How to buy socks

If you wish to take care of your feet, you must protect them and comfort them at all levels. While many people will splurge for comfortable shoes, socks are often forgotten, when they can make a large difference. Believe it or not, there are many categories that you can select from to purchase the socks that work for you, from cotton socks to knee socks, from athletic socks to support socks.

Casual Socks

Size and fit

The most obvious aspect you must consider is size. It is best not to purchase “one size fits all”. All feet are not the same size, so some feet will stretch these socks out while others will not fit. Sock sizes come in small, medium, large, and extra large. You can also find larger or smaller socks in special stores. So what sizes correspond to what shoe sizes? A small constitutes as a women’s shoe size between 4 and 6. A medium translates to a women’s size shoe of 6 to 10 or a man’s shoe between 5 and 8.5. Large ranges from a women’s size of 10.5 to 13 or a man’s shoe size of 10 to 13. Any socks sized larger than this are meant for feet in men’s size 13 or above. When trying on a sock, look at the arch, toe, and heel area. If the sock flaps over, the sock is too big.

Types of socks

There are four categories – quarter top, anklet, crew sock, and knee-length. The quarter top reaches below the ankle, while the anklet reaches just above it. The crew sock reaches between the ankle and the knee-length reaches the knee. Once you have determined a proper sock size, you can figure out what kind of sock is right for you. The materials listed below will affect your foot in different ways. Consider what you want in a sock in regards to durability, comfort, length, and socks that can prevent blisters or other injuries. You should also consider thickness before buying socks. If you are in a warmer climate, natural fiber socks will yield best results, while thick socks are best for cooler climates.

Sock materials

Cotton socks are used for comfort, but they are more prone to retain soil and lose shape than synthetics. Linen is commonly added to the toes and heel section of the sock. Linen will help increase durability and increase absorbency. Socks made of silk will be quite smooth and absorbent. However, these socks will not be very durable and will wear quickly. Natural materials will retain perspiration better. However, during the cold winter, they will feel wet when they absorb water.

Cotton Socks

Wool material is used for comfort purposes. It holds its shape to extend durability, and is now advancing in less itchiness and softer socks. Materials sold as Smartwool use high technology methods to ensure wicking and dryness

Wool Socks

A cotton blend, defined as a sock with 60% or less cotton, are most common sock used. They are made with nylon, acrylic, or rayon. These materials decrease friction and maintain loft and durability. Some people reported redness and discomfort when wearing this type of sock. This is because when the sock absorbs perspiration, it sticks to your foot and can cause redness. Soft and lightweight, acrylic combines quick drying with comfort and is found in all the higher brand socks. These are mainly found in socks used for casual use.

The synthetic Olefin has become a leading material for socks used in the outdoors. They have a wicking ability, meaning they can absorb perspiration into the fiber away from the skin – something only olefin and acrylic offer. It is sold under brandnames including CoolMax and Thinsulate. It is recommended for athletics or exercise, especially when worn in hot weather.

Coolmax Socks

Sock purpose

You must take consideration the purpose of your socks. Socks are classified into four categories – dress, casual, work, and sport.

Dress socks can be used for work or for special occasions. These should be lightweight, reaching up to at least your calf. Dress socks are usually defaulted in black.

Casual socks are worn for comfort. Usually more bulky to maximize comfort, they can be any length you wish.

Support socks are used for health reasons. They have a higher percentage of spandex to support your muscles and reduce injury. Another type of sock specifically made for health is called a diabetic sock. This is designed for diabetics or people that have poor circulation. These types of socks have a higher cushioning and will not grasp onto your heel as much as other types.

Finally, work and sport socks are designed for durability. Usually coming in dark colors but have been recently made into light colors too, these are designed with wool or acrylic yarns to provide warmth, too. A topic mentioned above is a wicking technology. This means that when you sweat, the sock will automatically draw the sweat away from your skin. This will give you more comfort and less irritation. Another technology used is called a “breathing” sock. This type of sock allows air to flow into the sock, providing a cooling effect on your feet. This feature is often found in hiking socks.

Hiking Socks