The type of sock that you wear when you run is crucial to the comfort and health of your feet. It is important that you are running in the right type of socks that can stand up to whatever weather condition you may be running in. If you are running in cold conditions you will want a sock that will keep your feet dry and warm. In warmer conditions you want a sock that can keep your feet dry and cool. If you are a trail runner you will want a thicker more durable sock If you are a short distance runner you are going to want a more lightweight sock.
The warm weather of summer causes you to sweat more when you run. It is very important to have a sock that has certain characteristics to deal with the heat. You must be certain that the sock is able to wick away this extra perspiration from your foot; otherwise you will trap excess perspiration against yours skin, which can cause blistering.
The material the sock is made from is the most crucial factor in choosing which sock is right for the warm months of the year. You want to stay away from anything that is made of mostly cotton. Cotton is a great lightweight material but does not dry quickly. Cotton socks absorb the moisture from your feet and remain damp. This can cause blisters to form from the rubbing of the wet socks against your feet as you run. Some better materials for socks to use during warmer conditions are polyester, acrylic, and CoolMax. These synthetic materials are more expensive than cotton socks, but they really stand up to the heat. These materials will help to wick away your perspiration while keeping your feet cool and blister free.
Another thing to consider when buying warm weather running socks is to look at the design of the sock. A good running sock is made up of two layers. The inner layer of the sock should help to wick the moisture away from your feet and the second outer layer should remove the water from the first layer and aid in evaporation. This design will keep your feet as dry as possible so blisters will not form.
Runners are so concerned about running in the right shoe, they don't give much thought to their socks. The next time you go to purchase running socks, make sure that you check what the sock is made of and its design. All socks are not created equal!
Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider's FREE book, visit his website and his blog "The Houston Running Chronicles"
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