How To Avoid Blisters: A Hiking Sock Guide.
Copyright (c) 2006 Marc Wiltse
Hiking Gear and Equipment Used For Camping
Great hiking socks are critical for a comfortable . Do yours
deliver in all the important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking
sock that is best 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.
Socks are almost as important as your boots and shoes when it
comes to your comfort. Here are some things to consider before
investing in your next pair...
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. Lack of
blood flow can cause fatigue, numbness and leave your feet more
susceptible to injury.
Moisture- With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 pints of
vapor/fluid per day. That's like dumping a whole soda in each
shoe! OK, so pop is stickier, but wet skin still has a tendency
to stick to other surfaces which causes even more stress and
trauma to your tissue. That's why wicking technology in hiking
socks is so important.
Keep in mind too, if your socks don't wick well, bacteria and
fungus can also become more of a problem. And we've all known
that camp mate that had funky smelling feet. One of my friends
actually resorted to burning his shoes in the campfire, but
that's another story... ;-)
Position- If your hiking socks don't help to maintain correct
anatomical alignment it 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. If
you wore your dad's shoes when you were a kid, or had a pair of
shoes that were too large and floppy you know how important
position is.
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. Bony prominences as they're called,
don't have the luxury of much padding. A good sock will provide
just enough, but not too much cushion.
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 underneath 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 that environment, they should help
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. Whether you're trail running or
hiking the Appalachian Trail with a 50 pound backpack. Selecting
the right tool for the job makes all the difference.
My website offers hiking sock reviews and recommendations as well
as other gear information. I hope you found this article
informative. Happy hiking. :-)
Marc Wiltse began investing in quality gear after a flooded tent
forced him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking
equipment & camping gear guides, reviews & newsletter save you
time & money. Find reviews on hiking socks here:
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-socks.html
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