Sitting in a sauna is a time-honored tradition in many cultures around the world. The dry heat of a sauna helps promote sweating, relaxation, and a sense of tranquility. With temperatures reaching upwards of 190°F (88°C), saunas create an extremely hot environment. This leads many sauna-goers to ponder an important question: can you wear socks in a sauna?

The short answer is yes, you can wear socks in a sauna. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind.

The Purpose and Benefits of Saunas

Before diving into the socks debate, it helps to understand the purpose and benefits of using a sauna. Saunas provide a multitude of health advantages, including:

• Improved circulation: The high heat causes blood vessels to expand, which improves circulation and leaves you feeling invigorated.
• Stress relief: The heat promotes the release of endorphins, providing mental relaxation and relief from stress.
• Detoxification: Sweating helps flush toxins and impurities from the body.
• Relaxation: The overall experience leaves muscles feeling relaxed.
• Skin health: Increased blood flow improves skin health and complexion.
• Weight loss: Sweating can result in a loss of water weight.

Using a sauna 1-3 times per week allows you to reap these benefits while avoiding overuse. Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes.

The Controversy of Wearing Socks in a Sauna

When it comes to wearing socks in a sauna, there are two schools of thought:

The No-Socks Camp

Many sauna traditionalists argue that you should never wear socks or any footwear in a sauna. The reasons include:

• Safety: Socks can be slippery and lead to falls on wet sauna surfaces. Going barefoot provides better traction.
• Hygiene: Not wearing socks prevents sweat and bacteria from building up in sock fabric. Shared saunas stay cleaner.
• Tradition: Finnish sauna culture stresses the importance of going barefoot. Keeping traditions alive preserves cultural heritage.
• Full experience: Direct skin contact with sauna surfaces allows your feet to fully experience the dry heat.

For these reasons, public saunas like those at gyms, spas, and hotels often require going barefoot and posting “no shoes allowed” signs.

The Pro-Socks Camp

On the other side, many sauna-goers argue that wearing socks can be appropriate in certain contexts. Reasons include:

• Comfort: For people with foot sensitivities, wearing socks provides a layer of comfort against hot surfaces.
• Hygiene: Those with foot fungus or plantar warts can wear socks to avoid spreading infections.
• Privacy: In a private home sauna, socks allow friends and family to feel more comfortable.
• Cold weather: Wearing socks before and after a sauna prevents cold feet in winter.
• Customizability: Fun, colorful socks allow personal expression.

For these reasons, wearing socks in a private home sauna is generally considered acceptable, especially if hygiene and cleaning are maintained.

Factors to Consider When Wearing Socks in a Sauna

If you do choose to wear socks in a sauna, either in a public or private one, here are some tips to follow:

• Fabric: Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking socks made of breathable material like cotton, wool, or polyester blends. Avoid plastic and rubber materials that will trap in sweat.
• Fit: Wear properly-fitting socks, not ones that are overly tight. Tight socks restrict blood flow, which counteracts sauna benefits.
• Time limit: Only wear socks for 10-15 minutes max in a sauna session. Remove them periodically to allow feet to air out.
• Hygiene: Wash socks after each sauna use to avoid bacterial growth. Consider designated “sauna socks.”
• Traction: Remove socks if they become slippery on wet flooring. Going barefoot provides a better grip.
• Signs: Adhere to “no shoes allowed” policies at public saunas. Only wear socks in private saunas.
• Comfort: Immediately remove socks if feet feel uncomfortably hot. Listen to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to wear socks in a sauna?

Wearing socks is not inherently bad, but it does go against sauna traditions. If wearing lightweight, breathable socks for brief periods, it should not cause major issues. However, excessive sock use or improper sock fabrics could negate benefits.

What kind of socks are OK for saunas?

Light cotton, wool, polyester, or wool-blend socks are best. Avoid non-breathable materials like rubber, plastic, or thick wool. Choose thin fabrics that release sweat. If public saunas require bare feet, adhere to those rules.

Can you get a fungal infection from wearing socks in a sauna?

It is possible. The heat and sweat create an environment where fungus and bacteria can grow, especially if socks are not washed regularly. Those prone to athlete’s foot should avoid sauna socks or wear flip-flops.

Should kids wear socks in saunas?

Children can wear socks in saunas for short periods if necessary for comfort and footing on slick surfaces. Make sure the socks are lightweight and allow the feet to ventilate. Monitor kids closely and remove socks if feet seem overly hot. Err on the side of tradition and go barefoot when possible.

Are you supposed to wear shoes in infrared saunas?

No, do not wear shoes inside infrared saunas. The heat and sweat can damage shoe materials and result in off-gassing. Socks are OK if you follow the tips above about fabric, fit, and time limits. Bare feet allow for the most effective infrared penetration.

Conclusion

While health experts agree that wearing socks in saunas is not necessarily harmful in moderation, tradition dictates going barefoot. Use care in choosing proper sock fabrics and do not overheat feet. When in doubt, embrace barefoot wellness and follow public sauna protocols. Listen to your own comfort levels as well. Happy sweating!