Health socks, compression socks, and diabetic socks have one thing in common – they all offer health benefits to maintain healthy feet. Below you’ll find information about each type of socks, what they feature, what to look for when shopping, and what type may best suite your needs. Please remember to consult a health professional before determining what type of socks you should wear.

Socks have vastly changed and improved throughout the years to meet the needs of people who want to have and maintain healthy feet. Wearing quality made socks can dramatically improve the health of your feet so don’t settle for the cheaply made socks because there’s a good possibility that they’re made from poor materials.

Most cheap socks are made from 100% cotton and unfortunately there’s a misconception that people have about this material. Most think that 100% cotton socks are great for feet; but they’re actually more harmful than good because this material absorbs moisture and does not wick it away – in fact, it holds it in and causes a perfect environment for bacterial and fungi growth that can cause athlete’s foot and bad foot odor.

The moisture can also cause blisters, calluses, and hot spots when combined with heat and friction. Socks made out of synthetic fibers or cotton blends are ideal because these materials are durable, lightweight, and hug feet better; some even have anatomical designs to ensure an optimal fit so that there’s less chances of bunching within the shoe that can cause blisters or chafing.

Healthy socks made out of synthetic blends have features that absorb moisture, then wick it away from the foot to reduce moisture build-up. Proper cushioning is also essential for comfort and in some cases, to help reduce fat pad atrophy (the thinning of the fat pads of the foot that serve as natural pads that cushion impact).

Source: DrFoot.ca