I Tried the Foot-Softening Gel Socks That Everyone Raves About (2024)

Let's face it—foot products aren't glamorous. This is most notably evidenced by cult-fave productBabyFoot, which literally sheds the dead skin off your feet like a snake for weeks until ultimately revealinga new, silky-smooth pair of tootsies. And for those of us too frightened topeel off dead skin, callus removers, pumice stones, and balms are generally the name of the game.

But now we have a new foot softening product in the game. Enter: BelleShaSpa Moisturizing Gel Socks, a set of hospital-style socks, you know the ones they give you before surgery. They come in various colors and have treading on the bottom to prevent you from slipping and sliding on your floors. When you hold them in your hands, they're shockingly heavy. That's because they're lined with a moisturizing gel layer of oils to tend to your tootsies. The best part? They're super easy to use and require zero effort to put on. They're definitely not sexy or cute (my boyfriend saw me putting them on and asked me what on Earth I was wearing), but sometimes function wins over the aesthetic. But the fact remains: they're going to be your new favorite product for getting soft, smooth feet.

Keep reading for more about these gel socks and how they improve the texture of your feet.

Pros + Cons

Pros:

• May soothe dry, cracked feet (more below)
• Easy to use
• Stretch to fit all shoe sizes

Cons:

• Can feel clammy
• Slippery to walk in
• Can slip off if you sleep in them

Bottom Line: They work

BelleSha's Spa Moisturizing Gel Socks might not be the "coolest" beauty product on the block, but they are inexpensive, easy to use, and may be effective at softening dry, cracked feet.

About My Skin: Rough around the edges

I'd say that my feet are generally smooth. But like a lot of people, I tend to get rough, dry calluses on the pads of my feet and the heels. I've tried a lot of different lotions and creams in the past that have definitely been a godsend for my feet (the Biopelle Exfoliating Heel Cream is one of my all-time faves), but it never hurts to have more foot softening products in my arsenal.

The Science: Not proven, but doesn't hurt

According to Alan Bass, DPM, a podiatrist based in New Jersey and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, water-based moisturizing creams and lotions are the best bet to thoroughly moisturize the feet. And while Bass hasn't used the BelleSha socks before, he notes "the vitamin E and jojoba may, in fact, come out of the socks and provide softness to the skin, but I am not sure how much they moisturize it." In other words, the jury is still out, at least from a professional standpoint. Bass does say, however, it's unlikely a pair of moisturizing socks would cause negative side effects. "[The socks] are most likely harmless to use and will most likely provide the user with feet that look and feel good."

Care Instructions: Hand wash only

Each pair of BelleSha's moisturizing gel socks can be used between 30-40 times, but this is dependent on how you care for them. Each pair should be hand washed with cool water and laid out to dry between uses. If you want to wear them everyday, it's a good idea to get multiple pairs and rotate them throughout the week.

The Feel: Squishy

If I was going to give these bad boys a shot, I really wanted to do it right and up the ante by applying a thick moisturizing product to work in tandem with the spa socks (as BelleSha recommends). I reached for some foot butter, slathered it on thick, and then slipped my feet in. You can also wear the socks on their own without any additional foot product, as the gel's vitamin E and jojoba oils will seep into the skin while the socks themselvescreate a warm, moistening environment. For some people, the socks can be kind of uncomfortable and clammy and it's true, they definitely felt super weird, like I was sticking my feet into squishy silicone sacks. But it was a good kind of weird. Honestly, I was into it.

And even though they do have grippies on the bottom, they can be a bit uncomfortable to walk in. Your heels sort of slide around in the sock and it can feel a bit like walking on pile of gel-like lotion. It's not a deal breaker, but they're definitely more comfortable to wear while you're reading, Netflixing or sleeping, rather than doing chores or activities around the house.

The Results: Super soft feet

I woke up the next morning, socks almost suctioned to my feet, and peeled them off. What was underneath was shocking: My feet felt incredible. They were so soft and moisturized, unlike any other time I'd put foot creamon and slept in a pair of traditional cotton socks. There were still some calluses on my heels and the balls of my feet, but much less noticeable than the night before. I'm sure with several more uses they'll soften right up.

The Value: 100% worth it

Each pair of BelleSha gel socks costs $11. Since you can use them over and over again, it makes for a better price-per-use than other foot-softening products like BabyFoot.

If you're going to purchase these socks (and I totally think you should), beware of imposters. BelleSha warns customers of purchasing counterfeit productsfrom unauthorized sources. If you want the good stuff, buy direct from Amazon.

Similar Products: You have options

Barefoot Scientist Sleep On It Overnight Moisture Gel Socks: A comparable price at $22, like the BelleSha socks, these are formulated with a unique gel that releases shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, rose oil and vitamin E while you sleep.

Therawell Moisturizing Gel Socks: These moisturizing gel socks can be used up to 40 times and are available in two, pastel-colored options. The gel is infused with a blend of jojoba oil, peppermint essential oil, olive oil, and calming lavender. Not bad for $12.

Our Verdict: We love them

The BelleSha gel socks should definitely be a part of your current self-care routine. All you have to do is slip them on, watch between two to three episodes of Schitt's Creek (or wear them overnight), et voilà! Super soft feet are yours.