Hiking Sock Guide: Say Goodbye to Blisters?
By: Marc Wiltse
Great hiking socks are critical. Do yours deliver in all these
important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking sock that is smart
for your trip.
Your hiking socks are probably like you at work... they do a lot
more than they're given credit for. They must be comfortable,
wick moisture, protect against shear, support your natural
posture, keep your feet at a good temperature, distribute
pressure, promote circulation, absorb shock, and be tough. That's
no small order.
They are almost as important as your boots and shoes when it
comes to your comfort. Here are some things to consider.
Blood Flow- This is the circulation of blood through the foot. A
decrease or cut-off in blood flow can be caused by unyielding
fabrics in hiking socks. Acrylics in combination with other
fibers and a terry weave can help with this and shear.
Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 pints of
vapor/fluid per day. That's why wicking technology in hiking
socks is so important. Without it bacteria and fungus can become
a problem. Hungry yet? ;-)
Position- If your hiking socks don't help to maintain correct
anatomical alignment this can cause premature fatigue. Correct
posture also helps to correctly position your foot in your boot
or shoe to make it feel like it's an extension of your body.
Pressure Areas- Pressure can cause discomfort and lead to damage
if it's not addressed. A good example of this is a bedsore. Most
people hopefully won't experience pressure to this degree, but
it's something you want to keep in mind when looking at hiking
socks. Padding is especially important around bony areas like the
heal and ball of the foot.
Shearing Force- This happens when your tissue is moving in
opposite directions, like when jumping over a stream, or
descending a steep slope. Part of your skin is moving one way and
the tissue under it another, this causes a tearing action just
under the surface of the skin. This is the most common way of
getting blisters.
Temperature- Good hiking socks need to be appropriate for their
intended use, from a warm weather day hike to a week-long
mountaineering trip. Once in their appropriate environment they
should maintain a consistent comfortable temperature.
Like a shoe or boot your hiking socks should be matched to the
type of hiking you'll be doing.
Liners- Thin socks called liners are made to be worn under your
hiking socks next to your skin so they can wick the moisture away
and keep your feet dry...
Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment
and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3
inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his
2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His
hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time &
money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-journal.html
& get the most usable information FREE! © Marc Wiltse.
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