmyheart · 04/03/2023 01:33

It isn't what you've asked but if and when you're at home OP I really recommend a heated throw or foot warmer.

I'm midthirties and admittedly it's not hugely glamourous but I am unwell, also wear compression stockings for medical reasons (though generally opt for compression tights) and am constantly cold. The heated throw is a lifesaver. I don't seem to be able to generate my own heat so thick socks do very little for me if I'm already cold and are a bit of a waste of time.

Original poster
HairyKitty · 04/03/2023 07:05

Thanks all. The socks are to reduce slightly swollen ankles so I wear them to stop me getting up to wee all night!
My furry slippers are warm on an ordinary day but sometimes my feet go freezing and I can’t warm them up for hours.
I will try some wool socks over the top as well as the slippers.

OP posts:
TheRookie · 04/03/2023 07:44

Make sure you aren't wearing your compression socks 24/7

Pashazade · 04/03/2023 07:55

My DH wears compression socks a lot for Varicose veins and he has full sheepskin slippers, that are ankle high and seem to keep his feet toasty. Heat Holders might be worth a look they are a very warm extra layer!

Original poster
HairyKitty · 04/03/2023 08:31

I put them on when I wake and take off when I go to bed. I actually don’t like wearing them but it saves all those nighttime visits to the loo.

OP posts:
Cococrab · 04/03/2023 08:39

I wear compression socks too and get chilblains if I wear them too often in the winter. It's the compression socks that cause them unfortunately. I try not to wear them all day now. I find taking them off early evening seems to be ok and i swap to toe socks which make me look a bit like pigeon!

Original poster
HairyKitty · 04/03/2023 09:10

@Cococrab im thinking of trying these with some normal socks on top.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B09C28SYGF/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

OP posts:
ANUsernamgh · 04/03/2023 09:20

Caveat to the following - I don't know how compression socks affect your circulation which may play into you having cold feet and make the following less relevant, but... a lot of the time cold feet/ extremities are actually due to not having enough layers around your torso - your body prioritises keeping your vital organs warm so diverts blood away from your extremities to your torso. You won't feel like your body is cold, just your extremities, but you'll often find if you have cold feet that actually adding an extra jumper is more effective to warm up your feet than adding thicker socks.

Cococrab · 04/03/2023 15:21

HairyKitty · 04/03/2023 09:10

@Cococrab im thinking of trying these with some normal socks on top.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B09C28SYGF/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Worth a try! Silver lined socks are good for keeping your feet warm as well. And worth trying @ANUsernamgh suggestion about extra top layers as well! Chilblains are horrible so wishing you lots of luck and warm feet!

rubydoobydoo · 04/03/2023 17:55

I wear compression socks - I also have rechargable battery-powered heated socks from Amazon that I wear over the top - does the job perfectly!

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