Seamless/bumpless socks for toddler
November 10, 2015 8:30 AM Subscribe
My almost-four-year-old has a very hard time with socks. I'm looking for seamless socks that also don't have the "bump" of a seam next to the big toe and pinky toe, since that's the part that bothers her the most.
My daughter has some sensory issues (that fall within the normal range, pediatrician is aware, etc.). Socks have to be on just right or there are tears. It will make our mornings easier if we can find socks that are truly seamless, but many (most?) seamless socks I'm finding, like these, still have the telltale bump of a seam at the pinky and big toes, which is the part that bothers our daughter the most.
Turning regular socks inside out doesn't work, because the bump next to her toe is still there and noticeable.
We do not have a single pair of socks that have never been a problem, so we can't just buy a bunch of the ones that work.
If you have a kid with sensory sock issues and have socks that work (or even mostly work), what socks are they? Bonus if they're not boring plain white socks, because she loves bright colorful patterned stuff.
My daughter has some sensory issues (that fall within the normal range, pediatrician is aware, etc.). Socks have to be on just right or there are tears. It will make our mornings easier if we can find socks that are truly seamless, but many (most?) seamless socks I'm finding, like these, still have the telltale bump of a seam at the pinky and big toes, which is the part that bothers our daughter the most.
Turning regular socks inside out doesn't work, because the bump next to her toe is still there and noticeable.
We do not have a single pair of socks that have never been a problem, so we can't just buy a bunch of the ones that work.
If you have a kid with sensory sock issues and have socks that work (or even mostly work), what socks are they? Bonus if they're not boring plain white socks, because she loves bright colorful patterned stuff.
Have you tried turning the socks inside out? I have a few big seamy socks and flipping them the wrong way out solves the problem. Definitely try that before investing in new socks!
posted by phunniemee at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by phunniemee at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
SmartKnit Kids socks look promising.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 8:38 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by PorcineWithMe at 8:38 AM on November 10, 2015
If you DO find awesome socks, fabric paint pens and tie dye will fix the boring white problem.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 8:41 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by PorcineWithMe at 8:41 AM on November 10, 2015
Best answer: Old navy has a good selection of toddler size socks in bright colors and designs. Some do have the bump, but there a bunch of thicker socks where I don't think the seam would be noticeable.
Also, I'm sure you've checked for this already, but every once in a while socks really bother me in those spots and its actually because I have ingrown toenails.
posted by galvanized unicorn at 8:42 AM on November 10, 2015
Also, I'm sure you've checked for this already, but every once in a while socks really bother me in those spots and its actually because I have ingrown toenails.
posted by galvanized unicorn at 8:42 AM on November 10, 2015
Response by poster: Forgot to mention that I've spent a good deal of time combing through Amazon reviews, and the sensory socks rmless and PorcineWithMe mention has lots of reviews indicating that the "toe bump" from the seam area is still going to be a problem.
Phunniemee, we've tried turning them inside out - the seam itself isn't the problem, it's the bump the seam edges creates next to her pinky toe and big toe, and turning the socks inside out does not help with that.
posted by SeedStitch at 8:43 AM on November 10, 2015
Phunniemee, we've tried turning them inside out - the seam itself isn't the problem, it's the bump the seam edges creates next to her pinky toe and big toe, and turning the socks inside out does not help with that.
posted by SeedStitch at 8:43 AM on November 10, 2015
A desperation move -- which maybe you've already considered -- is that kids' socks knit up quickly and you could control where the closure is.
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:52 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:52 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Have you tried looking for socks that are very thin and have rounded toes? That seems like it would minimize the impact of the bump. For example, if you look closely at these you see they fit close to the foot. Perhaps you could combine something like this with shoes that have a wider toebox?
Several people in the reviews said their sensitive kids were able to tolerate these socks.
These slipper socks also look soft and toe-conforming, though the treads on the bottom might make it hard to wear them with shoes.
In contrast, these slightly thicker socks have much more prominent bumps.
posted by telepanda at 8:58 AM on November 10, 2015
Several people in the reviews said their sensitive kids were able to tolerate these socks.
These slipper socks also look soft and toe-conforming, though the treads on the bottom might make it hard to wear them with shoes.
In contrast, these slightly thicker socks have much more prominent bumps.
posted by telepanda at 8:58 AM on November 10, 2015
Best answer: Trimfit Comfortoe socks were what got my kid through this phase. I used to buy them online, or if we were near a Kohls, that was the only brick and mortar store I ever found them at. Unfortunately they have very limited variety, it's mostly white or black anklets.
posted by padraigin at 9:05 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by padraigin at 9:05 AM on November 10, 2015
Oops sorry, it seems like I linked to the same brand rmless linked.
posted by like_neon at 9:07 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by like_neon at 9:07 AM on November 10, 2015
What about Thorlo diabetic socks? I don't know what size socks your little needs, but maybe? Also, I think you should try at least one pair of the smartkids before you discount them. My niece couldn't stand the horizontal panty seam but the verticals boy short seam was fine- kids are weird.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 9:16 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by PorcineWithMe at 9:16 AM on November 10, 2015
Best answer: Holy cats, this was us for a few months, some years ago. You have my sympathy, especially with winter approaching!
The two best pair of socks for her that we ever found were (of course) cheap souvenirs from Tokyo that my parents bought on a whim. The second best were very likely from Old Navy; they were worn until they fell apart. We tried many, many brands and stores, and there was no predicting what would satisfy her.
N.b.: eventually we did some sticker charts for morning tasks -- clothes, socks & shoes, breakfast, etc. -- and the sock issue faded away over a number of weeks (6? 8?) as her acceptance of the morning routine improved while she worked to fill the charts and earn some nightly rewards. This was at the suggestion of a couple of child development specialists, who were also talking to her in separate sessions, and it was surprising how quickly it worked.
But yeah, that sucked for a while: full-on frenzied thrashing and clothes removal. Ugh. I am really sorry this is happening to you! (One of her older brothers has always been fussy about his socks' seams, too, and we finally got to the point where we said, "You're thirteen. Here are two packs of socks. We do laundry every few days. We will buy more socks when these wear out." And pivoted on our heels and left the room. He got the message, but I still hear fussing when he's especially stressed or tired.)
posted by wenestvedt at 9:24 AM on November 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
The two best pair of socks for her that we ever found were (of course) cheap souvenirs from Tokyo that my parents bought on a whim. The second best were very likely from Old Navy; they were worn until they fell apart. We tried many, many brands and stores, and there was no predicting what would satisfy her.
N.b.: eventually we did some sticker charts for morning tasks -- clothes, socks & shoes, breakfast, etc. -- and the sock issue faded away over a number of weeks (6? 8?) as her acceptance of the morning routine improved while she worked to fill the charts and earn some nightly rewards. This was at the suggestion of a couple of child development specialists, who were also talking to her in separate sessions, and it was surprising how quickly it worked.
But yeah, that sucked for a while: full-on frenzied thrashing and clothes removal. Ugh. I am really sorry this is happening to you! (One of her older brothers has always been fussy about his socks' seams, too, and we finally got to the point where we said, "You're thirteen. Here are two packs of socks. We do laundry every few days. We will buy more socks when these wear out." And pivoted on our heels and left the room. He got the message, but I still hear fussing when he's especially stressed or tired.)
posted by wenestvedt at 9:24 AM on November 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I don't know if these kids sizes run small enough for a four-year-old, but I have the adult version of these socks (Bombas) and can confirm that they really and truly do not have a seam.
(edit: they do not have a visible/feel-able seam. There may still be a seam in there somewhere but I've never been able to find it! They bill it as "invisitoe" technology)
posted by ethorson at 9:36 AM on November 10, 2015
(edit: they do not have a visible/feel-able seam. There may still be a seam in there somewhere but I've never been able to find it! They bill it as "invisitoe" technology)
posted by ethorson at 9:36 AM on November 10, 2015
To add to LobsterMitten's comment, different construction techniques eliminate the seam (really a turn in knitting though) or put it in different places; you wouldn't necessarily have to draft your own knitting patterns or be that advanced or anything. Again, probably desperate move, but top-down (especially using kitchener stitch to close the toe) versus toe-up could make a big difference.
posted by mchorn at 9:48 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mchorn at 9:48 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
It might be a long shot or make matters worse, or the novelty alone might carry them through. Have you tried Toe socks. The sort with an individual part for each toe. My SIL got them for my niece when she had similar complaints. She didn't have sensory issues however the novelty of them was enough to make her want to wear them.
I'd also suggest looking at super thin runners socks as they are designed not to have lumps & bumps that might cause irritation.
posted by wwax at 9:49 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'd also suggest looking at super thin runners socks as they are designed not to have lumps & bumps that might cause irritation.
posted by wwax at 9:49 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
My daughter hates the seams on her toe tips or bottom of toes but is OK with them on the top of her toes. Maybe there is a position where the seams are acceptable to your daughter?
Hiking socks may be an option as well. I have a pair of these, they have two layers and I never feel any seams when I wear them. They may be too warm for the summer but are good in colder weather for sure.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:09 AM on November 10, 2015
Hiking socks may be an option as well. I have a pair of these, they have two layers and I never feel any seams when I wear them. They may be too warm for the summer but are good in colder weather for sure.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:09 AM on November 10, 2015
See if you have a knitting friend who would be willing to knit some socks. (I'm a knitter and am aware this is a big ask. If you can, ask a good friend, and offer to pay in kind or with money. From your description, I know that most experienced knitters could shape the toe appropriately to make the thing you want.)
posted by tchemgrrl at 10:42 AM on November 10, 2015
posted by tchemgrrl at 10:42 AM on November 10, 2015
Response by poster: The knitting answers are cracking me up, because this morning's sock related meltdown had me saying to myself "There has to be a solution better than knitting her a dozen tiny pairs of socks." I'm a knitter and could knit her the socks, but I had to check in with AskMe first - there has to be some other sensitive-toed little kid out there who has had this problem solved! I'm going to order a few pairs (marked those as best answers) and if none of those fit the bill, after the Christmas knitting is done, I'll start cranking out tiny socks that she'll outgrow almost immediately.
posted by SeedStitch at 10:49 AM on November 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by SeedStitch at 10:49 AM on November 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
I agree that maybe the shoes are too tight in the toe box for her. Perhaps normal socks but with wider shoes would alleviate the problem as well.
posted by jillithd at 1:09 PM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jillithd at 1:09 PM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by rmless at 8:37 AM on November 10, 2015