The Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Socks for Sports and Exercise

Less than 1% of the population plays professional sports (Bleacher Report ). However, physical activity, especially as an adult, goes far beyond simply playing sports. The CDC notes that being physically active can “improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.”

And, for most of us, that physical activity means additional foot strain. In an article published on the Matrix Personal Training website , author Shane Sauer provided some numerical context to the widely-held claim that 10,000 steps per day are beneficial for your health.

On average, each step puts 1.2 times body weight of force on your feet when walking. That could almost double when running. If one walks 10,000 steps throughout the day, that is equivalent to putting 1.8 million pounds of force through your feet each day.

Therefore, it is incredibly important that your feet are kept healthy and safe during all physical activity. This includes developing strength in your feet, getting the right shoes for the type of activity you are doing, and, of course, wearing the right socks.

In almost every type of physical activity, moisture-wicking socks are beneficial for keeping your feet in top condition.

Moisture-wicking socks are designed to pull sweat and moisture away from the skin and towards the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate more quickly.?

According to an article published by Ken Knapp on REI’s Expert Advice blog :

“Moisture wicking relies on “capillary action,” which is the movement of a liquid (sweat, in this case) through tiny spaces within a fabric due to the molecular forces between the liquid and the fabric’s internal surfaces. Brands refine this process by carefully engineering the structure of the yarns within their fabrics and by applying a variety of treatments to surfaces within that structure.”

Here are some benefits of moisture-wicking socks for sports and exercise:

Reduced risk of blisters

If the skin is moist, then it has a greater amount of friction. On the other hand, dry skin has a lower amount of friction. Therefore, keeping the skin dry may be a way to help avoid blisters (Blister-prevention.com ). Moisture-wicking socks can help reduce the risk of blisters by keeping the feet dry and preventing friction between the skin and footwear.

Comfort

Wet socks can be uncomfortable and can cause the feet to feel cold and clammy. Moisture-wicking socks can help keep the feet dry and comfortable during exercise, even in hot and humid conditions. While cotton socks might provide the most amount of comfort, they are often the worst option for keeping your feet dry during physical activity (RefrigiWear ).

Odor prevention

Sweat can cause odor-causing bacteria to grow on the skin and in socks, leading to unpleasant smells. Moisture-wicking socks can help prevent the growth of bacteria by keeping the feet dry and reducing moisture. Some fabrics, such as Merino wool , have antimicrobial properties as well (The Foot Lab ).

Improved performance

Moisture-wicking socks can help regulate the temperature of the feet, which can improve performance during exercise. Keeping the feet dry and cool can help reduce fatigue and improve endurance.

Better overall foot health

Moisture-wicking socks can help prevent the development of foot fungus and other skin irritations that can occur from prolonged exposure to moisture.

Overall, moisture-wicking socks can be a valuable addition to a sports or exercise routine. They can help reduce the risk of blisters, improve comfort, prevent odor, improve performance, and promote better overall foot health.