Sock It To Me

Now that the leaves are gone, the weather is getting cooler and the snow has started falling, we all think about winter and the cold weather that is here for the next few months. We’ve all got our parkas, mitts, tuques and boots to get us through the days where we would rather stay cuddled up in front of the fire place.

It might sound crazy, but some people actually enjoy being outside in the winter. Either that, or they just grin and bear it because what else can you do? I’m talking about winter activity enthusiasts. Yes, there are some people who have the motivation to get up and go for a run on a -20 degree day instead of lying in bed just hoping that their swim suit will fit on reading week.

How do they do it you ask? How does someone look so warm when they’re only wearing running shoes or hockey skates on their feet? Do you want to know the secret? I just discovered it and my feet have never been happier.

Your feet will stay warm as long as they’re moving and as long as they’re dry. The biggest misconception is people often think you need to add layers of socks as opposed to finding the right kind of socks. So instead of finding the proper socks, some people will put about four pairs of regular socks on to try and keep their feet warm. The problem is, if you layer up a bunch of cotton pairs of socks thinking you’ll be warm, in about half an hour your feet will start sweating, and then your feet will start freezing from being wet. That is probably the last thing you want to happen on a -40 degree day.

 

Here are some examples of winter activities that require different socks:

Downhill Skiing

The only part of your body you can’t really move while skiing is your feet. They’re strapped into your skis making them stationary. It’s very important that you keep them warm, otherwise risk frost bite. Good materials to wear while downhill skiing:

• Merino wool
• Acrylic
• Silk
• Polypropylene

All of these materials will help wick away moisture and keep your feet nice and toasty.

Cross Country Skiing

The same applies to downhill skiing. Your feet are very much stationary during this activity and need something that will keep them warm and dry:

• Base layer (linear sock)Silk or polypropylene
• Insulating layer (wool)
• Wool socks with synthetic wicking liners

Winter Running

Your feet are the primary mobile part of your body in this activity. You only have runners to protect you from the elements, and unless they’re battery powered, they don’t protect you against cold. Here are some socks you should consider for winter running:

• Polypropylene
• Acrylic
• Coolmax

 

Again, all of these will wick away moisture, making sure that your feet stay warm and don’t freeze from your sweat. Sweat can also cause blisters and no one likes that.

Always make sure that you can wiggle your toes, leaving enough room so that air can circulate around them. Proper fit of your footwear gear is the single most important thing to do. Then the socks can do their job. As long as you protect yourself against the elements, winter is no challenge for you. So gear up, get out and enjoy the next few months of winter!

 

 

Remember, dry is warm! Check out our selection of socks here!