Socks

A Guide to Buying Socks

Socks are one of the things which you put on and take off everyday and really don't notice the difference from one day to the next. However once you've sampled a pair of socks which have been designed for a specific purpose, for example Walking Socks, then we guarantee that you'll be hooked. Broadly there are 3 different fibres that active socks are made from: Synthetic, Natural and Blended.

Synthetic fibres used in walking socks and outdoor socks tend to be used in higher output sports and pursuits due to being able to manage moisture really well and keep your feet cool and dry under some pretty extreme conditions. Synthetic fibres are durable and brands like X-Socks use the man made fibres to design socks which actively keep an environment where you can exert yourself fully with the knowledge that you're free from the danger of blistering and uncomfortable sores.

Natural fibres like wool and merino wool are used for a more traditional sock however Merino wool has some pretty amazing qualities that require less washing than man made socks. Merino wool naturally reduces those nasty feet smells and it has been said that an explorer has worn icebreaker gear for over 100 days without washing them. Either he couldn't smell or the Merino wool was doing an exceptional job. If you're a wool walking sock fan then take a look at Icebreaker and Bridgedale socks.

Blended socks are a new generation of socks that cater for a market that requires the best of both worlds. Bridgedale are a cracking example of a brand which uses the Fusion between man made and natural materials to create a cracking collection of walking, hiking, mountain and liner socks. The great thing about blending material in making socks is that you get the durability of the synthetic fibres with the comfort of the natural.