Socks - not just something simple

[Solty]

I never realized how important socks were...until i recently bought some high impact wicking socks. They really do make a difference. Take a read from what I snagged from the web...

How to Buy Socks That Are Good for Your Feet

Many people do not know that socks today are not just hosiery made of simple cloth. Some socks are designed to cushion impacts, protect joints, and ease pain; some wick moisture to keep feet cool and dry; and some even control odor and resist bacteria.

Steps

1. Look for socks with full cushion sole support. This is very important, as it provides cushion every time you step, softening impact and reducing stress on the heels, thereby leaving your feet less tired at the end of the day.
2. Notice sock sizes. Just like shirts, socks come in different sizes and shapes, and though they may stretch somewhat, one-size socks often fit poorly and are a common cause of blistering. If you can feel your sock move up and down your leg, it's causing abrasion. A good brand of socks will offer at least four sizes.
3. Look for arch supports and Y-heel pockets. These allow the sock to grab the arch of the foot, giving a snug feeling. The arch support also helps prevent the sock from bunching up.
4. Look for a high needle count (high density). Denser socks wick more moisture and provide cushion for a longer period of time. They support the feet better, and they often last longer.
5. Find socks that can resist abrasion, or they will wear out quickly. Look for socks with reinforced heels and toes, as these are the areas that wear out the fastest.

Tips

* Most foot care problems are caused by improperly fitted shoes or bad socks. Tired feet syndrome, foot odor, and blistering can all be prevented with a pair of high quality socks.

Warnings

* Do not buy cheap socks that are one size fits all. "Bargain" socks usually do not last and are sometimes the source of your foot problems.
* Do not wear shoes without socks. Sweaty feet in leather shoes will make the interior of the shoe wet, increasing bacteria growth. This will lead to foot problems like ringworm, warts, athlete's foot, etc.
* Do not wear wet shoes. If your shoes are wet due to rain or other accidents, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again. They will last much longer and not develop the nasty odor

[Roy]

***STICKY ALARM***

My feet like a quality fit. And there's nothing like a new pair of socks.

[tumpsi]

http://www.halti.fi/dynamic/2/productde ... /4419.html <3

[aquascummm]

I work for REI, a fairly big outdoor sports retailer. I've tried most of the socks there at some point, and my favorite by far are Smartwools, specifically their newer Ph.D line. Fantastic arch support, super wicking, keeps feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, etc. I love them, but not their price

It's merino so it's not as itchy (long strands=fewer points tickling your skin), and IIRC it's hypallergenic.

[jtkustomizer]

WOW I have never thought about socks like that before.

It does meke sense, since we do spend a lot of time on our feet.

[aquascummm]

I'd also recommend replacing all insoles. The insoles that come with shoes cost pennies and are made from cheap foam. I use superfeet, but other insoles can help too. If you go with superfeet, you kinda have to break your feet into them by not wearing them all the time at first, they offer a lot of support and it takes awhile to get used to them. I didn't have any issues needing to get used to other ones I've tried, but after that period I liked the superfeet most.

[some call me...tim?]

Smartwools FTW. I wear almost nothing but smartwools these days as far as socks go, they ARE expensive, but they last forever. Still wearing the first pairs I ever got, which was like 5-6 years ago. Sure they're not as cushiony as they used to be, and getting a little thin in the heels, but they still are hands down better than any cotton "athletic socks" I've ever had.

[Frank Delicious]

the Knee High wool socks from Bass Pro Shops are great. I forget the brand but they wick great plus you can pull them up and it helps keeps ticks and poison ivy off you. After the last tourney I was the only guy who didn't get tore up by chiggers and briars b/c of those socks.

[mark12b]

yeah i like thin smartwools too, for tourneys. they are awful expensive though. other days i wear some thicker merino wool socks i found at costco for way cheaper.

[Fritz]

the Knee High wool socks from Bass Pro Shops are great. I forget the brand but they wick great plus you can pull them up and it helps keeps ticks and poison ivy off you. After the last tourney I was the only guy who didn't get tore up by chiggers and briars b/c of those socks.

I always wear knee high socks when I play DG for that reason, bugs, stickers, thorns, tree, bushes etc.... I never have to worry about my legs because of it, but they are kewl enough that I don't get over heated.
I wear Black Starter Brand Sports wicking socks. I'm trying to find me a sick pair of knee high wool Argyle Socks witha Yellow/Black Diamond pattern if anyone knows of a good online store.

[jnecessary]

Just ordered 3 pair of SmartWools on steepandcheap.com. We shall see how they turn out. I've never worn anything other than generic "athletic" socks, so I hope they make it easier playing on long hot days.

[some call me...tim?]

heh, a tip I heard from a guy I golfed with once, if you want the "cool" socks, like argyle or striped, especially in less than traditional colors, go to the women's section of a Target or something similar. I suppose it takes some comfort with your masculinity to do that, but hey, whatever. Dude had on a pair of light blue and white argyles that I never would have guessed were women's socks until he told me.

[Fritz]

heh, a tip I heard from a guy I golfed with once, if you want the "cool" socks, like argyle or striped, especially in less than traditional colors, go to the women's section of a Target or something similar. I suppose it takes some comfort with your masculinity to do that, but hey, whatever. Dude had on a pair of light blue and white argyles that I never would have guessed were women's socks until he told me.

Holy sh*t I never thought about that before...thanks for the tips.
When I was a swimmer we used to wear hose when we swam to create wicked drag.

[Timko]

If you don't mind paying a litttle more, smartwool have some awesome argyle socks. I'm partial to bridgedales (because they're super light).

http://www.bridgedale.com/

I own 3 pairs of these, but in a low cut.

[mark12b]

Just ordered 3 pair of SmartWools on steepandcheap.com. We shall see how they turn out. I've never worn anything other than generic "athletic" socks, so I hope they make it easier playing on long hot days.

iin hot weather i've been wearing mine in kinda breathable merrells and although my feet never really feel cool, they never feel nasty and sweaty either.