A persistent case of athlete’s foot can derail your life in ways both big and small. Along with being challenging to treat, it’s uncomfortable at best and painfully itchy or burning at worst. While a prescription cream from a podiatrist is generally the most effective treatment, the type of sock you wear could actually support your foot’s overall health during this time and possibly even help with healing and prevention. Dr. Patrick McEneaney, a board-certified podiatrist and founder of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, explained that athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs on the foot skin, typically on the bottom and sides of the foot, and in between toes. “It often looks like dry, scaly and red in nature,” he said. It can also make the area between the toes look wet. Dr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City, pointed out that since fungus thrives in warm, moist, and dark environments, it can be found in places like gyms, locker rooms, showers, or around pools. “Once fungal elements have attached to the skin,” he said, “placing the foot in a sock [or shoe] offers the fungus a perfect opportunity to grow.”Anyone can be susceptible to athlete’s foot, but as the name suggests, it is more common in athletes, likely as a result of spending more time in communal locker rooms and showers. McEneaney noted it’s also more common in men, older people and diabetics. Evans added that those with sweaty feet, poor foot hygiene and people in damp environments are also more likely to get athlete’s foot. What type of socks are best for athlete’s foot?Both agree that wearing socks made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials like merino wool can help mitigate athlete’s foot. Additionally, “Bamboo fibers and cooper-infused fabrics have proven to be helpful in defending against athlete’s foot as well,” said Evans.McEneaney warned that wearing socks with a high synthetic content can actually promote fungal growth, and recommends people disinfect shoes and socks to help rid them of fungus. He also cautioned that “while nanosilver socks are popular online, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support their effectiveness for treating athlete’s foot.” In keeping with our experts’ recommendations, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best socks to wear if you are managing athlete’s foot. Take a look below and pick up a pair for yourself. Farm To FeetA pair of merino wool socks that were made in the USAAll of Farm To Feet's socks are made with American-sourced merino wool and the brand is committed to working with several wildlife and ecological organizations to protect habitats in need, so you can feel good about your purchase. If that weren't enough, these traditional crew socks were designed to be supportive and long-lasting, with a bulk-reducing silhouette that can even help to reduce friction that causes blisters. AmazonA six-pack of bamboo crew socksStock up with this six-pack of bamboo blend socks. The soft, comfortable fabrication is sweat-absorbing and breathable, while the seamless and anti-slip design can help to prevent rubbing or slippage. They're available in a few different color combos in four sizes. One reviewer called these the best socks they ever owned, and said that "these bamboo socks work like magic when it comes to avoiding my feet from smelling."SwiftwickA pair of lightweight performance socks with compression technology"Swiftwick is my favorite brand to wick away moisture," said board-certified podiatrist Dr. Patrick McEneaney. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy the benefits of this thin, moisture-wicking merino wool crew sock. It's designed to offer moderate compression to support the foot and ankle while running, hiking, cycling and more, but is comfortable enough to wear for everyday activities. BoodyA pair of elegant ribbed bamboo socksIn keeping with podiatrist Dr. Gary Evan's recommendation, we've included these bamboo crew socks from Boody. They have a mid-calf rise that looks good with a range of styles and shoes, and has a refined ribbed weave with a soft, silky feel that makes the socks look more expensive than they are. A reinforced toe and heel can help to extend the lifespan of these socks, making them a great investment.AmazonA pair of good looking SmartWool classic hike crew socksThere's a general consensus among the newsroom that SmartWool socks are an absolute must during the cold months. They're fully cushioned for maximum comfort, while the innovative wool fabric keeps you feeling cozy and warm without getting too sweaty — a key component of abating athlete's foot. AmazonA four-pack of copper-infused crew socksPer Evans's suggestions, these copper-infused socks provide all the functionality of a lightweight, breathable sock (moisture-wicking, sweat-resistant) with the added benefit of having copper's antibacterial properties. They are crew length and available in two sizes. One reviewer noted that "they are perfect for daily wear," while another said that these socks keep their feet dry and odor-free.ZapposA pair of cozy merino blend hiking socksMade with a delicious merino wool blend that provides cushion without feeling bulky, these socks are odor-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking. They're available in several different colors and sizes.R.E.IA pair of merino wool hiking quarter socks from R.E.I.My eternally cold friend, art therapist Ingrid Mellor, swears by these hiking socks from R.E.I. The merino wool fabrication also makes it a great option for those dealing with athlete's foot. They're as multifunctional as they are cute.They are also a great option for people who are always cold. She has Reynaud's disease, which can cause her extremities, like fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to certain situations, making warm socks absolutely imperative. These cushy socks are breathable and moisture-wicking and can keep your toes nice and toasty no matter how cold it is outside. AmazonA three-pack of durable socks that are surprisingly affordableMerino wool is naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and sweat-wicking, but it can be really pricey. These unisex merino wool hiking socks from Amazon come in three packs, for less than the price of one from a fancy name brand! Reviewers are really impressed by their thickness and quality, and they've also got a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe areas; we have a feeling you'll be wearing these year-round.REIA pair of editor-loved hiking socksIn previous reporting, HuffPost senior editor Jillian Capewell told us that she loves Darn Tough hiker socks. They're made with shrink-treated merino wool that helps to make them long-lasting and durable while also making sure they're as comfortable and warm as possible. They're perfect for hikes and other outdoor activities or cozy on days spent lounging on the couch, and the merino wool fabrication can help to support your foot's health as you recover from athlete's foot. They're available in a variety of sizes and colors.