How to choose the best gym socks.
In Irish fashion news, we are going to show you simple ways to help you choose the right gym socks for your feet.
Just like there are different types of shoes for your hiking, running and walking, there are different type of socks for your workout.
High-intensity workouts or competitive sports can put some extra pressure on your feet. The right socks will help prevent injury and give you extra support beyond your shoes. Keep on reading for tips on how to choose the best gym socks for your performance.
Why You Should Wear Gym Socks?
Even though your gym socks might seem like a secondary piece in your wardrobe, they are important. And their benefits go way beyond their ability to complete your outfit.
They protect your feet from impact and pressure when you work out. Also, they prevent any blisters from forming and support your feet. They can improve your muscle stamina and aid in quicker recovery from injuries. If you have been forgoing your gym socks, you really should make them a part of your gym wardrobe.
What Are The Most Common Type Of Gym Socks?
Just like you would carefully select your gym gear, you should also give the same attention to your socks. And before you make a decision, you need to familiarise yourself with the different sock lengths and materials. Keep on reading to find out more.
Ankle Socks or Low-Cut Socks
These are exactly what they sound like. Socks that sit at or just above your ankle. Sometimes, you will not be able to see them with you wear shoes. And this is why they are also called no show socks. These types of sock are typically worn by runners or in sports where less fabric is an advantage.
Crew Socks
These are medium size socks that reach past your ankle and sit below your calf. Short versions do exist, only they are called mini-crew socks. Your crew socks can be worn during your gym sesh, on the field or in a wide range of athletic activities.
Mid-Calf Socks
Some people call these socks trouser socks. They are longer socks that reach half way up your calf or stop at the top. They are common for exercise activities when you need some warmth or a bit of coverage.
Knee-High Or Over-The-Calf Sock
Socks that are knee high typically reach to just below your knee. They are common for outdoor sports where you would need some coverage and warmth. And they are perfect for holding your shin guards in place.
Over-The-Knee Socks
These are athletic socks that give you maximum coverage and length. They reach all the way up your thigh and, depending on the design, can provide support and cushioning. This is for those socks that have extra padding at the knees.
How To Choose Fabrics Based On Performance
When you shop for your gym socks, you should focus on fabrics that cushion your feet in the right places. And that also provide moisture wicking properties.
For people who are very active, we recommend that you go for socks that are acrylic or nylon. Or a blend of materials as they will be durable and comfortable. Keep reading for the best fabrics to choose from.
Wool
Wool is great for your socks as it is made from soft fibres that do not itch, are breathable and resistant to odours.
If you want to grab yourself some wool socks, merino wool needs to be on your radar. It is known for preserving heat when wet. And this makes it a popular choice for your winter activities like snowboarding, skiing or hiking.
While wool is considered one of the best materials for your socks, it can be expensive. So, you might want to go with other options if you are on a budget.
Nylon And Acrylic
These are both synthetic fibres that are blended together to create a durable and well-built sock. Nylon helps make your sock durable while acrylic give you some support and comfort.
Natural Fibres
While we all love our cotton socks, they generally are not a good option for your gym gear. At least, not on its own. When blended with other materials like wool, it becomes much more durable and versatile.
Why You Should Try To Avoid Cotton
There is a reason why you should go for specialised gym socks. Your regular socks are probably thinner and made from cotton.
And while this is a comfortable material, it retains and soaks up water. Which will not translate into a comfortable workout as you sweat. This ability to retain moisture will lead to irritation and in some cases, foot fungus.
So look for socks that are a blend of different fabrics. They will be durable, dry quickly and support your feet.
What To Look For When Choosing Gym Socks
This will depend on the activity that you are doing and the season. The socks that get you throw your winter workout will not do you any favours during summer.
Speaking of summer, if you are playing football in the sun, there’s a certain type of sock to look out for. And this is one that is durable, dries quickly and absorbs sweat. It’s best to keep the following in mind when choosing your gym socks.
Cushioning And Support
Bit of a no-brainer but we’ll say it anyway. Socks that cushion your feet will give you more support. And this extra support will help to prevent blisters from forming.
So, look for padding in the front and the heel of your socks. Also, there is one more thing you should not when it comes to padded socks. They will take up more room, so watch that they don’t make your shoes too tight.
Temperature
If you are exercising during the cold winter months, you are going to want to choose socks that keep you dry and warm.
Compression
Compression gear applies gentle pressure when you workout to stimulate circulation. They will increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles. Which makes them a popular choice for athletes.
They work by gently applying pressure to your legs by squeezing the calf. This pressure compresses the veins on the surface of your leg as well as your arteries and muscles. As a result, your blood vessels work better, and this promotes better blood circulation.
Whether you are part of a team or just working out on your own, compression socks can help you out. As well as improving your blood circulation, they can also aid in reducing sore muscles and quicken recovery time.
Slippage and Bunching
Anti-slip socks are available nowadays and they are comfortable to wear. As your socks have treads at the bottom, you will not fall down, slip or slide when you walk or workout. Your non-slip socks will help to improve safety, hygiene and performance.
And these types of socks can provide some extra comfort if you have swollen ankles and feet. Just make sure that you go with the right fit for your feet. choosing the wrong ones can affect how your socks perform.
Moisture Wicking
When moisture builds up in your shoes, it can make our feet itchy and smelly. Wearing socks that wick away moisture will help to prevent this and keep your feet comfortable.
And this is especially important for those of you who move around a lot. Moisture wicking socks do exactly what the name says.
They keep moisture away from your feet for longer than your dress socks will. And I think we can all agree that no one likes having wet feet.
Odour Control
Everyone gets sweaty feet. But sweaty feet do not only feel uncomfortable, they also smell awful as well. While there are other factors that can cause sweaty feet, the most common one is an intense workout if you are an athlete.
But the good news is that if you wear the right type of sock, you can avoid smelly feet. which, as well as being uncomfortable, can also be embarrassing.
Like we’ve mentioned above, the best socks to keep odour at bay are one that keep away moisture. If your socks can dry quickly, there is less time for odour-causing bacteria to grow. Fabrics that are considered wicking fabrics are usually made from two of the following: polyester, wool, nylon or lyra.
How To Find The Best Socks For Your Performance?
As we’ve already mentioned, the best types of socks will depend on personal preference and activity. After all, the best socks for basketball are not the best for football. And vice versa.
Also, you should match the length and material of your socks to your choice of activity. For example, if you are hiking, thicker socks will give you protection against dirt and sharp shrubbery when you are on a trail.
Yes, there is a lot of information to keep in mind when choosing the best socks for you. But there is a good reason for that. Choosing the right socks that are high-quality will keep your feet warm, dry and free from blisters. This means that you are free to continue to lead an active lifestyle and perform at your best.
How to choose the best gym socks. Irish fashion news.
