Red Sock Day

Red Sock Day is observed on the third Saturday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 21. This health awareness event is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis. The day encourages people to wear red socks to symbolize healthy circulation and to spark conversations about cardiovascular health. By focusing on the “life and limb” aspect of vascular disease, the initiative aims to reduce the number of preventable amputations and heart attacks associated with undiagnosed P.A.D.

History of Red Sock Day

Red Sock Day was established in 2022 by the nonprofit organization The Way to My Heart. The founders created the day to address a significant gap in public health awareness regarding vascular health outside of the heart itself. While many people are familiar with coronary artery disease, P.A.D. often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages. The choice of February for this observance aligns with American Heart Month, allowing the organization to leverage broader cardiovascular health campaigns to highlight the specific risks of arterial blockages in the extremities.

The symbolic red sock used for the day features a blue toe and heel. This design is intentional; the red represents the flow of oxygen-rich blood, while the blue represents the lack of circulation that can lead to tissue death and amputation. Since its inception, the day has grown into an international movement involving vascular surgeons, podiatrists, and patient advocates. It serves as a focal point for the Care Access Program, which helps provide medical resources and screenings for individuals who may not have regular access to vascular specialists.

Why is Red Sock Day important?

Peripheral Artery Disease affects approximately one in five adults over the age of 60, yet many patients mistake its symptoms for normal signs of aging or arthritis. Early detection is critical because P.A.D. is a strong predictor of other serious cardiovascular events. Statistics show that three out of five people who suffer a heart attack also have P.A.D. By raising awareness of leg health, the day helps identify individuals at high risk for strokes and heart failure before these life-threatening events occur.

The social and economic impact of untreated P.A.D. is substantial, leading to hundreds of thousands of amputations globally each year. Many of these procedures are preventable with lifestyle changes, medication, or minimally invasive interventions if the disease is caught early. Red Sock Day provides a platform for education on risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It empowers patients to ask their doctors for an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, a simple non-invasive procedure that compares blood pressure in the ankles to blood pressure in the arms.

• Plaque buildup in leg arteries can lead to non-healing wounds and gangrene.
• Leg pain during walking is often the first warning sign of poor circulation.
• Early diagnosis of P.A.D. significantly reduces the risk of future heart attacks.
• Many people living with diabetes are unaware of their increased risk for limb loss.
• Simple screenings can identify arterial blockages in minutes without surgery.

How to Observe Red Sock Day

Observing this day starts with wearing bright red socks to work, school, or around your community. This simple visual cue often prompts questions from others, providing an opening to talk about the importance of leg health and vascular screenings. Many participants share photos of their footwear on social media platforms to reach a wider audience. It is also an appropriate time to check in with elderly family members about any leg pain or cramping they may be experiencing, as they might be dismissing these symptoms as typical muscle soreness.

Practical involvement includes supporting organizations that provide mobile screening units or financial assistance for vascular treatments. You can also take the time to review your own cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Education is a primary goal, so reading about the “hidden” symptoms of P.A.D.—such as cold feet, shiny skin on the legs, or thickened toenails—can help you or a loved one seek medical advice sooner.

• Wear red socks with blue accents to represent the fight against poor circulation.
• Ask your doctor about a vascular screening if you experience frequent leg cramps.
• Encourage friends with diabetes to perform regular foot checks for slow-healing sores.
• Donate to patient advocacy groups that provide support for vascular surgery recovery.
• Post facts about arterial health online to help debunk myths about aging and pain.

Red Sock Day Dates Table