Kids' Sock Guide

Last up is cushion. Cushion is how thick and soft a sock's knit is, and it changes how the sock feels, how warm it is, and how it fits inside a shoe. Kids' socks usually come in one of four levels.

No cushion 
A thin, smooth knit with no added padding. It slides easily into snug shoes like dress shoes, cleats, and ballet flats, and it stays cool in warm weather. The trade-off is the least padding against the shoe.

Light cushion
A thin layer of soft loops on the inside of the foot, under a smooth knit. This is the everyday middle ground, with some comfort and little bulk. It works well for school days and most sneakers.

Full cushion
Soft looped knit (often called terry) from heel to toe. It's the warmest and most padded option, so it suits cold weather, boots, and long active days. It also takes up more room in the shoe, so check that your child's shoes still fit comfortably.

Targeted cushion
Extra padding only where kids put the most pressure: the heel, the ball of the foot, and the toes. The rest of the sock stays thin. It's a good all-around pick for sports and play, with more comfort than a thin sock and less bulk than full cushion.

A simple rule of thumb: go thinner for tight shoes and warm days, and thicker for cold days, boots, and heavy activity.