A good indicator of adulthood might look like a brand-new toaster oven or wool balls in your dryer cycle, but it’s easy to forget the wonder beheld in a good pair of socks.
And especially as it cools down, socks become an essential part of any wardrobe. They give you insulation and cushioning for your feet and can keep you warm in the winter but sweat-free in the summer. Wearing good socks is important.
One of the many benefits of wearing good socks is keeping your feet comfortable all day long. Snug, fitted socks will help to prevent blisters and other foot issues. And socks, made of durable material, can last for years when cared for properly. So the internal question remains: “What kind of socks will I actually love getting this holiday season and beyond?”
How to Choose the Right Socks for You
If you have a wish list this holiday season, decorative socks are an easy-peasy list-item for relatives and friends to get a hold of. But why not be a little picky? It’s your foot’s health, after all. Take a look at your feet, their condition, then sift through your options.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right socks for your feet:
First, consider your foot type. Do you have wide feet? Narrow feet? This is a great first step and will help you narrow down your options.
Second, think about the climate you live in. If you live in a cold environment, you’ll need a thicker sock to keep your feet warm. If you live in a hot climate, you’ll want a thin sock to keep your feet cool. That’s kind of a given.
Third, consider the activity you’ll be using them for. If you’re finding the best socks for a myriad of activities, it can be tough to know where to start. But that’s where we come in! We’re here to help you figure out what to look for in a good pair of socks to get the most out of your feet.
If you’re office-bound, something more comfortable and lightweight will do the trick. You’ll want moisture-wicking socks with good breathability if you’re a runner. This will help keep your feet dry and comfortable, no matter how long your run is. And if you’re a hiker, you’ll want durable socks that can handle a lot of wear and tear.
The Features of Good Socks
You should remember a few things when looking for the best quality pair of socks.
Here are a few of the standard essential features to look for:
- Comfort First and Foremost
It’s no surprise, you don’t want socks that are loose or too small for your feet. If you want a pair of socks that take you through winter but also spring and summer, you probably don’t want to count on wool to get you through every season. Think about your feet in a 365 lens. They should also be made from quality materials that will last. And a good pair of socks will keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer while also wicking away moisture and preventing blisters. - Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Fabric is critical to a good sock! Are they soft and comfortable or rough and itchy? You also want to make sure the socks are made from durable material that will last. If your socks are made of moisture-wicking fabric, they will help keep your feet dry and comfortable, even when you break a sweat. Cotton (breathability) and wool (warmth) are typically good fabric options. - The Right Thickness
A good pair of socks should be thick enough to keep your feet warm but not so thick that they’re bulky and uncomfortable. After all, they need to fit in your shoes comfortably without feeling confined. - Cushioning
Socks with cushioning can help reduce the impact of pressure on your feet because they help absorb shock/impact and protect your feet from fatigue, which is especially important if you’re on your feet all day. - Perfect Fit
The fit of your socks is also important, especially if you wear them all day. They should be snug but not too tight and line up with your foot’s arch.
Socks as a Christmas Gift
Contrary to popular opinion, good socks make the perfect gift. Gifters, if you’re looking for a practical gift for the holidays, why not give the gift of socks? But not just any socks—a quality pair of socks that will keep your loved one’s feet warm and comfortable.
Here are a few favorites:
Women’s Bunion Relief Socks
Bunions are a real issue for people who’ve spent decades wearing the wrong shoes. Sockwell is bringing bunion relief and natural moisture-wicking Merino with their 5-star bunion relief socks.
Women’s Everyday Compression Socks (15-20mmHg)
Have a loved one who’s on their feet all day? Go compression—designed to minimize aching and swelling. They may fit a little snug, but that just means they’re working.
Women’s running Calf Socks
Sweaty feet can rejoice with these moisture-wicking, arch supportive Calf Socks. They even come with extra sole cushioning for your loved ones’ every step.
How to Care for Your Socks
If you go all out on gifting a pair of nice socks, consider a personal, handwritten note on how to care for them so they last. Socks are an essential part of any wardrobe, but they can be a bit of a mystery to some people. How do you care for them? Most importantly, you want to make sure you wash them regularly and properly. Socks should be washed in cold water and air-dried. You can also put them in the dryer on low heat, but avoid putting them in the dryer with other clothes, or you’ll risk some shrinkage.
Remember, a good pair of socks is essential. Think about the type of lifestyle they have, any prior ailments, and choose accordingly. Moreover, make sure to choose a quality pair that fits well and provides cushioning and support. When in doubt make sure you ask your podiatrist! Book an appointment today!