Best Sock Aids for Independent Living in 2022
For those of us with limited mobility and dexterity, Sock Aids are a unique solution in helping with dressing ourselves independently. Here at Soulo, we’re especially excited about how these devices can use such simple yet efficient designs to help aid in independent living
We’ve chosen three sock aids with very different designs to test factors like ease of use, storage, and value — all to tell you what comes out on top. And to give the best insight into these products, we asked for a hand from two Soulo followers — Debi and Edward!
Edward (67) is a family man who lives at home with his wife and three daughters. A few years ago, he had a back injury which has led to chronic back pain and difficulty moving around.
Debi (68) is a retired dental office manager who lives at home with her husband and cat! She currently deals with osteoporosis in her hips, right hand, and shoulder, leading to difficulty standing for long periods of time.
PRICE: $12.97 (Check here for updated price)
The SockAid was created for those having difficulty bending down, recovering from back, knee or hip replacement surgery or for those with limited mobility. It features a contoured, plastic base and adjustable ropes with a foam handle for grip. While it worked great for Edward, Debi pointed out that it doesn’t work well with tight, compression socks and that the knot attaching the rope to the contoured plastic can become undone. For people with extra large, swollen feet, the aid may be too small.
*Hand Powered, Little Bending
EDWARD’S REVIEW
Pros
Simple, unintimidating style
Can be used without bending over
No assembly needed
One piece, easy to store
Cons
One size, may be too small for people with swollen feet
Doesn’t come with instructions. Looking at the picture on Amazon is the easiest way to see how it works
DEBI’S REVIEW
Cons
Doesn’t work well with tight, compression socks
The knot that attaches the rope to the aid can become undone
PRICE: $13.46 (Check here for updated price)
The Sock Slider was created for users with mobility limitations, injuries, and pregnancy. It features a cradle design, rubber grip bottom, and a separate handle. The Sock Slider requires less hand strength and dexterity than the sock slider, so depending on the user’s upper body ability, this may be the better option. Another difference is that the handle can also be used as a shoe horn and to pull up or take off the sock, so for those who need that additional assistance, this is a great option. While the Sock Slider worked well for Edward, Debi preferred a more durable material and had difficulty using it with her compression socks.
*Little Bending, Largest Foot Size, Takes Sock Off
EDWARD’S REVIEW
Pros
Also has a device that can help pull the sock up and take the sock off
Wider than the Sock Aid, could fit with a larger foot
Great value! Lightweight, durable material
Great for storage, could hang on a hook and isn’t large
Cons
Sock has to be stretched a lot to put on the aid
Requires some assembly.
Instructions contain small pictures and words that are hard to read
DEBI’S REVIEW
Cons
Did not work
Not strong enough for compression socks
Flimsy material
PRICE: $29.04 (Check here for updated price)
The Jobst was created for people with arthritis and limited bending motion. This is the best option for people that primarily use compression socks, but is made from a heavier, metal material in order to be strong enough to support tight socks. It should be noted that it can’t be used by people with a calf circumference of over 18 inches, so those with larger calves may want to find a similar design in a larger size or use one of the previous aids. This aid is also floor based, so for those with limited upper body ability that don’t have trouble lifting their legs, this design would work better. While Debi loves this aid and uses it regularly, Edward found the height and angle you had to put your foot to use the device challenging.
*Works with compression socks, Foot powered
EDWARD’S REVIEW
Pros
No assembly
Cons
You need to be able to lift your foot about a foot off the ground in order to use it, which would make it difficult for many people
The angle you have to put your foot to slide the sock on is uncomfortable and requires some ankle flexibility
Costs twice as much as the other two aids but doesn’t work as well
Heavy and large
DEBI’S REVIEW
Pros
My favorite and the one I use
Works with compression socks
Cons
Needs to be bigger for people with large legs and feet or people with ankle or leg swelling
TAKEAWAYS
Our reviewers had very different opinions on which sock aid came on top, showing how the design of an aid can help one user and hinder another depending on what their challenges are. A family member having trouble standing or lifting their foot would have difficulty with a design like the Jobst, and may prefer the SockAid or SockSlider, while someone with difficulty bending may benefit from a floor-based aid like the Jobst.
We hope our reviewers and their experiences help you pick the sock aid that is best for you or your family member in helping maintain independence in a daily routine.
We believe in the power to live freely, and as we develop our Soulo Nail Trimmer to help you trim your toenails independently, we want to help you find other products that support your independent living. Do you have products you want us to review? Email us at contact@livesoulo.com! We love hearing from you.