Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

About Hywell Sock Care

Do Merino wool socks shrink?

They can if exposed to heat. To minimise shrinkage, turn them inside out, wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and air dry. Avoid tumble drying or hot water—heat is the main cause of shrinkage and loss of elasticity.

Can I tumble dry merino wool socks?

We don’t recommend tumble drying. Air drying helps preserve the fit, elasticity, and overall lifespan—heat is the fastest way to cause shrinkage and premature wear.

Can I machine wash Hywell socks?

Yes, Hywell socks are machine washable. For best results, we recommend using cold water (below 40°C) and a gentle cycle. Washing them inside out can also help preserve the fabric and cushioning.

Can Hywell socks be tumble dried?

Yes, but please use a low heat setting. High heat may damage the elastic fibers and shorten the lifespan of the socks. Air drying is recommended if possible.

Can I iron Hywell socks?

No, we do not recommend ironing Hywell socks. The heat can damage the technical fibers and elastic components, especially in performance or compression models.

How often should I wash Hywell socks?

We recommend washing them after each use, especially after workouts or long hours of wear. This helps prevent odor buildup and keeps the socks fresh and hygienic.

Do Hywell socks shrink after washing?

Hywell socks are designed to resist shrinkage, but slight shrinkage may occur if exposed to high heat during washing or drying. To minimize this, wash in cold water and dry on low or air dry.

About Shipping

What is the shipping origin of Hywell socks?

Our socks are shipped from our warehouse in New York State, and packages typically arrive at your doorstep within 5 business days.

What if my socks don’t fit? Can I return them?

Yes, we offer a 30-day hassle-free return guarantee. If your return meets our policy, simply contact us and we’ll provide the nearest return address. There are no extra charges for returns or refunds in this case. To check if your order is eligible, click here.

What is your shipping policy?

We offer worldwide shipping. Delivery within the United States typically takes around 5 business days, while international orders usually arrive within 8–15 business days.

For more information, please click here to view our full shipping policy.

What if I need to temporarily change my shipping address?

Unfortunately, we’re unable to change the shipping address once your order has been dispatched.

If you need to update the address, please contact us within 12 hours of placing your order. We'll do our best to make the change before your package is processed.

About Size

How long are Hywell socks?

All Hywell sock measurements are based on actual physical samples. Please refer to the size information provided on each product page for the most accurate details. For products without listed sizes, they are generally one-size-fits-most.

How do I know my size?

Our socks are tailored based on extensive fit testing and are designed to match standard US/EU foot shapes. Please refer to our size guide for the best fit. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for added comfort.

Daily Support

Do Hywell socks help relieve foot pain or fatigue?

Yes. Hywell compression socks feature extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot, along with structured arch support tailored for high arches. This combination helps relieve pressure and effectively reduces fatigue and soreness from standing or walking.

Are Hywell socks suitable for jobs that require standing all day?

Absolutely. The thick cushioning at the heel and forefoot, combined with Hywell’s arch compression band, helps relieve heel pain and arch fatigue caused by long hours of standing.

Can Hywell socks help with cold feet?

Yes. Hywell ski socks are made with Merino wool and thick cushioning to keep your feet warm in cold conditions. They provide excellent insulation, moisture-wicking, and natural temperature regulation—even in extreme weather or during winter sports.

Do Hywell socks help prevent ankle sprains?

To some extent. While socks can’t replace proper footwear or medical braces, Hywell socks offer enhanced ankle support and grip that may reduce the risk of slipping or twisting during light activity.

Do Hywell socks help treat varicose veins?

No. Hywell socks are not medical-grade compression socks. They may offer mild support for circulation and swelling, but they are not designed to treat varicose veins.

About Running Socks

Do they really help prevent blisters?

Yes, preventing blisters is one of the key features of Hywell™ running socks. With a foot-hugging fit, seamless construction, and anti-friction materials, they help reduce rubbing and hot spots during long runs, lowering the risk of blisters.

Do they wick away sweat?

Absolutely. Hywell™ running socks are made with high-performance moisture-wicking yarns, such as Coolmax® and Merino wool. These materials quickly pull sweat away from your skin and dry fast, keeping your feet dry and fresh during activity.

Want to learn more about the differences between CoolMax® and Merino wool? Check out our full comparison blog here.

Are they suitable for long-distance running or hiking?

Yes, Hywell™ running socks offer light compression to support circulation and reduce fatigue. Combined with cushioned padding and breathable fabrics, they keep your feet comfortable and stable even during long hours on the move.

Should I choose thick or thin socks for running?

It depends on your environment and personal comfort. Thin socks are lightweight and breathable — great for hot weather or racing. Thick socks provide extra cushioning and warmth, making them ideal for long distances or colder conditions. Hywell™ offers different thickness levels to suit various needs.

Not sure which one’s right for you? We broke it all down in here.

Is it better to wear long or short socks?

Short socks help keep your feet cool while running, whereas long socks offer more coverage for your calves and better ankle support. We offer a full range of lengths — from low-cut to crew — so you can choose what works best for your activity.

Are toe socks suitable for long-distance running?

Yes. Toe socks separate each toe to reduce friction between them, helping to prevent blisters. Many runners prefer them for marathons, trail runs, and other long-distance efforts. The Hywell™ toe sock is specifically designed to meet this demand.

Curious how toe socks perform in different sports? Check out this blog.

About Basketball Socks

Do your basketball socks have compression support?

Yes, our compression basketball socksfeature targeted compression around the arch to boost blood circulation, reduce arch fatigue, and enhance overall support and performance.

What’s the difference between Hywell™ basketball socks and regular socks?

Hywell™ basketball socks are specially designed for the demands of the game. Compared to regular socks, they feature padded cushioning in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact, reduce friction in high-pressure areas, and help prevent blisters.

Are they moisture-wicking?

Yes, Hywell™ basketball socks are mostly made with moisture-wicking materials like CoolMax® and Merino wool. These fabrics help keep your feet dry and reduce heat buildup during play.

Do Hywell™ basketball socks provide grip?

Hywell™ basketball socks offer greater grip inside the shoe, keeping your feet more securely in place and minimizing slippage during movement for enhanced stability and fit.

Is it better to wear thin or thick socks when playing basketball?

Thicker socks are generally better for basketball. They provide extra cushioning, reduce impact, and help prevent blisters during intense movement. Thin socks may feel lighter but often lack the support and protection needed on the court.

How long do Hywell™ basketball socks typically last?

Over time, athletic socks gradually wear out due to fabric friction. Hywell™ basketball socks are made from high-performance materials such as premium wool, nylon, and polyester, offering solid durability. Their typical lifespan is around 6 to 8 months, depending on how often you wear them and how you care for them.

About Fitness Socks

What’s the difference between Hywell™ fitness socks and regular socks?

Compared to regular socks, Hywell™ cushioned fitness socks feature thickened anti-slip cushioning zones at the forefoot and heel.

These knitted reinforcements help absorb impact and enhance grip during high-intensity or strength workouts, keeping your feet stable and well-supported throughout each movement.

Do they have compression support?

Yes. Hywell™ compression socks are designed to promote healthy blood circulation in your feet and help reduce fatigue, especially after long training sessions or extended standing.

Are they breathable?

Absolutely. We use high-performance breathable and moisture-wicking yarns such as Coolmax® and Merino wool. Even during intense workouts, these materials help keep your feet dry, cool, and fresh by drawing sweat away quickly.

Is the sizing accurate?

Our socks are tailored based on extensive fit testing and are designed to match standard US/EU foot shapes. Please refer to our size guide for the best fit. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for added comfort.

How often should I replace my fitness socks?

On average, socks last around 3 to 6 months depending on your training frequency and how you wash them. If you train frequently, consider replacing them every 3 months to maintain optimal performance in compression, support, and breathability.

NEED MORE HELP?

Email us anytime at support@hywellstore.com — we’re here to assist.