How to Buy Socks that Will Keep Your Feet Healthy

If you wish to take care of your feet, you must protect them and comfort them at all levels. Therefore, while many people will splurge for comfortable shoes, the socks get forgotten about, when, in reality, they can make a large difference, too. Believe it or not, there are many categories that you can select from to purchase the socks that work for you.

First off, the most obvious aspect you must consider is the size. It is best not to purchase "one size fits all." All feet are not the same size, so some feet will stretch these socks out while others will not fit. Sock sizes come in small, medium, large, and extra large. You can also find larger or smaller socks in special stores. So what sizes correspond to what shoe sizes? A small constitutes as a women's shoe size between four and six. A medium translates to a women's size shoe of six to ten or a man's shoe between five and 8.5. Large ranges from a women's size of 10.5 to thirteen or a man's shoe size of ten to thirteen. Any socks sized larger than this are meant for feet in men's size thirteen or above.

Some techniques can be used to determine if a sock fits. When trying on a sock, look at the arch, toe, and heel area. If the sock flaps over, the sock is too big, and if it directly on the skin, it is too close.

There are sizes regarding lengthwise, too. There are four categories - quarter top, anklet, crew sock, and knee-length. The quarter top reaches below the ankle, while the anklet reaches just above it. The crew sock reaches between the ankle and the knee-length reaches the knee.

Once you have determined a proper sock size, you can figure out what kind of sock is right for you. The materials listed below will affect your foot in different ways. Consider what you want in a sock in regards to durability, comfort, length, and socks that can prevent blisters or other injuries? These needs can be met depending on the sock.

Cotton Blend

A cotton blend, defined as a sock with 60% or less cotton, is used for comfort. The most common sock used, this can be used for comfort and athletic performance, too. They are made with nylon, acrylic, or rayon. These materials decrease friction and maintain loft. Some people reported redness and discomfort when wearing this type of sock. This is because when the sock absorbs perspiration, it sticks to your foot and can cause redness.

CoolMax

This lightweight sock is designed to absorb perspiration. It also quickly dries your feet and is recommended for athletics or exercise, especially when worn in hot weather.

Lycra Spandex

Spandex in socks helps the sock stretch, being able to fit any size or shape of the foot. The high spandex content will change shapes, and will also provide a higher comfort level compared to other socks.

Acrylic

Soft and lightweight, acrylic is the most popular material found in socks. It combines quick drying with comfort and is found in all the higher brand socks. These are mainly found in socks used for casual use.

Wool

This material is used for comfort purposes. It holds its shape to extend durability, and is now advancing in less itchiness and softer socks.

Linen

Linen is commonly added to the toes and heel section of the sock. Linen will help increase durability and increase absorbency.

Silk

Socks made of silk will be quite smooth and absorbent. However, these socks will not be very durable and will wear quickly.

Olefin

Olefin has become a leading material for socks used in the outdoors. They have a wicking ability, meaning they can absorb perspiration into the fiber away from the skin - something only olefin and acrylic offer.

Natural materials will retain perspiration better. However, during the cold winter, they will feel wet when they absorb water. Be sure to at least rub the sock onto your skin, as you will experience itchiness and discomfort if you are allergic to materials used.

You must take consideration the purpose of your socks. Socks are classified into four categories - dress, casual, work, and sport. Dress socks can be used for work or for special occasions. These should be lightweight, reaching up to at least your calf. Dress socks are usually defaulted in black. Casual socks are worn for comfort. Usually more bulky to maximize comfort, they can be any length you wish. Support socks are used for health reasons. They have a higher percentage of spandex to support your muscles and reduce injury. Finally, work socks are designed for durability. Usually coming in dark colors but have been recently made into light colors too, these are designed with wool or acrylic yarns to provide warmth, too.

A topic mentioned above is a wicking technology. This means that when you sweat, the sock will automatically draw the sweat out and pull it away from your skin. This will give you more comfort and less irritation. Another technology used is called a "breathing" sock. This type of sock allows air to flow into the sock, providing a cooling effect on your feet. A third type of sock specifically made is called a Diabetic sock. This is designed for diabetics or people that have poor circulation. These types of socks have a higher cushioning and will not grasp onto your heel as much as other types.

Consider the thickness before buying socks. If you are in a warmer climate, natural fiber socks will yield best results, while thick socks are best for cooler climates.

Socks with particular uses are available, too. Hiking socks are made to reduce the change of blisters, for example, or ski socks provide a high amount of warmth and are designed to fit comfortably in ski boots. A common occurrence, now, is printing on socks. You can find designs on your socks. Recently, a new invention was toe socks, in which the sock acts like a glove and has a slot for each toe to go in.

Socks are often overlooked when considering your feet. Socks can provide so much and with new technology being developed every day, they have more and more uses. Think about what you want in your sock and find the right pair for you!