Moisture-wicking socks keep your feet warm and dry, especially if you can’t stop moving. Athletes, teachers, and nurses all benefit from wearing moisture-wicking socks throughout the day. Blisters, odours, and discomfort are avoided thanks to the moisture control that keeps you feeling comfortable at the end of the day.
If you’re looking for a bit more staying power than what thin dress socks have to offer, moisture-wicking socks are a good bet. You’ll love how these socks keep your feet nice and dry for much longer than their thinner counterparts. This also means that they’re more comfortable in all situations. Whether you’re lounging around the house or heading out to work, moisture-wicking socks help to prevent fungal infections by preventing your feet from getting sweaty.
How do moisture-wicking socks work?
If you live in a humid climate, you might know how uncomfortable it can be when moisture builds up in your shoes and makes your feet sweaty. A way to help with that is to wear wicking socks. They work by pulling any moisture from your feet and towards the sock’s surface, which prevents sweaty feet in your shoes. This makes for a much more pleasant day!
On cold days, moisture-wicking socks are no match when compared to other socks without moisture-wicking properties.
Moisture-wicking socks wick away sweat but lack an exit point. You should ensure your hiking boots or daily shoes are airy, breathable and have an exit point for the sweat to leave your feet and evaporate around your feet.
One of the best things about moisture-wicking socks is that not only do they remove sweat and odour, but they also leave your skin smooth and free from chafing. But not all fabrics are created equal in terms of moisture-wicking capabilities. Cotton, for example, is hydrophilic — which means it attracts water around its molecules. It’s because of this that cotton loves water.
Merino Wool, on the other hand (or foot), is great because it doesn’t absorb odour, it keeps you warm without overheating, and it doesn’t leave you cold when your feet get wet. Oh, and did I mention that it has antibacterial properties? It resists odour-causing bacteria naturally, so your feet stay fresh during those long workdays outside.
What are the best fabrics for moisture-wicking socks?
If you’re looking for new work socks, the material can matter. Some materials are fantastic at wicking away moisture but not so great for comfort and durability. Other fabrics last a long time but don’t do an efficient job of wicking. A best-of-both-worlds material like wool is a good choice because it’s both comfortable and durable.
Here are the most frequently used materials for moisture-wicking socks:
Merino wool — not just for socks! Merino wool is an excellent and natural material for clothing because it provides insulation in cold atmospheric conditions, unlike synthetics that trap heat. Unlike synthetics, merino wool wicks moisture away from the skin to prevent excessive heat, keeping you comfortable and dry.
Fabrics like nylon and Lycra provide a snug fit, primarily because of their elasticity. Nylon helps keep your feet dry, which is essential for sweaty workouts or long hikes in wet areas.
Acrylic is a high-quality fabric that is comfortable and great at wicking sweat. It can also help to keep you cool while you train by locking in moisture, and it locks in odours too, which is excellent for those looking for a high-quality training outfit
Ingeo is an alternative to synthetic plastics and can be used in natural fabrics like wool and cotton. It’s also a more sustainable material because it can break down in the environment faster than synthetic plastics.
Natural fibers such as silk are exceptionally soft, lightweight, and warm. They’re great for liners inside your socks so you can still feel comfortable while working.
Of course, your socks are designed to wick away moisture, but there are other factors that play a part in how well they work. For example, your activity level, your health, and the type of shoes you wear are important. Look for socks with ventilation holes and mesh panels to help keep you comfortable and dry.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.