Pull up your socks; winter is coming!
Choosing the right sock is one of the simplest ways to ensure foot comfort. Not all socks are created equal, and knowing what features to look for when buying socks will help keep your feet warm and comfortable through the winter months and cool and dry through the summer.
Three Things To Consider When Buying Socks
Type of Fabric
Say NO to cotton. Cotton holds moisture against the skin, making your feet cold in the winter and prone to blisters in the summer. Opt for bright wool or fabrics that wick moisture away from the foot, keeping the skin dry and comfortable.
Weight of Fabric
Well-made socks are thicker on the bottom for cushioning and thinner on the top to allow heat to escape more easily. If the socks are too thick, they make the feet sweat; if they are too thin, they do not absorb enough to keep the feet dry. Consider different weights of socks for different seasons and activities.
Height of the Sock
Socks work like radiators in the shoe, allowing sweat to be absorbed from the foot by wicking it away. Moisture also travels up the leg and evaporates, keeping your feet and shoes dry and comfortable. Short ankle socks have much less surface area and cannot effectively move moisture out of the shoe. Try a pair of knee highs the next time you go out for a run or walk, and you will be surprised how much cooler and comfortable your feet are.
Socks for People With Diabetes and Circulation Issues
If you have diabetes or are dealing with circulatory issues, you will want to look for socks that do not contain elastic. Though this could cause the socks to slide down the leg a bit, it avoids the dangerous complications of a sock that is too tight and cuts off circulation.
Compression socks are meant for people who have circulation issues and deal with swollen and achy legs. They should only be prescribed by your doctor and fitted by a certified compression hose fitter. Complications with compression socks that fit poorly can be catastrophic.
Tips to Select the Best Socks
Remember the role of a sock when you are shopping, and you will make better purchases:
- Protect the foot from rubbing the shoe or boot, helping to prevent blisters
- Provide cushion underfoot to keep the foot comfortable
- Wick moisture away from the foot, keeping the foot dry in both summer and winter
- Compress the foot and lower leg to improve blood flow (compression socks)
Take a look through your sock drawer and get rid of any ‘hole-y’ socks or socks that contain cotton. You may be down to only a couple of pairs that passed the evaluation, which is a great excuse to go shopping or perhaps add them to your wish list. Enjoy the cooler weather but keep those toes cosy!
