All You Need To Know About Moisture Wicking Socks
Wearing moisture-wicking socks keeps your feet warm and dry throughout the day. This is especially important for those who don't stop moving — like athletes, teachers, or nurses. Blisters, odours, and discomfort are prevented by moisture control, which leaves you feeling comfortable at the end of your long day.
Moisture-wicking socks keep moisture away from the feet for much longer than thin dress socks. And let’s be honest; nobody likes having wet feet. This makes them more comfortable in all situations, whether you're lounging around the house or heading out to work. It also has the benefit of helping to prevent fungal infections by preventing your feet from getting sweaty.
How do moisture-wicking socks work?
When moisture builds up in your boots, your feet sweat — making you uncomfortable and smelly. Wicking socks work by pulling moisture away from your foot and towards the surface of the sock. This prevents sweaty feet inside your shoes, giving you a much more pleasant day!
On cold days, moisture-wicking socks are no match for footwear with moisture-wicking properties. But they do not work well if you do not have the right boots or shoes. The socks are designed to wick away sweat, but they lack an exit point. The right pair of boots or shoes will make sure that the sweat travels out of the sock and is evaporated by the air around you.
There's no denying it: moisture-wicking socks can do wonders for your feet. Not only do they remove sweat and odour, but they also leave your skin smooth and free from chafing. Yet all fabrics are not the same when it comes to moisture-wicking capabilities. Cotton, for example, is known as a water-loving fabric. This is due to the molecules being infatuated with the opposite molecules in water — which are present in sweat.
Merino wool is the ultimate fabric for high-performance socks — it doesn't absorb odour, it's warm without overheating, and it doesn't leave you cold when you step into a puddle. And as if that weren't enough, merino wool also has antibacterial properties — it's naturally resistant to odour-causing bacteria, so your feet stay fresh even if you spend all day outside.
What are the best fabrics for moisture-wicking socks?
If you're shopping for work socks, the right material is important. Some materials are great at wicking moisture away from your skin, but they might not be comfortable or durable. Other fabrics are designed to last, but they don't wick as well. A best-of-both-worlds material like wool is a good choice, since it's both comfortable and durable.
Here are the most frequently used materials for moisture-wicking socks:
Merino wool — it's not just for socks! Merino is also an excellent and natural material for clothing because it provides insulation in cold atmospheric conditions. Unlike synthetic fabrics, merino wool wicks moisture away from the skin to prevent excessive heat building up, keeping you comfortable and dry.
Fabrics like nylon and Lycra spandex provide a snug fit — thanks to the material's elasticity, the sock slides into place without much effort. Nylon helps keep your feet dry, essential for sweaty workouts or long hikes in wet areas.
Acrylic helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable while they train. It is great at locking in moisture, which makes training in acrylic far more enjoyable than without it. And the fact that it traps odours makes it ideal for those who are looking for a high-quality training outfit.
Ingeo is a green alternative to synthetic polyester that's made from corn. It's an eco-friendly alternative to polyester which can be used in natural fabrics like cotton and wool. It's also a more sustainable material because it can break down faster in the environment than polyester.
Natural fibres such as silk are exceptionally soft, lightweight, and warm — but also thin and delicate. They may not be good by themselves for heavy work, but they make great liners inside socks so you can still feel comfortable while working.
Athletic socks are designed to wick away moisture, but personal factors affect the overall effectiveness of your socks. For example, your activity level, underlying health issues, and shoe styles will all influence how well your socks work. Look for athletic socks with ventilation holes and mesh panels that support breathability to help keep you comfortable and dry.