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Whether you are at work or at play, a man or a woman, nothing leaves you limping like a foot blister. Though poorly fit shoes can be the culprit, it is often a sock that’s rubbing the skin wrong and raw.
It may sound too simple, but to avoid blisters, you must pick the right sock for your activity and the shoes you will be wearing. Proper athletic socks are essential for sports activities.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) has found that the factors necessary for friction blisters are shear force, pressure and moderate levels of moisture. All of these forces can be mitigated by a proper sock system, according to the Academy. Investigators looked at the role of fiber and sock construction techniques in the prevention of foot blisters. They determined that synthetic, i.e. acrylic fiber, socks produce fewer and smaller blisters than cotton fiber socks. Acrylic socks kept the foot dryer when compared to cotton.
U.S. Military research has also shown that synthetic sock materials tend to cause fewer blisters. A study performed on 357 marine recruits revealed a 69% prevalence of blisters during a four-month period of training. Blisters serious enough to warrant medical attention occurred in 24.4% of all trainees. The Military took more steps to protect their soldiers’ feet and studied various sock systems. The standard military issue sock is a 50% cotton — 50% wool cushion-sole sock.
In a 1992 study of 357 marine recruits, the use of a CoolMax® liner with a heavily padded terry design outer sock using a wool/polypropylene blend significantly reduced blisters compared to a single layer sock (40% vs. 69%). Another study of 1,079 soldiers one year later tested five sock systems on blister frequency and acceptability by soldiers. Synthetic fiber socks significantly outperformed the standard wool sock. Adding a CoolMax® liner to the wool sock significantly reduced blisters.
Also, they found that by comparing single, extra-thick acrylic padded socks to double layer sock-systems, the double-layer system tested much better.
The AAPSM also suggests that socks be designed specific to the shoe, rather than the activity. The foot’s movement and stresses vary greatly, yet in creating a sock to mitigate those stresses resulted in a sock with very similar features, despite the foot stresses of various activities.
For athletes, shoe designs are just as important as the socks worn. AAPSM knows that design in the upper sock portion and fiber composition can be varied greatly to meet the specific demands of each sport.
The following table shows AAPSM recommendations meant to ease chafing between the foot and footwear, keep the feet warm, and wick sweat away from the feet:
Thin or Thin Double Layer Outdoor(liners): Cycling, Running (racing), Skiing
Padded or Thick Double-Layer: Jogging, Skiing, Hiking, Tennis, Basketball
They also suggest wearing socks of these fibers:
Acrylic: Golf, Tennis, Hiking
Acrylic/Wool: Outdoor-Cold
Acrylic/Thermax®: Outdoor-Cool
Acrylic/CoolMax®: Outdoor-Warm
CoolMax®: Running, Cycling, Liners
MicroSafe®: Therapeutic Hosiery, i.e., Diabetes
To further reduce the risk of foot blisters, make sure you pick a pair of socks that is well-constructed and fits properly. The statement “one size fits all” on the sock package gets many people into trouble with blisters. In fact, sock size is generally 1 ½ larger than your shoe size. If you wear a 10 shoe, your socks should be size 11 ½.
Sock experts may also suggest wearing socks with a flat, non-irritating seam across the toe, instead of a tube sock that may bunch around the toes. Reinforced heals and toes will add durability to those areas, while a fully cushioned bottom provides comfort.
Hopefully this will help you wear socks that prevent blisters, and be comfortable everyday.
If you’re in a profession where you have to sit or stand for a long period of time, then tired and aching legs is not something new to you. At the end of the day, your legs could feel very sluggish, and some of you might have varicose veins already. Wearing medical compression socks can be the solution to your problem.
Many people, especially patients who are suffering from venous disorders like varicose veins, have turned to wearing medical compression socks for comfort, support, and even treatment of their mild disorders. They fully understand the benefits of wearing these socks, and are grateful for what it can do for them.
However, there are some people who still don’t how they can be benefited by medical compression socks. These socks are not only for patients who suffer from varicose veins, but are also for working people who stand or sit for long periods of time during their everyday routines. Such people include bank tellers, healthcare workers, store clerks, and travelers. By wearing medical compression socks daily, the wearer helps promote leg health and prevent the onset of varicose veins.
One advantage of medical compression socks is that it helps ease tired and aching legs that most people undergo at the end of a particularly long day. With these socks, you wouldn’t find the need for you to lie down and elevate your tired legs once you get home. The socks simply massage your leg muscles during the day, which promotes good blood circulation from the legs and back to the heart. This way, your legs won’t feel sluggish and tired. Furthermore, the compressing action of these socks prevents the back flow and pooling of blood which brings about aching, and could lead into more serious venous complications.
Medical compression socks are also suitable for constant travelers who sit in trains, cars, and airplanes for long hours. Especially when their seats don’t have much leg room, the legs are being kept motionless for quite some time. When this happens, the blood in your leg muscles could pool, and could not be pumped up. This could lead to swelling and aching in the legs. In more serious cases, it could even lead to blood clots and DVT or deep venous thrombosis.
If you are concerned about the health of your legs, then it might be wise to get medical compression socks and wear them daily. These can help treat and prevent venous disorders. Before you purchase one, make sure you get the right socks with the appropriate level of compression. These socks come in various levels of compressions that are suited for several types of conditions. If you plan to use it daily as a preventive medical device, then go for socks with a compression level of 15 to 20 mmHg. The socks come in various colors, styles, and lengths, and can be worn everyday by everyone.
However, if you have a more advanced condition of varicose veins and other venous disorders, then it’s wise to consult the experts and get professional assistance. You can then supplement the treatment with wearing medical compression stockings with the right compression level recommended for you.
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.
includes diabetic socks, baby socks, wool socks and more!