We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

In cold water, your extremities suffer the most. Counteract this by picking up a pair of swim socks

Open water swimming is a boon for body and mind. Not only does it provide a challenging, low-impact form of aerobic exercise, there's also evidence to suggest it can help to manage stress and anxiety. But let's be honest: submerging yourself into frigid water is an acquired taste. And whether you're wearing a wetsuit or not, your toes can become painfully cold. Luckily, there is a solution. Swim in warm water! No, you're braver than that. Swim in cold water – but wear some swim socks. Here are five of the best.

Zone3 has gained a fine reputation for its wetsuits, and these swimming socks are of a similarly high quality. With a tight-fitting design, secure fit and high stretch 2mm neoprene, they are built for racing as well as casual paddling.

If you're swimming on pebbly beaches, stoney lakes or rivers, it's worth protecting your feet as well as insulating them. These Huub neoprene swim socks have a protective reinforced sole, which provides non-slip protection and abrasion resistance, while a split-toe design helps to avoid "rolling" on the foot.

Another product from a reputable wetsuit brand, these Blueseventy neoprene swim socks have been designed to insulate your feet when swimming in chilly waters. Their durable neoprene fit also offers a level of protection for your feet when tackling rocky surfaces.

The standout feature of these high-quality neoprene swim socks is an adjustable velcro strap around the ankle to help you adjust them and prevent them from falling. The 3mm of neoprene will keep your feet insulated and there's a non-slip design on the instep and sole, to prevent you from sipping on wet rocks as you enter the water.

These neoprene swim socks have been praised for their comfort, fit and ability to keep feet toasty, even in the chilliest of waters. You can rely on the 3mm of premium composite material to prevent your toes going numb and the glued and blind stitches will help to keep water out. Plus, for just over £12, they're a bargain!