Socks for Christmas

What about socks? There’s a whole lot of time, attention and money directed toward selecting the right running shoe, but socks, well they’re no big deal—or are they?

Experienced runners care about their socks and every runner and walker will have happier experiences on the road or trail if they choose their socks with care. It only takes one bad sock to ruin a run.

If it’s worn out or fits poorly, it can encourage blisters. If it has lost its elasticity and slips down into a runner’s heel, it can irritate and cause pain. If it’s too thick, it constricts, too thin and toes may freeze.

The first-ever socks were made from animal skins gathered up and tied around the ankles.  A little later, the ancient Greeks used matted animal hair to cover their feet. Romans preferred leather or woven fabrics. By 1000 AD socks had become a symbol of wealth.

By the fifth century, socks called “puttees” were worn by holy men as a symbol of purity. The invention of the knitting machine in 1589 meant that socks could be mass produced. By 1938 the invention of nylon allowed socks to be made with a blend of either wool, silk or cotton with nylon, increasing durability.

In 2011 Datang, China, also known as “sock city,” produced 8 billion pairs of socks, enough for two pairs for every person in the world.

Feet are the body’s heaviest producers of sweat emitting up to a half cup of liquid a day from 250,000 eccrine sweat glands in each foot. Probably that’s why feet are so notoriously smelly. Good socks can help by absorbing sweat and helping it evaporate.

Wool absorbs 30 percent of its weight in water and its anti-microbial properties cut down on odor. High tech materials such as lycra and polyester are also good for absorbing and dispersing moisture.

Today’s socks come in all shapes, lengths, sizes, colors, styles, thicknesses and combinations of materials. It’s no longer nerdy to wear a pair that doesn’t match; in fact it can be a fashion statement.

Over-the-ankle socks bridge the gap between pant leg and shoe. Socks cushioned at the forefoot and heel provide padding and protect sensitive areas of the feet from the shock of pounding. Elastic bands around the arch and ankle and spandex cuffs help keep socks in place. Left and right socks match the contours of each foot and provide a better fit. Some socks feature a tight reinforced weave in the arch area to improve support.

Toe socks, like gloves for your feet, isolate toes to prevent friction and protect callouses during long runs.  Compression socks improve blood circulation, help stabilize joints and muscles, reduce risk of injury and promote stability and a sense of security for runners.

Take good care of your socks. Wear them only to run or walk. Dirty ones increase the likelihood of blisters. Wash them inside-out to fluff the inside padding. Don’t use bleach. Extend the life of your socks by using fabric softener and allowing them to air dry. Repurpose them when they begin to lose their shape.

Sock selection has become so complex that REI has “foot information specialists” to help customers.

May you be lucky enough to get some new socks for Christmas!