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Yes, How to ACTUALLY Choose SocksFeb 09 '01 (Updated Oct 27 '02) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Buy your socks based on what you need them to do for you. NOTE: This essay will ACTUALLY help you to make a buying decision! I've heard a saying that the proof is where the shoe leather actually hits the road. My take on that is that the really critical part is where the foot meets the shoe (or exactly where the SOCK is at). Some people make light of socks, as something not really that significant, but socks are actually very important. This subject area, located in the Outdoors section, is directed toward the technical socks used for rigorous outdoor activities (the outdoor hikes, climbs, etc. that occur under all weather conditions wet and dry, hot and cold). The cotton athletic sock You can certainly wear this outdoors. It may not be the best choice, but many times it'll do. Cotton is comfortable and cheap; those are about the only two things it has going for it as an outdoor sock. There are many better options out there, but if you are only doing a light dayhike, a cotton athletic sock may be all you really need. When you start pushing the envelope so to speak, there are other factors that you'll want to consider: [Note: It's been a VERY long time since I've last gone shopping for some 'performance' socks, so some details may slip my mind; however, the basic principles remain the same.] Purpose Your selection of socks should be based on what you need the sock to do. If you're going to climb Mt. Everest, you'll need a different sock than somebody going on an expedition into the Amazon, different than somebody trekking across the Sahara desert, different from . . . (well, you get the idea). Construction Depending on your activity, you'll need a different type of sock. If you are hiking long miles, you should investigate socks with cushioned soles to ease the impact of each boot step. If you've got blisters, hot spots, or generally stiff and painful boots, look about for some extremely THICK socks to pad your poor feet. Material Buy your socks based on what you need your socks to do. Quite frankly, as a sock material, cotton absolutely SOCKS, er, SUCKS (My one attempt at humor :-( ) Once cotton gets wet, it loses absolutely all (or at least pretty darn close to all) of its heat-retaining capability. My recommendation for that is to go with wool. It's a little bit itchier, but will keep you warm when wet (There IS a reason why that is the sock material used by the U.S. armed forces). If you want a liner sock, look for a sock made of polypropoleyne (or some other high-tech miracle fabric); it'll wick water away from your feet and get your wet feet dry pretty quick. If you're headed to some place extremely cold, pick up some socks made with Thinsulate (or another super-duper insulating material). If you want a smooth liner sock (to avoid blister) you might want something made out of silk. Again, pick and choose based on your purpose. Shopping Tip TRY THE SOCK OUT IN THE STORE. When you go shopping for socks at REI (or Sport Chalet, or where ever you may go to buy socks), bring your hiking boots with you. (Actually you should bring your boots and your fully loaded ruck if you want to find out how the boot/sock combination will feel.) Find out if these socks actually meet your intended purpose. Do they work for YOU?!? Also, if you're looking for some thick winter socks, you'll want to make sure that you actually have enough room in your boot for your foot and all of the insulating material in the sock; you don't want to cut off circulation to your foot by trying to force too much sock into your boot. If you're shopping by mail order or on-line, find out about the merchant's return policy and do a trial-run in your living room before you head out on your expedition. (My intent was to write an essay that is actually useful to those in the Outdoor section. If there are some areas that I missed and should really address, please let me know about them. E-mail me at gracye8@netzero.net. Thanks.)  |
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