Knit Sock Heel Types

The heel of a sock is often the part that gets worn out the fastest. This is one of the most important parts of your knitted sock to ensure you have something comfortable that will also remain durable and handle the wear of normal day to day use.

There are all sorts of different sock patterns and the heel types you can create may seem overwhelming at first because there are so many.

We recommend that as you are knitting your socks to try and experiment with as many different techniques as you can. Eventually, you will develop a good idea of what your favorite way to knit a sock heel is.

Best Sock Heel Types

1. Strong Heel

The strong heel is a heel type that doesn’t require stitching up the heel flap. It’s one of the easiest heels to knit, though it does not result in the most comfortably fitting sock. Here’s a good basic strong heel sock pattern.

2. Short Row Heel

Short row heels are one of the most common types of heel that you see from finished socks. Whether your knitting toe up or top-down, the heel is knitted the same way.

To make the short row heel you use the wrap-and-turn technique to create short rows (or you can use other short row techniques).

Here’s a good resource on how to knit a short row heel.

3. Gusset Heel

Some people don’t like the way that short row heels fit, the gusset heel can be a good option if you want a great fit.

Gusset heels are made by working short rows to create a triangle on the bottom of the foot. Stitches are picked up along the flap to create the gusset. Here’s a good resource on making a gusset heel on toe up socks. 

4. Fleegle Heel

The Fleegle heel is a relatively new way of knitting heels on toe up socks. It’s easy to make and requires no holes.

The Fleegle heel starts when you reach the front of your ankle on your socks. Then you start to increase to produce a gusset.

Check out the video for more information on making this heel type.

 

5. Sherman Heel

This one is a good option because it doesn’t require a gusset. The toe and heel are independent of each other so you can get a nice color effect if you want to use different colors.

If you want to try this heel follow this free Sherman heel pattern. 

6. Fish Lips Kiss Heel

The fish lips kiss heel is a pretty easy and fast heel to make that doesn’t require a gusset and flap.

Learn to knit it in the video below:

 

7. Square Heel (Dutch Heel)

The square heel, also known is the dutch heel is another great option. The square heel results in a very comfortable sock and it’s really easy to work.

It’s essentially exactly what it sounds like—a square. Learn how to knit the square heel.

8. Round Heel (French Heel)

The round heel, also known as the French heel is a variation that results in a rounder curved heel compared to the square heel. You may prefer this over the square heel.

9. Eye of Partridge Heel

The eye of partridge heel is a beautiful stitch that results in a gorgeous diamond pattern learn how to knit the eye of patrtridge stitch at interweave.com