Socks are the unsung hero of foot health. While wearing a good pair of shoes should always be your top priority, remember that socks also play a pivotal role in comfort, support, and pain and infection prevention!
Learn what makes socks so important below, then check out a few of our top picks for socks to keep your feet healthy and happy.
#1: Socks Make Shoes Comfier
Many high-quality socks feature targeted cushioning in key areas: the ball of your foot, under your heel, and around your ankle. This creates a softer and more comfortable experience than wearing shoes alone.
Additionally, the interiors of your shoes are often made from stiff or hard materials. Socks provide a buffer between these materials and your skin, helping to prevent painful sores and blisters.
#2: Socks Prevent Infections
Feet can sweat significantly—up to half a pint a day! It's crucial for that moisture to be absorbed by something other than the shoe itself. If it seeps into the shoe’s footbed, the damp, dark environment serves as a breeding ground for infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Socks create a moisture barrier, reducing the chances for germs and fungi to flourish.
#3: Socks Stop Smelly Shoes
Wearing socks to absorb sweat has an added advantage: it helps prevent smelly shoes! When sweat soaks into your shoe’s footbed, the odor gets trapped inside. However, if socks absorb the moisture, your shoes will stay fresher for longer.
#4: Socks Impact Blood Circulation to Lower Swelling
Your feet play a significant role in regulating body temperature and blood circulation, so socks that keep them supported and comfortable benefit your health from head to toe.
Compression socks are socks made especially to address swelling, no matter the cause—pregnancy, edema, certain medications, venous insufficiency, and more. By lightly squeezing your legs, compression socks dilate and contract the valves in the veins, improving blood circulation from your legs to your heart. This helps reduce swelling in the lower limbs, and it may also reduce your risk for blood clots.
Compression socks can also address pain related to plantar fasciitis. Targeted compression in the arch area reduces strain on the fascia ligament in your foot, which relieves the pain and inflammation.
#5: Socks Make You Sleep Better
When you sleep, your body’s core temperature can drop by up to two degrees. So, if you want to fall asleep more quickly, you just need to signal to your body that it’s time to rest by lowering your core temperature. Wearing socks can help with that! When you put on socks, your blood vessels expand, directing heat away from your core and into your feet.
However, it's crucial that your socks don't restrict circulation while you sleep. Unless advised by a doctor, avoid wearing compression socks to bed. If you have circulation or swelling issues in your legs or feet, consult your doctor about the safety of wearing socks while you sleep.
#6: Socks Lengthen the Lives of Your Shoes
When sweat accumulates in shoes, it can weaken the glue and other materials, leading to faster wear and tear. Socks help prevent this, benefiting both you and your wallet in the long run. It's much simpler (and more cost-effective) to replace socks than to buy new shoes!
#7: Socks Showcase Your Personality
Even if you fall asleep instantly, don’t struggle with foot sweat, and have no swelling or foot pain, socks are still great, simply because they’re fun! Whether you’re wearing your favorite colors or sporting a fun pattern, socks are an easy way to express your personality.
Our Favorite Sock Brands
Here at Stan’s, we take socks very seriously. That’s why we carry six brands that are amazing for your foot health. In one sentence each, here’s why we love them.
Feetures
Feetures are crafted with precise compression and an anatomical design that enhances support by conforming to the natural shape of your feet.
Sockwell
Sockwell features four graduated compression zones that specifically target areas prone to discomfort or swelling.
Darn Tough
Darn Tough socks are made from Merino wool, which is known for its durability and excellent temperature regulation in both hot and cold weather.
Smartwool
Smartwool use Merino wool as a performance fabric, taking advantage of its soft, moisture-wicking properties, sustainability, and odor-neutralizing abilities.
Socksmith
Socksmith prioritizes individuality and self-expression with everything from eye-roll-inducing puns to charming animal designs.
Shop Socks at Stan’s Shoes
Stan’s is more than just a shoe (and socks!) store; it’s a place where every step matters and where your footwear journey begins. Stan’s curated collection of footwear offers high-quality styles from the most respected brands from around the world. You’ll find shoes and socks that you love and some you didn’t know you were looking for.
Visit us seven days a week at three Milwaukee-area locations, or shop online 24/7 at www.Stansshoes.com.