Looking For Walking Socks?How often do you hear someone complain about how their shoes hurt their feet or how tired their feet feel. Both of these are conditions that result from poor fits but it is now always the fault of the shoe. It could just as easily be the fault of the socks or even more likely a poor sock shoe interface. When you try on a new pair of shoes wear same type of socks that you will be wearing in the shoes and for the best fit wear new socks. With walking socks on before the shoe goes on a better fit is insured. Walking socks today are designed to provide cushion for your step. They will maintain their softness and continue to be resilient throughout the life of the sock. The miracle fabrics that create this condition also will wick the moisture away from your foot. The term sweat socks may still be appropriate but now the socks are pulling the moisture away from the foot rather than holding it in and creating a home for athlete's foot or fungus. There has been a revolution in the sock word and cotton is no longer the king. The new wicking fabrics such as found in CoolMax, Dri-Fit, and Sorbtek are made with Smartwool and creates the wicking effect. With this new technology blisters, too, may also be a thing of the past. Your socks will no longer slip down to bunch up and rub on your feet. Dry feet have less of a rubbing problem than those in wet socks. Elderly people are advised to walk as much as possible so as to continue getting their cardiovascular exercise. People with canes and walkers are also encouraged to get out and exercise. Some because of health reasons do it indoors and others brave the elements to get their exercise. When using a walker or a cane the gait changes and there may be a tendency to shuffle the feet. Once again the heavy cotton sock that was used to provide cushioning has been replaced by the new fabrics. Look for walking socks that fit well, that are not binding, that wick away moisture, and have a little extra cushioning around the toes and heels. Winter walking socks should be warmer than summer socks. Ensure that they are not to thick to cause pressure on the foot in your shoe or boot. You will still want the wicking action to keep your feet dry and warmer. |