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Don't Knock Your Socks;
The Right Athletic Socks Help Keep You on Your FeetJune 15, 1999
ATLANTA, June 15 /PRNewswire/ — Before lacing up for your next workout, you may want to consider what's between your shoes and your feet. While Americans spent more than $10 billion on athletic shoes last year, few gave much thought as to how their socks met their footwear needs. Wearing the right socks is just as important to your feet as properly fitted shoes, according to Tom Brunick, a leading footwear authority and director of The Athlete's Foot stores' Research & Development Center.
Most people don't realize that their feet sweat more than any other body part — as much as half a pint of moisture per day. Aside from providing cushion and comfort, one of the basic functions of a sock is moisture control. Brunick offers the following tips to help you choose the right sock for your athletic routine:
- Don't go without socks — Wearing shoes without socks can lead to various problems such as blisters and raw skin on your heels and feet. Socks will help protect your feet while providing comfort and support.
- One size doesn't fit all — Sock size and shoe size are not the same. Socks that are too big can cause blisters, and too small of a sock can prevent your toes from spreading with each step. Have your feet measured by a professional who can recommend the right size sock for you.
- Wick wetness away — Wear socks made from acrylic or an acrylic blend. This material is able to wick, or transport moisture, away from the skin to the surface of the sock so it can evaporate. Avoid cotton and wool socks, which may retain moisture, causing blisters and other foot ailments.
- Get a sport-specific sock — Different activities will generate different stress points on your feet. The right kind of sock provides comfort for your feet at these targeted areas. Sports with side-to-side movements such as aerobics or tennis should have more cushion at the ball of the foot. Hikers, runners and walkers should wear socks with added comfort in the sole area. Basketball players should wear socks with cushioned soles and extended heel pads to provide comfort for the Achilles tendon.
- Ask an expert — For information on socks and other fit tips, contact Tom Brunick at www.theathletesfoot.com
SOURCE: The Athlete's Foot
CONTACT: Sara Bettencourt or Matt Wilson of Crumbley & ALBA/MRA, LLC, 404-892-2300, or s.bettencourt@crumalba.com , for The Athlete's Foot/
Web site: http://www.theathletesfoot.com /
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