| Great hiking socks are critical. Do yours deliver in | | | | example of this is a bedsore. Most people |
| all these important areas? Learn how to pick the | | | | hopefully won't experience pressure to this |
| hiking sock that is smart for your trip. | | | | degree, but it's something you want to keep in |
| Your hiking socks are probably like you at work... | | | | mind when looking at hiking socks. Padding is |
| they do a lot more than they're given credit for. | | | | especially important around bony areas like the |
| They must be comfortable, wick moisture, | | | | heal and ball of the foot. |
| protect against shear, support your natural | | | | Shearing Force- This happens when your tissue is |
| posture, keep your feet at a good temperature, | | | | moving in opposite directions, like when jumping |
| distribute pressure, promote circulation, absorb | | | | over a stream, or descending a steep slope. Part |
| shock, and be tough. That's no small order. | | | | of your skin is moving one way and the tissue |
| They are almost as important as your boots and | | | | under it another, this causes a tearing action just |
| shoes when it comes to your comfort. Here are | | | | under the surface of the skin. This is the most |
| some things to consider. | | | | common way of getting blisters. |
| Blood Flow- This is the circulation of blood through | | | | Temperature- Good hiking socks need to be |
| the foot. A decrease or cut-off in blood flow can | | | | appropriate for their intended use, from a warm |
| be caused by unyielding fabrics in hiking socks. | | | | weather day hike to a week-long mountaineering |
| Acrylics in combination with other fibers and a | | | | trip. Once in their appropriate environment they |
| terry weave can help with this and shear. | | | | should maintain a consistent comfortable |
| Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 | | | | temperature. |
| pints of vapor/fluid per day. That's why wicking | | | | Like a shoe or boot your hiking socks should be |
| technology in hiking socks is so important. Without | | | | matched to the type of hiking you'll be doing. |
| it bacteria and fungus can become a problem. | | | | Liners- Thin socks called liners are made to be |
| Hungry yet? ;-) | | | | worn under your hiking socks next to your skin |
| Position- If your hiking socks don't help to maintain | | | | so they can wick the moisture away and keep |
| correct anatomical alignment this can cause | | | | your feet dry... |
| premature fatigue. Correct posture also helps to | | | | If you'd like more information on hiking socks |
| correctly position your foot in your boot or shoe | | | | please click here for the entire article. Also you |
| to make it feel like it's an extension of your body. | | | | may want to take a look at this related article on |
| Pressure Areas- Pressure can cause discomfort | | | | hiking boots and what's important regarding fit and |
| and lead to damage if it's not addressed. A good | | | | construction. |