How to Pick Perfect Socks ?Anyone who’s ever had to cure a blister inside the centre of a 20-mile day hiking trip will inform reader that socks are first piece of equipment that cannot be skimped on. However, in an age when everyone is attempting to do that now, do you really have to invest $12 on a pair of socks? You might just, depending on what you intend to do in some socks, what long you aim to wear them for, and also how severe your activity level is. Knowing how to select the right pair for any action will save the day, in both terms of overall comfort and foot protection.
Fabrics for Socks
When selecting socks, consider the fabric content first. Most socks are composed of a combination of different fabrics. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each will allow you to make an informed decision.
Wool from Merino sheep
When most people think of wool, they think of cold season and cold weather, but Wool is so comfortable to wear that it can be worn all year. This yarn is made from of the wool of merino sheep, which are primarily found in New Zealand. It is incredibly soft, pillowy soft, itch-free, highly durable, and resistant to odours and shrinking. Merino wool, which is extremely popular among hikers and backpackers, is sought after by performance athletes due to its ability to wick and rapidly evaporate moisture.
Merino wool, popularised by businesses such as SmartWool, is more expensive than cotton, enamel, or nylon, but its performance is difficult to beat.
Acrylic
Acrylic, which is less costly than Merino wool, is an all-purpose fabric. It is comfortable, has good cushioning, and dries quickly.
Cotton
Feet perspire profusely. And when wet skin meets friction, users have the mark of a good blister. Unfortunately, cotton socks absorb so much moisture after a few miles of able to run or strenuous hiking, you have such a damp washcloth swathed around your feet. So, for high-aerobic use, choose socks with a low textile content or none at all.
Nylon
Nylon is often blended with other fabrics, accounting for 20% to 50% of a sock’s fabric. Nylon adds strength and durability while drying quickly.
Spandex, elastane, or lycra.
This material provides some stretch and enables the sock to actually fit. These materials are typically a small % (2 to 5%) of the fabric content of the sock.
Sock Length
Ankle socks (the briefest) and quarter socks (mildly taller) are ideal for trying to run, biking, and other activities that require the use of low-top shoes. Crew socks are ideal for hiking and trekking, particularly if you are wearing taller boots. Skiing requires over-the-calf socks.
Sock Thickness/Weight
The larger the cushioning, the heavier the sock, especially if it contains a high percentage of wool. Thicker socks, on the other hand, are also warmer. Unless you’re running in the winter, the choice is simple: go midweight or heavyweight.
If you’re going hiking in the summer, you might want to try something new. Try different thickness seeing how they work. In warm weather, wear as little as possible to avoid blisters. Regardless as to how hot it is, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, you should wear at least minimum weight socks.
That’s never a bad idea to introduce extra socks of a varying weights than what you’re wearing on longer hikes. Bring multiple socks if you’re going on a weeklong backpacking trip, and start each monday with a clean pair.
Socks might be used as a likely to fit tool to improve the fit of shoes. If the shoe is just too large, try a thicker sock. If the shoe is too tight, try wearing thinner socks.
Sock Size
Socks should be snug without pinching your toes or enabling excess material to fold, fine lines, and cause friction. The heel of your sock should fit snugly round the your heel.
The lintel area should be snug enough to fit around your arch. Seams ought to be flat (particularly on the toes) and not rub or squeeze any portion of your foot.
Interior Sock Building
Inside out your sock. If it lacks padded loops, it may not provide the necessary cushioning to assist retain moisture and defend your feet from of the components inside your footwear, particularly more strict hiking boots. Check the toe seams as well; if they are not flat, annoyance and massaging can occur, resulting in blisters.
