The significance of picking out the appropriate pair of sporting shoes is common knowledge, but what about socks? The transaction can most likely be completed by selecting the appropriate size for you and moving on with the rest of your day. The same is true with compression socks; all you have to do is select a size (and potentially a color), and you’re all set.
But there are other considerations besides size when it comes to finding the perfect pair of socks for your foot; however, size is an important factor in this case.
Theresa Marko is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, the CEO and owner of Marko Physical Therapy, and she will show you how to choose the best pair of socks for your feet, whether they are running socks, gym socks, casual socks, or compressions. She will also provide the dos and don’ts of compression wear.
When choosing the socks you wear every day, keep these pointers in mind
Your sock experience will be positively or negatively impacted by its dimensions, height, and substance. The selection of socks is entirely subjective, but ultimately, you want to find a pair that allows you to move freely and feels good on your feet so that you can get the most out of your day.
With that being stated, “there are variances that one might want to consider, such as the height of the sock, and then there is the material that the sock is made out of.” Says, Marko.
These elements have a significant impact, not only on the way the sock feels but also on how well it performs on your body.
One Step Closer to Locating the Perfect Pair of Shoes to Accommodate Your Feet
Size: There are two methods you can use to find out what size sock best fits your foot: Either measure the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe in inches or use the size of the shoe you normally wear. You can select the appropriate size for your feet based on the measurements that are listed on the back of the sock box.
Height: The height of the sock is a personal preference and may change based on the activity you engage in; however, it is important to keep in mind that you want to feel comfortable.
Marko provides the following piece of advice regarding “no-show” socks, which are socks that run below the line of your shoes: “It is crucial to select a pair that has the rubber on the rear of the ankle so that the sock will not slip down and cause blisters or pain.”
Running and high-intensity interval training are two exercises that demand the right sock height. “You would not want to go on a run in a sock that slips down off your heel, bunching up in your shoe constantly,” the person said. “You would not want to do that.” Says Marko.
Find a pair of socks that fit well, don’t slip off easily, and offer adequate protection for your feet.
Material Cotton, polyester/spandex, a blend of cotton and spandex, wool, wool/cashmere, and wool/spandex are the possible fabrics for the socks. Wool, wool/cashmere, and wool/spandex are all possibilities. Depending on the time of year and the nature of the activity, the material can have a significant influence on the amount of comfort experienced as well as the level of risk. Cotton socks, for instance, are not a good choice for wearing during outdoor winter activities since they are unable to wick away moisture and thus lose their insulating properties.
“The varied blends of materials can enable moisture wicking to allow the foot to not get hot and sticky and assist avoid things like foot fungus and skin breakdown,” the author says. This applies whether one is at work or the gym. Says Marko. Therefore, if you want to protect your feet and keep them healthy when you’re working out, it’s better to wear socks that wick away moisture.
“There are socks that have extra stretch around the arch of the foot to provide support, and they feel comfortable to wear,” the author says to individuals who are looking for information about arch support. To quote Marco:
The Two Varieties of Compression Socks are as Follows:
In the world of compression socks, there are essentially two camps: the athletic camp and the edema camp.
Compression Socks for Athletes: Compression socks for athletes will most likely be knee-high and will more closely resemble classic styles of athletic socks. They help with venous return and healing by providing some compression, which is in addition to providing support for the lower leg. Says Marko. These socks do not often have a highly snug fit but instead have a moderate level of compression.
Edema: Socks designed to control edema will look more like standard knee-high stockings (made of a material similar to that of pantyhose), and they will be available in a variety of gauges. The “tightness” of the sock is measured in meters, which range from very loose to quite restrictive and require the use of a special device known as a donner to put on. “These types of socks would be used in persons who have pooling/edema in their legs owing to aging or a chronic ailment like diabetes,” explains Marko. “These people would benefit from the compression that these socks provide.”
The Most Appropriate Variety of Socks for Your Exercise Needs
Being on Your Feet for Prolonged Amounts of Time or Distance – Wearing compression socks is a smart move if you are going to be in a stationary position for an extended amount of time, such as standing or sitting. When a person stands or sits for an extended period, blood can pool in the lower leg and foot, making it more difficult for the veins to pump the blood up to the heart. Says Marko.
Wearing compression socks can help prevent blood from accumulating in the legs and reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Compression socks are something that Marko would recommend to everyone who is on their feet all day for work (nurse, factory worker, etc). It is advisable to put on a pair of compression stockings if you are going to be engaging in strenuous activity for an extended period, such as going on a long run, as well as if you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods, such as working at a desk.
Lifting Weights – Both throwing iron and lifting big weights go hand in hand with wearing compression socks since they assist in keeping blood flowing and prevent clots from forming. According to Marko, if you are wearing compression socks throughout your workout, leaving them on after the workout will aid with recuperation. However, “one might want to utilize looser compression if they were utilizing a heavier compression while working out.” She says.
When Not to Wear Compression Socks It is not recommended that you wear compression socks when you are sleeping. If you wish to wear them regularly, you need to replace the socks and allow your skin a chance to breathe every three days. If you do this, you can continue to wear them. Marko is suggested by this.
How to Determine Which Compression Socks Are Right for You
Your level of comfort and whether or not you have circulation issues are two factors that determine how tightly your socks should be wound. Says Marko. If you are having issues with circulation, you will need to wear more severe compression.
“A person who does not have any troubles can wear a more light compression. Nevertheless, since compression is a personal comfort decision, one should try on a pair and evaluate how they feel.” Says, Marko.
How do they feel about being supported? Or do they make you feel constricted? It will be different for each individual.
Multiple advantages can be gained from wearing compression socks. If you have any questions or concerns about the type of compression sock that would be most beneficial for you, a consultation with a physical therapist is a great place to start.