In all the excitement surrounding shoes, it’s easy to forget about their very important counterpart: socks!
A good pair of socks is key to elevating your foot health from good to great. Socks help prevent health concerns, treat pre-existing problems, and enhance your movement. Plus, they’re comfortable and a great way to express your personality!
Don’t just take our word for it that socks are important. Here are four reasons why your socks matter and why you should invest in quality pairs from the several brands we carry here at Stan’s.
#1: Socks Prevent Blisters, Infections, and More
The insides of your shoes are often made of firm or hard materials. Socks act as a buffer between these materials and your skin, which stops the development of painful sores and blisters.
Feet sweat a lot (half a pint per day!), and it’s important that that moisture gets absorbed by something other than the shoe itself. If a shoe is worn without socks, sweat is absorbed by the shoe’s footbed, which creates breeding grounds for infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Conversely, when socks are worn, they act as a moisture barrier, which lessens the opportunity for germs and fungi to thrive.
#2: Socks Make Your Shoes Last Longer
Wearing socks to absorb sweat has a second benefit: it stops stinky shoes! If sweat sinks into your shoe’s footbed, the odor is trapped inside. If socks absorb it, your running shoes will smell better for longer.
Additionally, if sweat is absorbed by shoes, it causes the glue and other binding materials to break down more quickly. Socks prevent this from happening, which helps both you and your wallet in the end. It’s a lot easier (and much less expensive) to replace socks than shoes!
#3: Socks Make Your Feet Comfier
Many socks come with strategic areas of cushioning, often near the ball of your foot, under your heel, or around your ankle. This makes every step softer and more comfortable than it would be with a shoe alone.
Socks also keep your feet warm, which is especially comforting during long winter months or in higher elevations. Feet are hugely important in regulating your body temperature and improving blood flow, so keeping them dry and comfortable with quality socks will improve your overall health, not just your foot health!
#4: Socks Help Treat Swelling and Foot Pain
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or lower legs can be caused by many conditions, including pregnancy, edema, certain medications, venous insufficiency, and more. Compression socks are often useful in reducing or eliminating this swelling.
Compression socks are socks that apply light, targeted pressure to your calves, ankles, and/or feet. By gently squeezing your legs, compression socks improve blood circulation, which reduces swelling and risk of blood clots.
These socks can also address foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. By applying pressure to the arch area, compression socks reduce strain on the fascia ligament in your foot, which relieves the inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.
The level of compression that a sock provides can range from light to maximum, and it’s important that you choose the one appropriate for your needs. Talk to your doctor, one of our Fit Specialists, or both in order to make sure your compression sock is right for you.
What Are the Best Sock Brands?
We’re glad you asked! Stan’s carries several sock brands that promote foot health and wellness.
Feetures:
Feetures is the top running sock brand in the United States, so they’re great for both athletes and anyone constantly on the move. These high-performance socks incorporate precise compression and an anatomical design, enhancing support by adapting to the natural structure of your feet. Explore our selection of Feetures socks.
Sockwell:
Sockwell has one clear goal: helping you feel better in style! Their Everyday Lifestyle Compression socks have four graduated compression zones, which specifically address regions prone to discomfort or swelling. Explore our selection of Sockwell socks.
Darn Tough:
As a family-owned and operated business for over four decades, Darn Tough takes pride in their quality knitting, premier materials, and local production. Their socks are made from Merino wool, known for its robustness and adept temperature regulation in both hot and cold conditions. Explore our selection of Darn Tough socks.
Smartwool:
Smartwool socks also harness the power of Merino wool as a performance fabric, capitalizing on its gentle, moisture-wicking properties, sustainable nature, and odor-neutralizing capabilities. This innovative technology ensures that your feet remain dry, cozy, and snug during any adventure. Explore our selection of Smartwool socks.
Shop Quality Socks in Milwaukee
Stan’s Fit For Your Feet carries high quality socks (and the shoes to go with them, of course!) at three locations in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Glendale. You can also shop socks 24/7 online at stansfootwear.com. We can’t wait for you to feel the difference a good pair of socks can make!
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