When it comes to keeping your feet warm in the winter, a good pair of socks can make all the difference. There are certain factors when choosing socks that should be considered.
First, we need to consider types of materials that are designed to maintain warmth for cold weather. At the top of the list would be Marino wool or wool blends. These are known for their insulating properties as well as moisture wicking and odor resistance. They are also very lightweight and can be woven into a less bulky fabric. Alpaca fleece or fleece blends are also extremely insulating and moisture wicking. Materials such as 100% cotton are not the best for warmth as they do not have moisture wicking capability and hold moisture against the skin, decreasing their ability to insulate.
Another property of materials that should be considered is durability. The durability, or strength of a material, is dependent upon not just the material but also the weave count. A higher weave, or stitches per square inch, increases materials durability.
Patients with conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular conditions, which decrease the individuals ability to regulate heat and maintain warmth, can especially benefit from wearing durable, insulating sock materials such as wool or fleece.
Finally, sizing of socks should be gauged to the person‘s shoe size and should not be overly tight or constrictive. Allowing a slight amount of looseness contributes to the insulating effect of socks, allowing small air pockets to help in regulating temperature. The length of a sock is also important. Full length or knee-high socks add to the insulating effect on the lower extremities. Again, these should be less constrictive so as not to aggravate any underlying vascular condition.
While there are other factors that could be considered, these three components of materials, durability and size can get you off on the right foot for preventing cold feet.
