Winter Socks Checklist

Winter Socks Checklist

Certain research has indicated that wearing socks during winter actually makes your feet colder than when you wear no socks at all. This may actually be true if you do not wear the right kinds of socks for winter. It all comes down to the sock material, so let us dive a little into the dos and donts of winter sock apparel.

Don’ts

Cotton is regarded as one of the best materials in the world. However, when it comes to winter, you are better off staying away from cotton socks. Contrary to common belief, cotton actually has very low insulation. Additionally, it is known to not only absorb, but also hold moisture. Even when it is cold, your feet can still sweat and in cotton, this sweat will be absorbed and held. Which in essence means your feet will become wet, which will cause them to become even colder than they were in the first place. Whether engaging in outdoor activities or staying indoors during winter, stay away from cotton socks as these will cause more harm than good.

Thickness does not always mean warmness. This is a principle that you should learn to abide by. Simply because socks are thick, does not necessarily mean that they are warm. Super thick socks may deceive you into thinking they are warm, yet all they bring you are blisters and smelly feet. If you are to choose thick socks, ensure they have good aeration and breathability elements.

Dos

Having covered cotton, you may be wondering what then is best worn during winter? No worries, there are a number of synthetic materials that can make a dedicated winter sock option. These include, fleece, merino wool, isowool and shearling among others. These are considered to be the best options for winter because they are often thicker than socks and even when they get wet, they do not lose their insulation. Their thickness makes it possible for them to take on all the sweat without necessarily getting wet or making your feet cold. Additionally, these materials dry themselves out or are dried by body heat. So, in essence by wearing the socks, you will be drying them out as you go.

All in all, when it comes to the warmth of your feet during winter, there should be no compromises. There are a number of technical suitable sock materials that are now available and you should be able to adorn your winter wardrobe with ease.