Are you planning on training for the open water swimming season or you’re about to attend your first open water swimming event?
As a triathlete, I’ve tried all brands of neoprene socks available out there and I know what works.
Below, I list what I believe are the best neoprene socks to buy in 2022. If you’re serious about open water swimming this summer, check it out now. These will obviously also work for other applications like when using a dry suit for scuba or other applications. However, this is not what I had in mind when choosing the best ones.
It’s far more important than you might think to train yourself up to swim much further than the next guy. The difference between the third place and the first place is usually a matter of having the proper gear to take you the extra mile. Believe me, it can mean all the difference.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| blueseventy Thermal Swim Socks | Best Overall |  |
| Zone3 Neoprene Swim Socks | Budget Pick |  |
| Synergy Swim Socks Neoprene Swim Booties | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. blueseventy Thermal Swim Socks
Pros:
- Improved Cling Through Thermal Enhancement
- Reduce the risk of Cramps and Soreness in Your Feet
- Slip-on design makes it easy to put on
- Easy to Wash and Wash Well
- Very Comfortable
Cons:
- They don’t place the most pressure on the top of the foot
- They Can Be Steep In Price
- May Be Too Thick For Comfort
- They Can Cause Your Toes or Ankles To Rub Together
Neoprene swim socks have been popular among triathletes for years because of how they keep your feet warm. They are also excellent for open water swimming or just when you are outside on a cold day.
These open water swim socks from Blueseventy are unique as they are designed to do a better job of keeping your feet warm by insulating them.
They are designed to provide a tight, comfortable fit without bunching up and slipping around inside of your pool fins or water shoes.
2. Synergy Swim Socks Neoprene Swim Booties
Pros:
- Neutral buoyancy for less dragging underwater
- Good fit for most feet sizes
- Provide protection for foot injuries from the cold
I have used these for a couple of years now. I used to get really bad blisters and sore feet when swimming with swim socks. Now I use these, and everything is fine. I didn't know yet what I was doing back then.
These help you to develop a flutter kick, which is necessary for long distance swimming. The air layer between the skin and the neoprene makes them a lot more comfortable. You will notice a boost in speed and endurance.
They also provide a little more flexibility than comparable products thanks to their cut.
3. TYR Neoprene Swim Socks
Pros:
- Extra protection offers prevention of blisters and abrasions
- Padding doesn’t shift or bunch up
- Provides a more comfortable fit because it conforms well to your feet
Cons:
- One customer said that the socks starting to fall apart after a few uses
- Sizing info is difficult to find
Swim neoprene socks are a great way to prevent jellyfish stings and cuts when you are in the water. Also, they greatly reduce blisters when wearing fins. They provide a cushiony barrier to protect your toes and feet when you are swimming in the ocean. Plus, they offer you protection from the cold.
The TYR Neoprene Swim Socks can be used for many swims in the open water, including training for triathlon and open water swimming. They are made from a nylon/spandex/neoprene mix that is designed to help you have the best and most comfortable swim possible.
When you put these socks on, you will notice their stretchy feature; even with this feature, they will fit snugly. The added reinforcement along the top of the sock makes it sturdy. The nylon lining makes it comfortable. You will be able to put on your fins and flippers while you are wearing these socks, too!
4. Zone3 Neoprene Swim Socks
Pros:
- Perfect for open water swimming
- Keeps feet warm
- Easy to put on and take off
- Made of high quality neoprene
- Cool design & two color choices
Cons:
- They can feel a bit tight/bulky at times
Perfect for wearing during an open water swim session! Comfortable, affordable, and effective, which is what you look for in a good neoprene sock.
It’s preferred to wear socks that allow you to swim longer as opposed to pouring water over the feet while swimming. And while they can feel a bit bulky, I still prefer them over some of the more traditional swim socks.
The thickness and quality of the neoprene is perfect. It isn’t as flexible as you might be used from others, but it’s not rigid either. At first, the socks felt a bit tight, but after wearing them on numerous occasions, I realized I had adjusted to them, and they were just fine to wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best wetsuit for open water swimming?
The wetsuit you choose for open water swimming is very important. A tight wetsuit will keep you warmer but make swimming difficult. You should choose a wetsuit that is not so tight that it restricts your swimming, while still keeping you warm.
Older wetsuits are made of neoprene. Neoprene gets stiff when it is exposed to cold water. This leads to surfers taking their wetsuits off on the beach between sets. If you get out of the water wearing a stiff wet suit, it makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
The best wetsuit for open water swimming or triathlon training is a 2-3mm rash guard wetsuit. It is usually quite a bit warmer than that of a standard wetsuit. The better race suits are also reinforced at the elbows and knees. The better suits will also unzip from the feet up to the knee.
What do you wear for open water swimming?
The wetsuit will keep your body warm. The water will keep your swimsuit cold and your body will regulate the temperature.
If you’re swimming outside in the middle of summer, you may need to wear a wetsuit.
Choose your wetsuit based on the water temperature where you are swimming as well as the duration of your outing.
Before you dive in, make sure the wet suit is at room temperature. If it's cold out, you can wear a thin long-sleeve shirt underneath the wet suit to stay warm.
Make sure your wetsuit fits. If it's too tight, it will restrict your movement, and you won't be able to move with the water.
You may even need to wear something on your face to protect your face from the sun, the wind, or cold water.
Also, neoprene swim socks are a great addition to not lose too much heat through your feet.
Can you swim in aqua socks?
If you find that you are having big issues with blisters during your swimming, you might want to give swimming in aqua socks a try. Out of all the products out there designed to protect the soles of your feet while swimming, neoprene socks are your best bet if blisters are your problem.
If you decide to test them out, then be sure to wear your socks the entire time you are putting your wetsuit on. If you stop wearing your aqua socks while putting on your wetsuit, then some of the pre-existing friction and rubbing that is already happening between your suit and your skin will be amplified, potentially causing blisters. If this happens, then the only solution will be to stop wearing your wetsuit and try finding a better fitting one.
Can you swim in wetsuit boots?
The short answer is no. Wetsuit boots are not designed for use when swimming is the focus. They are for surfing, scuba diving, … It is very likely they will not offer you the flexibility you need to properly kick.
Conclusion
Personal preference plays a huge role in your decision. That's because it depends on whether you prefer comfort or less bulk. Companies that make neoprene swim socks have different fabric thicknesses and are created from different man-made fibers (which are cheaper and not as good, but they get the job done if you're not too picky.)
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| blueseventy Thermal Swim Socks | Best Overall | |
| Zone3 Neoprene Swim Socks | Budget Pick | |
| Synergy Swim Socks Neoprene Swim Booties | Upgrade Pick | |