Jan 27 2008
Wintertime Activities & Socks
People who recreate outside during the winter, whether it is running, cycling, skiing, skating or snowshoeing, need to protect their feet by wearing appropriate socks. Many will spend top dollar for boots and shoes, but then choose cheap cotton socks to wear with them. When wearing the wrong type of socks, the feet are at risk for blisters, calluses, corns, foot fungus, toenail fungus, heel bursitis, bruising and cold exposure.
There have been many advances in the technology of socks. New materials with fibers to protect feet from cold temperatures and fibers with anti-microbial properties can now be woven into socks. But, purchasing the most expensive socks is not always necessary. Follow these tips below for keeping feet warm with the right socks:
• Choose wicking socks: The goal is to draw the moisture from your feet and have it evaporate from the sock. Wicking materials help facilitate this. Small fiber wool blends or synthetic blends tend to be good choices.
• Avoid cotton socks: Cotton is about the worst choice. Cotton absorbs moisture but does not allow it evaporate, so there is little wicking action.
• Use appropriate socks for your activity: Choose a running sock for running and a ski or board sock for skiing and snowboarding. These socks have padding placed in appropriate places to help reduce the risk of injury.
• Choose the correct size: Socks which bunch up under the toes or around the heel can lead to friction blisters. Socks which are too small can decrease circulation causes numb toes and increasing the chance of blisters between the toes.
• Change socks: Although this would seem obvious, it is important to remove those sweaty socks once you have finished your activity. For those with excessive sweating, it may be a good idea to change socks half way through longer activities. When socks have moisture, there is a greater chance for blister development. The longer moist socks are left on, the greater the chance for fungus development.
Purchase wicking socks in the correct size, match the sock with the activity, change socks frequently, when appropriate, and keep those feet dry.
More on Wicking Socks.