‘袜套’ (wà tào) literally combines ‘袜’ (wà), meaning ‘sock’, and ‘套’ (tào), meaning ‘sleeve’, ‘cover’, or ‘sheath’. It refers to a thin, stretchy, foot-shaped garment worn directly on the skin—like a second skin for the foot—often made of moisture-wicking fabric. Unlike regular socks, it has no separate toe section and typically ends just above the ankle or at the mid-calf; it’s designed to be invisible under shoes or used for medical, athletic, or comfort purposes.

This term is commonly used in health and rehabilitation contexts—for example, to protect blisters, reduce friction during physical therapy, or manage mild edema. It’s also popular among dancers, runners, and people recovering from foot injuries. While similar to ‘foot sleeve’, ‘袜套’ emphasizes its sock-like function and fit, not compression or therapeutic intensity like medical-grade sleeves.