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Like any sort of fashion element, socks are a sign of the times. Long socks; short socks. Seamed stockings for the ladies; colorful Argyle socks for men. Brightly colored, weird and wacky socks for the kids; or, just plain ‘ol white athletic socks. Times change and sock preferences change, too.
Current choices in the sock world run the entire spectrum of color and design. One thing we are seeing a lot more of atop the toes today are fashion theme socks. People have personalities to express and are stepping out of the norm every now and then by adding color and whimsy to their wardrobe. They don’t have to wear these novelty socks everyday, but fun fashion socks bring a spark of adventure to an otherwise boring day.
If you see a certain selection of colors or patterns in numerous stores, on Internet sites, or in printed catalogs, you can be sure that is the newest, coolest trend.
If you are crazy about animals or cars, a specific sporting team or favorite vacation destination, you can tell the world about it with these miniature billboards on your feet. And this trend isn’t just limited to children and women.
The same is true for the opposite sex. Men can have fun with their socks, too. In the workplace, we see bolder stripes or patterns that fit with a tie or accents the shirt color. For off hours and weekends, guys often show their die-hard team spirit by wearing an athletic-theme sock.
It’s easier, of course, for children to “be cool” with their socks. Younger girls have always enjoyed patterned tights and socks available in a rainbow range of colors and whimsical, patterned designs. Boys are getting in on the “cool” factor, too, with theme socks.
The rapidly changing selection of cool socks also includes variations in sock shapes. Toe socks, where they are sewn to have a small, separate section to enclose each individual toe, have made a comeback in recent years. Many times, these eye-catchers are worn with open toe shoes and sandals to ensure they grab a lot of attention.
Glamour is also cool in today’s fashion socks. For the die-hard diva look, there is an array of socks with feather trim, jewels, beads and lace. Ladies have taken to these socks just as much as little girls.
As children grow, they stay active in every way possible — wading in mud puddles, climbing hills, running half-block marathons — you name it. And all this activity is happening while their feet are undergoing tremendous growth and formation. That is why Children’s Socks are as important as their shoes.
Soft padding in the foot and toe areas helps to protect against pressure points on the skin and reduces the friction responsible for blisters. Experts say that to preventing blisters, stick with synthetics. Cotton retains foot sweat, softening the skin so blisters can form. Synthetic socks made of acrylic, polypropylene, or CoolMax wick moisture away from the foot, keeping it dry. They may cost more, but they are worth it for young feet.
Double layer socks are also good at preventing blisters. The inner layer wicks away water, while the outer layer reduces blistering friction. Try it out by wearing two pairs of socks.
Also, feel free to experiment with the thickness of socks. Socks that are too thick leave no room for the toes to wiggle in shoes. You may need bigger shoes or thinner socks. When buying shoes, wear the thickness of sock you plan to wear to ensure a correct fit. Tube socks are not recommended for children. They won’t fit right no matter how much twisting you do. Look for Seamless Crew Socks, which are advertised to “End Mornings of Frustration.” These hand-linked cotton crew socks are constructed of a high cotton blend for breathability. A mix of Lycra and nylon maintains their shape. Extra ribbing adds to the crew sock look, and is designed for the height of the sock to be around the calf on a leg. Hand-linked socks do not have a machine stitch over, which makes it less challenging for those children who have a problem with socks.
Champion socks are a good quarter-crew choice for kids’ socks. Cotton-rich knit wicks away moisture to keep feet cool and dry, while a CushionMax™ sole absorbs shock. Smoothstitch™ toe seam lies flat for chafe-free softness. Another plus is that these socks will stay up while feeling good. A reinforced gray heel and toe resists discoloration, wear and tear.
Trimfit Girls Comfortoe Cotton/Lycra Flat Knit Knee-Hi Sock offers similar comfort for girls. These cotton, flat-knit knee-hi socks use Lycra for perfect fit. It’s a great school sock with a soft toe seam. Content: 70% Cotton, 25% Nylon, 5% Lycra Spandex
For girls, tights are an essential. Look for tights with a shaped foot with elasthane for excellent fit - no baggy ankles. An adjustable waistband and reinforced stitching enhance their longevity. A mix of 70% cotton, 26% polyester, 4% elasthane keeps them breathable, too. In cooler climates, kids will thank you for SmartWool® Hiking Socks. These are made from machine-washable, itch-free Merino wool that wicks moisture from skin so kids’ feet stay dry. A nylon/elastic blend keeps them from sagging Just as with adult sizing, sock and shoe sizes do not match. Here is a typical sizing chart for girls and boys:
Sock Size
Shoe Size
age
Sizes 3 to 4
shoe size infants 0-1
[typical age 1-3 months]
Sizes 4 to 5
shoe size infants 1- 4 1/2
[typical age 3-12 months]
Sizes 5 to 6
shoe size children 3-7 1/2
[typical age 1-2 years]
Sizes 6 to 7
shoe size children 6- 11 1/2
[typical age 1 1/2 - 4 years]
Sizes 7 to 8
shoe size children 9 - 1 1/2
[typical age 3-7 years]
Sizes 8 to 9
shoe size children 12- 6 1/2
[typical age 5-10 years]
Sizes 9 to 11
shoe size children 6 - 9
[typical age 10 + years]
Know that sizings can vary by manufacturer, so read the labels on kids socks to be certain of a correct fit.
When buying Infant Socks, you can get non-skid baby socks that can act like indoor shoes. This can help a young one move around safely.
If you or someone you know has Diabetes, you probably know that this disease is a leading cause of numerous foot problems for the 15.7 million people who have the difficult-to-control illness. Diabetic Socks can help.
Neuropathy, nervous-system impairment, is one of the major complications of Diabetes. The problem affects about 60 to 70 percent Diabetics. Because it can cause you to lose feeling in your feet or hands, you may not become immediately aware of injuries. Foot problems, specifically, carry a high risk.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Diabetics must monitor feet daily, as complications can be as severe as amputation. During a foot inspection, you or your helper should look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Feel each foot for swelling. Examine between your toes. Check six major locations on the bottom of each foot: The tip of the big toe, base of the little toes, base of the middle toes, heel, outside edge of the foot and across the ball of the foot. Check for sensation in each foot.
With a Diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a tight shoe, or a sock that rubs the skin, can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases your blood flow, so your injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you find any injury — no matter how slight — don’t try to treat it yourself. Go to a doctor right away.
Here’s some advice for buying the proper diabetic socks to take care of your feet:
Keep your feet warm; sleep in loose-fitting socks.
Though the best socks cost more, buy them! Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles.
Diabetic crew socks provide a loose top for better circulation and a full cushion across the bottom for comfort and blister protection.
Buy seam-free socks also help reduce the risk of skin irritations and foot ulcers.
Avoid stockings with constricting elastic tops.
Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear.
Look for square-toes socks that won’t squeeze your toes and fit better in your shoes.
Designed for those with serious edema, or heavier people, look for socks that can stretch up to an amazing 25 inches in circumference.
Some brand names to look for when seeking those properties include CoolMax, a moisture-wicking fiber that help keep the feet dry and healthy. Silipos® Arthritic / Diabetic Gel Socks have a gel insole to provide added support, cushioning, and comfort. SmartKnit® Wide Seamless Socks with X-STATIC™ are designed for people with serious edema or larger legs and feet. X-STATIC™ high-tech silver fibers act as a natural antimicrobial, which helps keep the skin healthy.
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society also recommends these shoe basics for healthier feet:
Never walk barefoot, or in sandals or flip-flops.
Choose and wear your shoes carefully. Buy new shoes late in the day when your feet are larger.
Buy shoes that are comfortable without a “breaking in” period.
Avoid pointed-toe styles and high heels.
Look for leather uppers and deep toe boxes.
Don’t wear the same pair everyday.
From a blister standpoint, you should also experiment with thickness of socks and the way they fit in your shoes. If your socks thick, leaving no room, you need bigger shoes or thinner socks. When buying shoes, bring along the sock you plan to wear.
When getting dressed, some Diabetics find that compression garments are easier to put on when you first get out of bed, before swelling occurs. Skin should be dry, or lightly apply cornstarch powder. Remove your rings and jewelry that make it difficult to apply socks properly. Avoid bunching the fabric, which is similar to creating a super rubber band. The final tip is to apply moisturizer to your legs and feet in the evening, not before putting on socks.
Unless you are working at home in your sweatpants or pajamas, you know that having the proper work attire is essential. Whether you have an office job that requires a professional, refined appearance, or you work on a construction site, socks are part of your overall dress code for work.
Working in an office setting puts workers under the looking glass when it comes to fashion sense, so rules should be followed. For men, black or dark blue formal attire calls for the socks to match the color of the pants. When you see a man pairing white socks with a suit, it never looks right. Khakis fit well with brown or beige socks, while gray slacks should be worn with gray socks. This sock/slack color match is true even if the shoes are black. The idea is to make your socks a vertical color extension of the slacks. We highly recommend Mens Gold Toe Socks for work.
For the professional working woman, the vertical extension rule also applies. Whether wearing sheer hose with skirts, or socks with slacks, match the color with the clothing, not the shoe. Using too much color and patterns draws attention, which may not be proper for the workplace.
Whether male or female, it’s important to choose hosiery that fits well and stays up. It’s not proper to be pulling up your socks during a business meeting. Over-the-calf socks with formal slacks will ensure that they do not slump, and bunch. For the utmost in comfort, look for a flat seam across the toe. Cushioned tops stay up without binding, just as cushioned bottoms go a long way to keeping the foot comfortable all day long.
Slight ribbing or designed stitching adds class, but should not overshadow the suit, pants, or shoes. With a heavier wool winter suit, thicker wool socks are appropriate. In general, the thinner the sock, the more formal it is. For instance, thick cabled or ribbed socks should be worn with more relaxed outfits. For smooth appearance, dressier socks usually contain finer threads, such as silk, but may also be of nylon or thin cotton. Dress socks usually extend over-the-calf so the leg is not visible when a man or woman sits.
Women’s stockings, also called nylons or pantyhose, must never have a hole. Dabbing clear nail polish on for a quick fix during the day is acceptable, but it means they go in the garbage can after work. Some women keep an extra pair of neutral colored hose tucked away at work for just such emergencies.
Manufacturers have taken new measures to make sure women’s socks, even the dressier versions, have additional padding in sensitive areas for those who work in the standing position all day.
For people who work in areas where hard labor and heavy-duty shoes or boots are called for, the key is comfort. Pressure and impact points exist on every foot, and feet subjected to extended shearing forces need extra protection. When moisture is retained by socks, skin becomes vulnerable to blistering. This is why socks with high wicking properties are so important. Synthetic materials mixed with padded cotton are a good choice.
Sock lengths vary, from below the ankle (nearly invisible above a shoe), moving up to ankle socks (resting above the ankle), to crew socks (ending mid-calf), to full knee height. Each length has its purpose and appropriate use for current accepted styles.
Start with the below the ankle variety. High school kids love these because they show off the shoe and the leg, and they leave a low tan line. Ladies wearing dress shoes who don’t want any stocking to show also use them as “footies”.
Many athletes prefer ankle socks, or anklets. For certain sports like running, an anklet stays in place and sits just high enough above the shoe to offer adequate protection from blisters. Across the United States, ankle socks have become more popular with school children and young adults to wear with athletic shoes. Go for cotton crew or ankle socks with sneakers or athletic shoes.
Fashion anklets are a high-demand item for ladies who want color above the shoe. Theme socks can be found mainly in the anklet size to mark the four seasons, every holiday imaginable, favorite dog breeds, music, travel, and occupations. Boys get in on the action, too, with tractor and airplane anklets.
Open-toe slides, high-heel pumps, and sling-backs worn with short skirts and dresses are now paring with sheer anklets and stockings that show through the shoe opening.
Crew socks are what men wear with slacks, provided they fit the lower leg well enough to stay up without constant fiddling. Wearing over-the-calf socks with formal dress will ensure that they do not slump and bunch. If they don’t stay up, go for an over the calf pair of socks — both dress and casual. The same is true for ladies. The idea is to keep a seamless line of vertical color by matching pants with socks. Bare skin of the calf that shows through interrupts the fashion continuity.
Knee highs allow people to keep their socks in place without the fear of them bunching at the ankle. Many people wear them as dress and casual socks. Colored knee high socks are a key part of a sport team’s uniform. For example, brightly colored socks alert teammates when struggling for a ball in a soccer match. Based on the color and pattern of their socks, players can tell who is who. It’s often hard to tell who you are kicking to when several players become bunched together.
The correct sock can do amazing things for the feet, such as keeping them warm, dry, and blister-free. Yet they can’t change the way genetics or basic growth patterns. It seems from research that socks will only help keep feet comfortable; it’s shoes that may make an overall difference in toe deformities.
Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are toes that do not have the right shape. They may look odd and sometimes hurt. Muscles within the toe are to blame for the toe bending into an odd position at one or more joints. These problems almost always happen in the four smaller toes, not the big toe.
An Internet search on Yahoo Health and publications from The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons report that a hammer toe is a toe that bends toward the floor at the middle toe joint. It usually happens in the second toe. This causes the middle toe joint to rise up. Hammer toes often occur with bunions.
Claw toe often happens in the four smaller toes at the same time. The toes bend up at the joints where the toes and the foot meet. They bend down at both the middle joints and at the joints nearest the tip of the toes. This causes the toes to curl down toward the floor.
A mallet toe often happens in the second toe, but it may happen in the other toes as well. The toe bends down at the joint closest to the tip of the toe.
Talk to a doctor if you notice that your toe looks odd or hurts. Home treatment often helps, but if you do not treat the disfigured toe right away, you are more likely to need surgery. Toe problems develop over years and are common in adults. Women have more of these problems than men because shoes, such as high heels.
Tight shoes are the most common cause of these toe problems. Toe muscles to get out of balance. If a shoe forces a toe to stay in a bent position for a long period, muscles tighten and tendons shorten. Over time, the toe muscles cannot straighten the toe at any time.
These disfigured toes often rub against footwear, and shoes that fit could be hard to find. You can treat hammer, claw, and mallet toes by wearing footwear with lots of toe room, using pads, and supports in the shoe, and doing toe-stretching exercises. Doing these things could give the toe room to straighten, cushion the toe and hold it straight, and make the toe muscles stronger and more flexible.
Surgery is possible, but results are not readily published. Talk to your doctor about your specific problem.
Because people with hammer toe may have corns or calluses on the top or tip of the toe, wearing the proper sock is important. Wear socks that aren’t too tight and have ample room in the toe box of the shoe. Synthetic socks are good because of their wicking properties. Keeping skin problems dry will help them heal faster.
Changing the type of footwear worn is another important step, according to the Academy. Buy shoes with a toe box (toe area) that’s high and broad, and can accommodate the hammer toes. This should lessen friction against the toes. The goal is to relieve pressure, reduce friction, and transfer forces from the sensitive areas.
When worn with the correct type of shoes (with lots of room for toes), my personal experience has shown that wearing Toe Socks helps straighten the big toes when they are pointing inwards due to wearing pointy toe shoes . However, when we did research, we could not find a study verifying that for the general public. It is a cheap test to try - but try at your own risk.
I found a video that shows you how to fold your socks more efficiently and neatly.
If you really want your sock drawer being neat and looking very organized this video is a must watch video. This will impress the pickiest neatness critic. Useful too as it allows you to fit more socks into your dresser.
Knee socks are often overlooked as full length stockings and ankle socks are more popular. We usually associate knee high socks with sports and guys in general but you can find a large number of ladies enjoying this apparel as well.
Many women don’t enjoy wearing full length stockings under her trousers. While some of us like to smooth out imperfections with control top panty hose, knee socks are cooler, easier to wear and often more conveinent. Knee socks give an outfit a sophisticated look while still allowing the wearer a some breathing room.
Dressy knee high socks are available in a wide array styles, colors and themes. You can buy socks that match every pair of pairs that you own. The wonderful thing about wearing knee high socks is that fit in any shoes that you want without having them be too tight or too loose around your feet.
Some knee high socks look like you are wearing tights. These socks come in a large selection of colors and have the traditional hose designs that are often worn with winter skirts. Being able to wear these socks with pants are cooler and more comfortable.
Though knee high socks that look like tights are great for cooler climates, the L. L. Bean look is not for everyone. You may desire to choose the Ultra Shine knee high socks for a fabulous polished and sparkling combination.
These breathable stocking socks are very sheer and elegant. They appear like high-end panty hose but they are durable high-quality knee high socks. Why wear full length stockings beneath pants when you can use these durable great socks that wear better, last longer and look as light and sheer.
If you want a different style you can choose Fancy Knee High Socks or novelty knee socks to add your own personal touch to your outfit.
Clothing has come a long way over the years. You can even use knee high socks as a fashion statement.
It’s the weekend — two days just for you. Sure you have to complete house work, yard work, social obligations, and family time. Just remember to reserve a portion of your weekend for your need to relax and rejuvenate from the ground up, preferably by kicking back, elevating the legs and pampering your two feet that have served you well all week long.The pampering begins with a good massage of your feet. Rub them gently as you relax, or take a warm bath to tickle the toes. When you are done, it’s time to wrap those feet in the most comfortable socks you can find.
If you just got out of a warm tub, or winter’s chill is in the air, “spabox” makes the ideal sock to keep the warmth flowing. They make a Spa Sock that swaddles your feet in warm, soothing relief. Just pop Spa Socks in the microwave. Their polyester fleece socks can be placed in the microwave for 30 seconds, put them on and send tired, sore feet on a weekend vacation. Spa socks release nurturing heat to soothe tired tootsies and achy arches. Let your toes bask in the wonderful warmth and soothing scents of cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus.
Sahalie is another company that will help your feet go that extra mile. Their Wooby™ socks are “baby-blanket-soft” microchenille Wooby fabric. These quarter-low socks are perfect for moderate activity, everyday wear, or just hanging out around the house. The high loft of Wooby fabric traps heat and adds cushioning. They are machine washable, and heat from dryer brings socks back to original size and shape.
Karen Neuburger is another designer known for sock fashion and comfort. Neuburger offers Chenille socks and super-soft slipper socks. If you need a sturdier bottom than a fuzzy sock offers, look no further than the Karen Neuberger Lounge Socks. These cozy slipper socks are all about comfort with durable synthetic soles. They feature a shorter, ankle-length style, and are a machine washable polyester/spandex material.
The company’s Imported Bootie Socks, also known as footies cover your feet but don’t reach to your ankles, perfect for hiding in shoes or sleeping in. Their Rayon No Shows are soft footie socks with seamless toes, perfect for the no sock look in sneakers while keeping your feet dry and protected from blisters. Neuberger’s World’s Softest Spa Socks are specially crafted for comfort. They have ultra-plush knit inside as well as out (socks are reversible). Lush polyester chenille offers cozy warmth without weight.
These types of socks aren’t limited to the higher price ranges, however. Local retail and discount stores offer alternatives that are lower priced. You may just sacrifice some quality and longevity while saving a few dimes.
Perhaps no company says “weekend” like L.L. Bean. Though the famous catalog retailer sells in every category of outdoor gear, people wanting comfortable weekend socks should look at their Fleece Socks. They can be worn alone indoors, or in clogs, hiking shoes, or sandals. Made from soft, quick-drying, 200-weight fleece, the L.L. Bean Fleece Socks are comfortable with non-chafing flat lock seams.
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