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How to Choose Hiking Socks?

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The average person takes 2,000 steps to travel one mile. Factor in the up and down of a hiking trail and the roots and rocks you’ll encounter along the way and that number only gets higher. With every step, the right socks play a critical role in keeping your feet comfortable and blister-free throughout your journey.

 

To choose the best socks for your hiking trip, it’s important to consider these four things:

 

  • Sock Height: The right height sock protects against abrasion with your footwear
  • Cushioning: The amount of cushioning affects comfort and warmth
  • Fabric: Most hiking socks feature merino wool as the primary ingredient, but some are made mostly from polyester or nylon
  • Fit: Be sure your socks fit well to fend off blisters

 

Hiking Sock Height

Hiking socks come in different heights, from so short that they don’t even show above your shoes to tall enough to nearly touch your knees. To choose the right height, take a look at your footwear. The higher the cuffs are on your boots or shoes, the taller you want your socks to be so they can protect your skin from rubbing directly against your footwear.

 

These are the four sock heights:

  • No-Show: These shorty socks provide very little protection against skin-to-boot abrasion, so they should only be worn with low-cut footwear, like trail-running shoes or light hiking shoes.
  • Ankle: Slightly higher than no-show socks, these will usually cover your ankle bone for a bit more protection. They are good for low- to mid-cut shoes and boots.
  • Crew: This is the classic height for a hiking sock. Crew socks typically land a few inches above your ankle bones to protect against abrasion with boots that have high cuffs. There’s no reason you can’t wear crew socks with low-cut boots or shoes, just know that the extra coverage could be warm on a hot day.
  • Knee-High: You’ll only find a few options in the knee-high category, and they’ll probably be for mountaineering. High socks protect against abrasion that big, burly boots can cause around your shins and calves. The coverage can also help keep your lower legs warm when you’re climbing through the night and crossing glaciers.

 

Hiking Sock Cushioning

The amount of cushioning a sock has given you an idea of how thick the sock is and how warm it will be.

 

The right amount of cushioning for you depends mostly on the types of trips you go on and the weather you expect. A bit of cushion can protect your feet during high-impact activities like running and backpacking, but keep in mind that thicker socks are warmer and can cause your feet to sweat. You may have to experiment to find the right balance of cushion-to-warmth that works for you. Having a variety of socks to choose from in your sock drawer is helpful.

 

The four types of cushioning:

 

  • No Cushioning: These ultralight socks are designed for use in hot weather. They are very breathable and have little padding. A handful of socks in this category are liner socks, which some hikers like to wear underneath a lightweight, midweight or heavyweight hiking sock. Liner socks were once very popular for their ability to wick moisture and to keep feet dry, but nowadays many hiking socks perform well enough to not require a liner sock. However, if you know liner socks work for you, you can certainly keep on using them.
  • Light Cushioning: Best for warm conditions, socks with light cushioning prioritize moisture wicking and comfort over warmth. They are relatively thin, but have some light cushioning in key places, like the heel and ball of the foot.
  • Medium Cushioning: These socks provide a good amount of cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot for hiking and backpacking and enough warmth for use in moderate to cold conditions.
  • Heavy Cushioning: These are generally the thickest, warmest and most cushioned socks available. They are made for long trips, tough terrain and cold temperatures. They’re often too thick and warm for backpacking journeys in warm weather, and are best used for mountaineering or on cold-weather backpacking trips.

 

Hiking Sock Fabric Type

 

Hiking socks are rarely made from a single fabric, but rather from a blend that creates the right balance of comfort, warmth, durability and fast drying. These are the most common materials you’ll find in hiking socks:

  • Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and the one that our footwear specialists recommend above all others. It regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty and it provides cushioning. Another plus is that wool is naturally antimicrobial so it tends to retain smells less than synthetic fabrics. These days most socks are made of merino wool, which is essentially itch-free compared to older types of ragg wool socks. And most wool socks use blends of wool and synthetic materials for better durability and faster drying.
  • Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that insulates, wicks moisture and dries quickly. It is sometimes blended with wool and/or nylon to create a good combination of warmth, comfort, durability and fast drying.
  • Nylon: This is another synthetic option that is occasionally used as the primary material. It adds durability and can help improve drying times.
  • Silk: A natural insulator, silk is comfortable and lightweight, but not as durable as other options. It’s occasionally used in sock liners for reliable moisture wicking.
  • Spandex: Many hiking socks include a small percentage of spandex. This elastic material helps socks hold their shape and keep bunching and wrinkling to a minimum.

 

Hiking Sock Fit

Getting socks that fit right will help keep your feet comfortable on hiking trips. If your socks are too big they can have wrinkles that will rub and may cause a blister. Too small and they can create pressure points and sock slippage.

 

To find the right size, it’s helpful to know the size of your actual foot rather than your shoe size because sometimes people size-up in shoes, which can lead to buying socks that are too large.

 

If you need comfortable and suitable hiking socks, I recommend that you can visit Footland Inc. – the company specializes in kinds of waterproof socks and athletic socks. Get more details, please do not hesitate to check out Footland’s website immediately!

 

 

Tips:

How socks should fit: When you try socks on, look for a snug, but not overly tight fit. A sock fits properly when the heel cup lines up with the heel of your foot.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-socks.html

How to Choose the Right Jogging Socks

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Jogging Socks?

 

Yes, these are socks made specifically for runners. What makes them different from your typical casual socks is that they are designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable while jogging for prolonged periods of time.

 

When you run, especially if you sweat a lot (who doesn’t), it’s crucial to equip your feet and your shoes with socks that are comfortable, functional, durable, even fashionable (if you are into that).

 

The Importance of Jogging Socks

 

Oh, let me assume you. Socks are not a second-thought accessory. In fact, picking the right jogging socks is just as important as choosing the right shoes. Not only can the proper socks improve your running performance, but can also help keep your feet healthy and happy.

 

An ill-fitting pair of socks can result in toenail problems, bursitis, blisters, infections, and other serious foot issues that may compromise your running. And you don’t want any of that.

 

Whether you are going for a short jog around the block, or are conquering long, treacherous trails, the right pair can set the stage for a comfortable, pain-free workout experience.

 

In short, jogging sucks without the right socks.

 

And here is the good news. Buying jogging socks is not rocket science.

 

That’s why today, dear reader, I’m spilling the beans on proper sock selection. In this post, you’ll find a list of handy tips and practical guidelines to help you make the right sock choice.

 

Use the following tips to help you choose jogging socks that will help your feet dry and comfortable so you can ensure consistent running success.

 

So, are you excited? Then here we go.

 

The Many Flavors

 

Athletic socks come in a variety of fabric types, sizes, thicknesses, and cushioning features. These are the main things to consider when selecting the right jogging socks.

 

Consider the following elements when choosing your jogging socks.

 

  1. Say No to Cotton

The most important factor to consider when cherry-picking socks for running is, hands down, the material.

 

As a rule of thumb, steer clear of cotton the entire time.

 

Why? Cotton is spongy and absorbent. Once your feet get wet (whether due to sweat or after stepping in a puddle), they’ll stay wet, and the moisture won’t get “wicked away.”

 

And here is the real bad news. Running in damp socks sets the ideal breeding ground for bacteria (nasty smells), and blisters (nagging injuries). And you don’t want either.

 

Not only that, running in the winter with cotton socks will make you feel damp and cold. And that makes for a miserable run.

 

Sure, cotton is cheaper than technical moisture-wicking synthetic materials, but the proper technical running attire is well worth the extra buck.

 

Functional Materials for the Socks

Our feet are a work of wonder. They contain about 250,000 sweat glands. Put simply, our feet sweat a lot. That’s why you need running socks made with technical materials, lightweight and equipped with excellent sweat wicking properties.

 

High-performance socks are specifically designed for runners—they pull moisture away from the skin, and won’t let it turn into an abrasive material that will rub against your feet—all of this helps keep your feet relatively comfortable and dry.

 

Ideal running socks are made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, CoolMax, and polyester. Look for these in the ingredient list whenever you are purchasing new socks. Some high-performance socks are also designed with a mesh venting system.

 

Also, consider looking for fabrics with anti-odor properties to keep your feet clean and smelling fresh.

 

Got Any Blisters?

 

If you’re prone to blisters, consider doing any of the following to limit friction between your feet and the inside of the shoes:

 

  • Opt for anti-blister socks that have a double layer system; or
  • Wear a second layer sock for extra blister protection; or
  • Go for thicker socks.

 

  1. The Right Size

When running, it’s essential to have athletic socks that fit properly. Pair that’s too large or too small can bunch up and sag, and won’t provide you with the right cushioning that is required.

 

It also should not irritate your skin, nor leave a substantial imprint, particularly in the calves or ankles.

 

So, as a rule of thumb, avoid socks that bunch up and slip your shoes. Anytime you have something rubbing against your skin, especially if your skin is damp, you run a high risk of getting painful blisters. And you don’t want that.

 

Your socks must be a perfect fit, especially under the arch of the foot and around the heel. They shouldn’t slide around.

 

To make sure you have the right size, make sure that the heel portion of the socks perfectly lands on your heel without stretching.

 

Also, your jogging socks should be worn fairly tight to the skin, but not so tight that they overstretch or restrict the movement of your toes.

 

  1. The Many Lengths

In general, socks usually come in four different lengths. Which length you go for depends on the weather, training intensity, and your own personal preferences.

 

Here the main types:

 

  • Knee length—usually compression socks that sit just below the knee to cover the entire calf
  • Crew length—these come up to the calf.
  • Anklet—these sit right above the ankle, as the name implies.
  • Socklet—these sit just above the shoe line.

 

  1. Thickness of Fabric

Just like thickness and size, jogging socks are also designed with different levels of padding. Different athletic sock materials and styles will provide different levels of cushioning.

 

Which type of sock you choose depends, as always, on your personal preference. No suit fits all.

 

Thick Vs Thin

Thick socks typically have extra padding in the heel and toes, which offers superior underfoot comfort, more cushioning, and blister protection, but might be a hurdle when trying to fit into a new pair.

 

In general, thicker socks are most appropriate for cooler seasons.

 

On the other hand, the thinner socks are lighter and tend to have a better road feel, but might result in excessive friction when running, especially if you’re prone to blisters.

 

Generally, thin socks are ideal for hotter seasons.

 

What’s the Best Choice?

Whether you choose a well-padded sock, or something more minimal, in the end, it all boils down to your personal preference.

 

For instance, super thin socks might not feel comfortable for some individuals, whereas a super thick pair might affect the fit and comfort of the shoes.

 

But all in all, choose socks that have at least a degree of padding at all points of contact around the foot. Proper socks should offer a degree of cushioning at impact zones. These are typically most used and abused parts of your feet.

 

Try it with the shoes

Keep in mind that the thickness of your sock affects the fit of your shoes, requiring you to go up at least a half shoe size to accommodate for the additional cushioning.

 

So, when you are trying out a new pair of shoes, make sure to do so with the socks you are going to be running in.

 

  1. Compression Socks

According to the current theory, compression socks may speed up recovery and improve performance.

 

Of course, there is still much debate about this, but it’s something I think you should give it a try and see for you. I believe that it works.

 

I don’t know exactly how effective compression socks really are when it comes to performance and recovery, but I do enjoy putting them on both during and after my runs—especially long runs.

 

Compression socks are designed with gradual compression, which improves blood flow to the muscles. This is believed to lessen muscle fatigue and speed up recovery following a workout.

 

Some high-tech running socks are designed to mildly compress your muscles to enhance blood circulation, reducing fatigue, and speed up recovery time—all of which can help you run farther for longer and with less fatigue, and soreness.

 

Also, according to theory, compression socks may reduce your chances of injury and ward off muscle soreness and swelling.

 

Just make sure they fit right. Compression socks shouldn’t feel too tight. After all, their primary purpose is to aid blood circulation to the muscles rather than hindering it.

 

To ensure that you have the right fit, get a tape measure, measure around the broadest part of your ankle (this measurement is often called the circumference), then measure the widest part of your calves.

 

Next, while sitting on a chair with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, size up your calf length by measuring the distance from one finger below the bend in your knees to the ground.

 

Last up, match your results against the size guide and recommendations on the individual socks’ pages.

 

Also, you might need to experiment with several brands and styles before settling on one that feels the most comfortable for you.

 

To Conclude

But in the end, it’s really a question of personal preference. That’s why you need to experiment with different socks lengths and sizes to find the type of socks that works the best for you in different seasons and conditions.

 

My best advice is to get a variety of socks. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared for any circumstance or weather conditions that come your way.

 

If you need more information about jogging socks or other athletic socks, try to check out the website of Footland Inc. – the company specializes in kinds of socks including waterproof socks, mountaineering socks, seamless running socks, and much more socks.

 

Article Source: Runners Blueprint

The Best Running Socks for a Marathon

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Keeping your feet free from blisters and pain is essential to finishing a marathon and the right socks contribute to your foot health. When choosing the best marathon socks for you, consider the material, cushioning, height and special features of the socks. Most importantly, choose your socks early in your marathon training so you have plenty of time to ensure they won’t cause blisters or hot spots on your feet.

 

Material Choice

Cotton holds on to moisture, leaving it on your feet where it can lead to chafing. Avoid cotton and opt instead for synthetic or wool socks. Synthetic socks are typically made from a combination of acrylic, polyester or spandex. These materials wick the moisture away from your feet, leaving them drier and with less chance to blister. Synthetic materials tend to dry faster than wool socks, while wool socks may provide more insulation in extreme temperatures. Consider synthetic socks if you plan to race on a hot, humid day and wool socks if you plan to race in the winter.

 

Pick Your Padding

Choosing the best cushioning is primarily personal preference and you may have to run in a variety of socks before you find your favorites. However, a few general guidelines may help you narrow your choices. If you already run in a well-cushioned shoe, thin socks with little cushioning may work well. If you tend to like lighter, less cushioned shoes, consider a more padded sock to protect your feet from the repetitive impact they’ll endure over 26 miles. Because the thickness of the sock can affect the temperature of your feet, you may need to adjust your choice based on the predicted conditions of the race, opting for thinner marathon socks if it will be a hot day.

 

Select a Height

Sock height can play a role in skin protection. No-show socks cover only the part of your foot in the shoe and are best if you don’t get blisters on your Achilles and want a minimal sock. Low socks cover your foot and part of your ankle, while quarter socks typically cover your entire ankle. Low and quarter socks can help prevent blisters on the Achilles. Crew socks cover your ankle and part of your calf, while knee-high socks cover your entire calf. Choose crew or knee high marathon socks if you’re running a trail marathon and want to protect your calves from branches or weeds.

 

Special Features

Like any sports equipment, a variety of specialty running socks are available. Some runners choose knee high compression socks in the hopes of preventing calf cramps. Others choose socks with toes, hoping to prevent blisters between the toes. Your best bet when it comes to special features and socks is to try them in training. If they work well on long training runs, they’ll likely serve you well on race day.

 

Best Marathon Socks Manufacturer

If you need more information about marathon socks and compression socks manufacturer, I recommend that you can visit the website of Footland Inc.

 

The company is a reliable socks manufacturer with a fully integrated operation chain from design sketches up to packing and delivery. They also imported Lonati machines from Italy for making various and competitive socks.

 

Footland Inc. is reputable for its strict quality control with a clientele of international brands including Timberland. Learn more details, please do not hesitate to contact with Footland.

 

Article Source: LIVESTRONG.COM