The facts about socks and safety footwear
Choosing the right safety footwear is one thing, but the socks you wear inside those boots (or shoes) can play a huge role in how comfortable you are in your safety footwear. It’s amazing the difference that a pair of work socks can make in how your footwear fits and how your feet feel at the end of the day. When choosing socks to go inside of safety footwear there are a few important considerations including season, height, and material.
Season
In winter, warmer socks made of synthetic fibres or merino wool help keep your feet warm without adding unnecessary bulk. In the summer, you need socks that wick moisture away and help prevent foot odour but also ones that aren’t too hot. In spring and summer, you want quality socks that will help relieve fatigue.
Height
This one is somewhat self-explanatory. Your socks should not be lower than the cuff of your boot or shoe. Having socks that are lower than the cuff can lead to chafing and blisters. Your socks need to fit properly – ones that have lost their elasticity or are too big can slump down inside footwear creating pressure points.
Material
Cotton absorbs and retains moisture – a great trait in a towel but not such a great thing when your foot is inside a boot all day. Especially in cooler weather, this retention of moisture can lead to cold feet, which in turn leads to the whole body being cooled. Synthetic material is designed to wick moisture away from the skin, so your feet stay warm. Some work socks are made with anti-microbial fibres, which help prevent both foot odour and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. In addition, specialty work socks can have features designed to reduce fatigue such as comfort padding and woven arch support. There should be some spandex or elastic to help the sock stay up, but not too much or else it may be too constrictive later in the day when feet swell.
Choose socks for the right season, that are the right height, and made from the right materials, and your feet will thank you.
