Sock it to me, baby!Feb 13 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Sport and Outdoor
The Bottom Line Sport specific socks are worth the investment if you are involved in a specific sport.
When my cousin Bill was attending UCLA, he used to come visit us and bring his laundry (which my mother ended up doing.) One day, he brought a laundry bag with 59 pairs of socks. Mom could never determine if he owned all these socks, or had brought the fraternities laundry. In any case, Bill needed some help picking socks. It seems like picking socks should be an easy thing to do. Having worked in a sporting goods shop for awhile, however, I did get an education in sports socks.... so, for what it's worth: When it comes to camping, remember: C.O.L.D., that's right, COLD - what you don't want to be when you're exposed to the elements. C is for clean. Fabric doesn't keep you warm. The air that fabric has trapped in it keeps you warm. If sweat, dirt, grease and other varying types of shmootz are in your fabric, they're clogging up air space. Dirty socks aren't as warm as clean ones. O is for overheat. If you're too warm, you'll sweat too much and get dehydrated. Also, sweaty socks are more prone to cause blisters. Use just the socks you need. L is for layering. Two pair of thin socks is warmer than one pair of thick socks. It's that air thing again. L is also for loose. Socks should fit well, but not too tight. Too tight stretches the fabric and flattens the airspace. Also, it's just not comfortable. I like a thin pair of acrylic socks that have a high ability to wick water away next to my feet. Over that, I like a pair of wool socks which provide warmth. The acrylic next to my skin also prevents the wool from being itchy. D is for dry. If your socks get wet, whether from snow, stepping in a river or just sweating through, change them if you can. Okay, that's it for warm. Now, for looks.... White socks look stupid with dark pants. Dark knee socks with bermuda shorts and a white t-shirt maybe comfortable, but if you mow the lawn looking like this, you will bring down property values for you and your neighbors. If you live on a corner lot, you can bring down the property values for a whole tract! Toe socks went out of style in the 70s. Your old ones don't look retro. If you are wearing them, you are embarassing your children. Okay, more sporting good store info on sock selection: Socks do two important things for athletic activities. They wick away moisture from your feet and they provide cushioning. With that in mind, I like acrylic socks for wicking water away. Wicking means that they take water and bring it to the surface where it can evaporate. If you are a weekend warrior, any sock will do. Your basic tube sock is just fine for general kicking around. If you have a specific sport in which you participate, you might want to get sport specific socks, however. Here's what each type will provide. Aerobics, running or walking: These socks should have extra cushioning in the soles to absorb impact. They also protect against blisters. These socks are also ideal for people with bad knees as they provide that little extra shock-absorber that you might need. Basketball: These have extra cushioning in the sole, and a longer heel pad to protect the achilles tendon. Bicycling: For the average bicyclist, socks don't matter, but for competitive cycling, thinner socks give the wearer a better feel for the pedals and the right socks can actually help with aerodynamics. Hiking: You want extra cushioning below to absorb shock when walking up hill, and a little extra on top so you can tie your laces tight without cutting into your feet. The best of these are also designed with fibers that wick water towards the top "cuff" so that your boots don't get as smelly. Skiing: You'll want heavier and longer socks with padding around the shins to protect you from bumps and scrapes if you fall that way and to protect you from the shin guards that might bite into you otherwise. Finally, make sure you buy socks in the right size. Socks that are too small scrunch your feet. Socks that are too big cause material to bunch around the heel or toes and give you blisters. It also defeats the point of placed cushioning. Sport specific socks can be expensive, but they can also be worth the price. This seems to have become a write off. Please join me in reading more "Sock-eyed suggestions" by the following people: Phoenixflight, Olivia2753, jankp,sslabs,Aruzenchin, gollygumdrops, MsHooterville, social cynic, rpllingrock, onabreak2, Gracye8, ladiazii, AdaDavis, marsha32, conter7, CyndiA, shelxland, basilisk4, DGTurtle2, karrileesa, Kimber 333, Jomaga3572, DirtBoy, flamepillar, msmorvay, lukasneville, Elorraine, leftbehind, beautifuloser, VeeZee, JENNI1396, solstar, garfield12, Fredpjr, DEjrBudweiser8, talesien, marilynn, Trevsmom, Lark729 89, mtbat, ar c, mom2daniel, mellkinwa, itfollowsme, Ladysmom, KatherineED, Slvrchrles, julie42, erik kosberg, ptieman, quasar, AngelaBar, kamel622, drlolipop, seracorde11, erin5oaks, Howard Creech, RCarte2000, skyrydr, powerman, nanct, sweetcece, Sloucho  |
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