Is it permissible to wipe over socks?

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that wiping over leather footwear (khuff) or similar sturdy and durable materials worn on the feet during ablution is established by the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) (Bukhari, Wudu’, 35, 48 [182, 202]; Muslim, Taharah, 72-73 [272-273]). However, there are differing opinions regarding wiping over socks. This disagreement primarily arises from differences in the authenticity of narrations reporting that the Messenger (peace be upon him) wiped over socks and shoes. Additionally, there are various views about the nature of the socks over which the Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped. (Ibn Rushd, Bidayat al-Mujtahid, 1/25-27)

According to the preferred opinion in the Hanafi school, it is permissible to wipe over socks that meet the following conditions:

a) They must be durable enough to allow walking for about 5 km (at least one farsakh) or more in them under normal conditions,

b) They must be strong and thick enough to stay up on the feet without being tied,

c) They must cover the feet including the ankles,

d) They must not let water through to the feet immediately by absorbing it,

e) They must be thick enough not to show the skin underneath,

f) Each sock must not have holes, tears, or rips equal to the width of three small toes. (Marghinani, al-Hidaya, 1/32; Mehmed Zihni, Ni‘mat-i Islam, 132, 133)

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu