By Kate Milsom

Published: Monday, 29 November 2021 at 12:00 am

If you’re planning to keep swimming throughout the winter months, you’ll probably want to invest in some cold water swimming socks. Here, we round up some of the options available to you.

Should I get wetsuit swim socks or booties?

First off, if you’re looking to actually swim then go for neoprene swim socks as opposed to booties. Wetsuit boots are great for when you need to clamber across rocks but are also good at creating extra drag in the water and generally weighing you down. Swim socks are more flexible and will allow more freedom to kick, useful if you need to get going sharpish.

What makes good swim socks?

A decent thickness of neoprene will keep your toes toasty, we’d recommend at least 3mm. It pays to find socks that fit snugly as these will insulate better, look for tight closures or socks that have a secure band above the ankle. Another handy feature is if the wetsuit socks have grippy soles, so you’re not a complete slippy seal sliding over rocks to your wild swim spot.

Best affordable swim socks

Below is our list of beat neoprene socks that won’t break the bank but should keep you swimming for longer in that cold water over winter.

ZCCO Premium 3mm Swimming Socks

• £16.99

These ZCCO cold-water swimming socks have the standard 3mm thickness, which should keep you adequately warm year-round during open water swim adventures. Designed with a quick-removal cuff along the top of the sock, these should be easy to pull on and off after use.

ZCCO claims that the technology used for the stitching means they are extra durable, strong and long-lasting. The outer sole has non-slip coating, which should help you avid any mishaps getting into the water. They also have a choice of black, grey or pink!