The Benefits of Wearing Socks
As the weather gets chillier in the fall and winter seasons, many people start wearing socks more often, not just with shoes, but also around the house. With the impending transition from bare feet to warm socks and shoes, here are some facts about how wearing socks affects your feet.
Socks absorb moisture
Did you know that your feet have over 250,000 sweat glands? This is why your feet can create so much moisture and sweat throughout the day, and a good pair of socks can go a long way in preventing this much moisture from forming. Socks can keep your feet dry and prevent bacteria caused by moisture, which can lead to other issues such as athlete’s foot or onychomycosis.
Socks absorb and reduce odor
With the benefit of already preventing some moisture from forming on your feet, wearing socks can also reduce foot odor. Because socks absorb moisture and sweat, they can prevent your feet and shoes from smelling bad by absorbing odor. Some types of socks do this better than others, such as those made from wool and bamboo, over socks made entirely of cotton.
Socks minimize friction
Friction caused by the movement of your feet in shoes can lead to blisters and skin soreness. Wearing socks can help keep your feet in place while you’re walking, thus reducing friction and preventing the development of blisters. A lack of friction, along with inadequate moisture control, can be subsequently beneficial because both can lead to infection if not addressed. Socks work against the discomfort caused by excessive moisture and blisters due to friction, along with preventing infection.
Socks can provide thermoregulation
Whether you wear your socks exclusively during the day or also when you sleep, they can regulate your body temperature. This is helpful during all seasons, as your body always needs to adapt to the changing temperatures. They can also be particularly helpful when you’re trying to sleep because your body’s core temperature starts to drop as it begins to prepare for sleep, and wearing socks can help speed up and improve this process while also regulating your body temperature throughout the night.
Socks can improve your circulation
Along with aiding in body temperature regulation at night and during the day, socks can also help improve circulation, a factor that is beneficial when trying to sleep. Wearing socks at night increases blood flow to the feet, which can lead to improved circulation. This isn’t always helpful for everyone, though. If you wear socks that are too tight or restrictive, this could reduce circulation throughout the night.
Socks at night can prevent menopausal hot flashes
Menopausal hot flashes can occur during the day or at night when you’re trying to sleep, but wearing socks can help prevent them because they help decrease your core body temperature
What kinds of socks are best?
Although the type of sock depends on the reason for wearing them, there are options for the many specific conditions under which you have to or want to wear socks. Here are just a few:
- Moisture-wicking
- These are typically made from blended materials, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, cotton, wool, and occasionally bamboo. They can aid in absorbing moisture and preventing foot odor, as mentioned above.
- Compression socks
- These usually contain a latex or spandex component designed to promote blood flow and improve circulation. There are two main types of compression socks: anti-embolism compression socks, which help maintain circulation and prevent blood clots, and graduated compression socks, which vary in tightness and length.
- Wool socks
- Along with its ability to absorb moisture, wool is a material that can prevent bacteria from forming and spreading. Wool also tends to have a longer life span than many other materials for socks.
- Cashmere socks
- These are best suited for wearing at night and keeping your feet warm due to their thin fibers. This type of sock can also aid in thermoregulation at night because it’s not too heavy a material.
- Bed socks
- Bed socks are specifically designed to be worn at night. Made of a thicker material than most socks, they help with thermoregulation. However, they also have enough room for your feet to breathe and for heat to escape, so it doesn’t build up too much throughout the night.
Overall, try to be mindful of your foot care and health. There are both pros and cons to wearing socks, but ultimately, you need to determine your own level of comfort throughout the colder seasons. If you have any questions, please contact our care team at 203-723-7884, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
Harris-Ray, Nicklya. “Steps for Purchasing Compression Socks.” WebMD, WebMD, 2022, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/cm/how-to-buy-compression-socks.
Porter, Liam. “Sleeping with Socks on: Good or Bad?” The Sleep Matters Club, The Sleep Matters Club, 20 June 2023, www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/sleeping-with-socks-on.
“Socks Are Important to Foot Health.” Bone & Joint, 5 May 2022, Socks are important to foot health – Bone & Joint (bonejoint.net).
Suni, Eric. “Sleeping with Socks on: Can Warm Feet Help You Fall Asleep?” Sleep Foundation, 10 June 2022, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/sleeping-with-socks-on.
“Why Are Socks so Important to Good Foot Health?” Sutherland Podiatry, www.sutherlandpodiatry.com.au/blog/why-are-socks-so-important-to-good-foot-health/.
