Great hiking socks are critical. Do yours deliver in all these important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking sock that is smart for your trip.
Your hiking socks are probably like you at work... they do a lot more than they're given credit for. They must be comfortable, wick moisture, protect against shear, support your natural posture, keep your feet at a good temperature, distribute pressure, promote circulation, absorb shock, and be tough. That's no small order.
They are almost as important as your boots and shoes when it comes to your comfort. Here are some things to consider.
Blood Flow- This is the circulation of blood through the foot. A decrease or cut-off in blood flow can be caused by unyielding fabrics in hiking socks. Acrylics in combination with other fibers and a terry weave can help with this and shear.
Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 pints of vapor/fluid per day. That's why wicking technology in hiking socks is so important. Without it bacteria and fungus can become a problem. Hungry yet? ;-)
Position- If your hiking socks don't help to maintain correct anatomical alignment this can cause premature fatigue. Correct posture also helps to correctly position your foot in your boot or shoe to make it feel like it's an extension of your body.
Pressure Areas- Pressure can cause discomfort and lead to damage if it's not addressed. A good example of this is a bedsore. Most people hopefully won't experience pressure to this degree, but it's something you want to keep in mind when looking at hiking socks. Padding is especially important around bony areas like the heal and ball of the foot.
Shearing Force- This happens when your tissue is moving in opposite directions, like when jumping over a stream, or descending a steep slope. Part of your skin is moving one way and the tissue under it another, this causes a tearing action just under the surface of the skin. This is the most common way of getting blisters.
Temperature- Good hiking socks need to be appropriate for their intended use, from a warm weather day hike to a week-long mountaineering trip. Once in their appropriate environment they should maintain a consistent comfortable temperature.
Like a shoe or boot your hiking socks should be matched to the type of hiking you'll be doing.
Liners- Thin socks called liners are made to be worn under your hiking socks next to your skin so they can wick the moisture away and keep your feet dry...
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