We talk a lot about shoes here at Stan’s, but we don’t want you to forget your other most important footwear item: Socks! Wool socks, compression socks, no-show socks…you’ve got a lot of options, is what we’re saying.
Socks are a key component of your foot health and comfort. They improve your circulation, reduce blisters and foot pain, and help regulate foot temperature and moisture. On top of that, they’re a fun way to express your personality and add some extra comfort to your day!
Stan’s carries top-quality sock options from Sockwell, Darn Tough, Socksmith, Feetures, and Smartwool. From the ultimate compression sock to the cutest corgi-print sock, your feet will be covered (literally!) by Stan’s socks.
Find out why your socks matter so much and what our top picks are for you below.
#1. Socks Can Help You Sleep Better.
When you sleep, your body’s core temperature drops up to two degrees. So, if you want to fall asleep more quickly, you need to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep by lowering your core temperature. You can do this by wearing socks! When you put socks on, your blood vessels widen and send heat away from your core and to your feet, making you fall asleep faster. Wearing socks then continues to help regulate your body temperature throughout the night.
Sleeping with socks has other benefits, including preventing hot flashes, healing cracked skin (if moisturizer is applied before socks are put on), and reducing symptoms of insomnia and Raynaud’s syndrome.
It’s very important that socks do not cut off circulation while you sleep. Unless instructed otherwise by a doctor, never wear compression socks to bed. If you have circulatory or swelling issues in the legs or feet, talk to your doctor about whether wearing socks to bed is healthy for you.
#2. Socks Can Prevent Germs from Causing Infection, Athlete’s Foot, and More.
Let’s be honest: Feet sweat (a lot).
Many consider odor to be the biggest problem caused by sweat, but the more serious issue is the moist environment that sweat creates in your shoes. Damp, dark environments (like the insides of your shoes) are the ideal breeding grounds for fungi and other germs, so if sweat is directly absorbed by your shoes’ footbeds, your favorite pair of boots or running shoes may become a hotbed for Athlete’s Foot and other fungal infections.
Socks act as a middleman between your foot sweat and the lining of your shoes. A clean pair of socks absorbs much of the sweat, which can then be easily removed from your feet instead of being soaked up by your shoes. Socks basically act as a blank slate for your feet at the beginning of each day, protecting you from a myriad of foot health concerns that could have been caused by yesterday’s sweat.
So, if you want clean, healthy, nice-smelling shoes, the solution is simple: Wear your socks!
Featured Brand: Feetures
Feetures socks are especially great to deal with this issue because their socks are made for athletes; in fact, they’re the #1 running sock brand in America! These performance socks feature targeted compression and an anatomical design, improving fit and support by conforming to your foot’s structure. These features also reduce risk for blisters and other foot irritants.
Shop our collection of Feetures socks HERE.
#3: Wearing Socks Increases the Longevity and Comfort of Your Shoes
Just because the risk of infection is more of a concern than odor, that doesn’t mean the smell factor should be ignored! When shoes are worn without socks, the odor of sweat soaks into your shoes and can be very hard to dissipate. The sweat’s moisture can also cause the glue and other bindings of your shoes to break down more quickly, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner.
Socks once again can prevent this: By absorbing your foot sweat, socks protect your shoes’ footbeds and linings, extending the longevity of your favorite pairs. After all, it’s much less expensive and time-consuming to replace your socks than your shoes.
Socks also enhance the everyday comfort and performance of your shoes. From day-to-day walking to hiking the highest mountains, your socks should work in tandem with your shoes to make walking easy and comfortable. Premium materials, like ultra-soft and warm Merino wool, and extra cushioning in the heel area, can make walking more effortless and enjoyable than ever before.
Brand Feature: Smartwool
Smartwool socks are created to bring comfort, confidence, and community to all your outdoor activities. They use Merino wool as a performance fabric because of its soft, moisture-wicking, sustainable, and odor-neutralizing benefits. This technology helps keep your feet dry, comfortable, and warm for any adventure! Shop our collection of Smartwool socks HERE.
Brand Feature: Darn Tough
Proudly made in Vermont, Darn Tough socks are made to be the most durable, comfortable, and best-fitting socks in your collection. Darn Tough has been family-owned and operated for over 40 years, and they take pride in their quality knitting, materials, and local manufacturing. Their Merino wool is resilient and temperature-regulating (both for hot and cold weather), and it’s not itchy or bulky.
Shop our collection of Darn Tough HERE.
#4. Compression Socks Can Reduce Swelling and Foot Pain
There are dozens of reasons why you may be dealing with swelling in your feet, ankles, or lower legs: pregnancy, edema, certain medications, venous insufficiency, and more. In some cases, an easy way to help lower this swelling is to wear compression socks.
Compression socks are socks that apply gentle, targeted pressure to your calves, ankles, and/or feet. By lightly squeezing your legs, compression socks dilate and contract the valves in the veins, improving blood circulation from your legs to your heart. This helps reduce swelling in the lower limbs, and it may also reduce your risk for blood clots.
Compression socks can also address foot pain apart from swelling, specifically pain related to plantar fasciitis. Targeted compression in the arch area reduces strain on the fascia ligament in your foot, which relieves the pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.
It’s important to make sure that (A) the level of compression is safe and useful for your swelling, whether you need light or maximum compression, and (B) the sock size itself is correct. Talk to your doctor, one of our Fit Specialists, or both in order to make sure your compression sock is right for you.
Featured Brand: Sockwell
Sockwell is all about one thing: Feeling Better in Style. Their Everyday Lifestyle Compression socks include four zones of graduated compression, targeting the areas where you’re likely to experience pain or swelling. Plus, Merino wool keeps your feet dry and comfortable, prevents blisters, and regulates temperature.
Shop our collection of Sockwell socks HERE.
#5: Socks are Fun!
Even if you fall asleep instantly, don’t struggle with foot sweat, and have no swelling or foot pain, socks are still great, simply because they’re fun! Whether you’re wearing your favorite colors or sporting a fun pattern, socks are an easy way to express your personality.
Featured Brand: Socksmith
If your top priority is individuality and self-expression, Socksmith is the apparel you’ve been waiting for. Every sock is designed to be unique, fun, and, most importantly, not boring! From eye-roll worthy puns to adorable animals, our Stan’s Socksmith collection has a sock to make life a little less boring and a lot more fun!
Shop our collection of Socksmith HERE.
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