Socks come in different shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. You might think that all these are regular socks and have the same function – to be worn with shoes. While that is correct, there are some socks that you should wear with a specific kind of shoe or boot.
If you’ve worn socks with boots only to end up with blisters, you were probably wearing the wrong socks.
Boot socks are specifically designed for boots as these types of socks are thicker. Some boot socks have a taller height to accommodate taller boots. These socks are usually made with wool and other knitted materials and they provide cushion and insulation to the feet as well.
If you’re like me who wears regular socks in boots and ends up getting blistered feet, the answer to this problem is to wear boot socks. In this article, we will talk about what boot socks are and why they are necessary. We will also be talking about how buying good quality socks can benefit you and what you should look out for when buying boot socks. If you want blister-free feet, then read on!
Different Kinds Of Boots
When talking about boots, calf or knee-high boots would probably be the first thing you would think of. There are several kinds of boots and they are not only categorized by height.
Different kinds of boots can be categorized. based on style and material apart from height.
Boots can be categorized as work boots, hunting boots, combat boots, cowboy boots, rain boots, snow boots, hiking boots, and more. If we are categorizing the boots by height, apart from calf and knee-length boots, there are also ankle boots and over-the-thigh boots. Boots can also be categorized by their materials such as leather boots or rubber boots.
The question is, do you need to wear socks with any of these boots and are there socks specifically for boots?
Different Kinds Of Socks
Like boots, there are many different types of socks. The most common types of socks are ankle socks, quarter-length socks, mid-calf socks, and knee-high length socks. These socks can be made of different materials but, the most common materials that are used for socks are cotton, polyester, Merino wool, and nylon.
These materials are breathable and effective in keeping the feet dry and comfortable. The kind of socks that you would wear will depend on the kind of shoes you have.
The socks worn with boots are called boot socks.
What Are Boot Socks?
Boot socks, as the name suggests, are socks that are worn with boots. These socks are typically mid-calf or knee-high in length to accommodate taller boots. Boot socks vary and are typically made from wool, cotton, lycra, synthetic fibers, or other knitted material.
Since boots are usually worn in the spring and fall, boot socks are usually thicker to provide insulation to the feet. But, that is not to say that you can’t wear boots in any other season. Work boots are usually worn year-round and boot socks offer cushion and protect the feet from chafing or blisters.
New boots are usually the cause of blisters on the feet so it is important to wear boot socks if you plan to wear boots.
Boot Socks vs Regular Socks
A boot sock is thicker and longer than regular socks. Some boot socks also offer more cushion around the heels and toes as these parts of the feet are the ones usually prone to chafing and blisters. Boot socks also have moisture-wicking properties to keep moisture away to keep the feet dry and comfortable.
Regular socks on the other hand are thinner and provide no extra cushion or support to the feet. You can try and wear regular socks with boots but, you might just end up getting blisters on your feet, especially if the boots are brand new. Regular socks are also usually worn with softer shoes such as sneakers.
Are Boot Socks Necessary
While some might say that it is a personal preference to wear socks or not, it is advisable to do so. Yes, boot socks are necessary if you are going to wear boots. Whether they are work boots or hunting boots, wearing socks will keep your feet healthy.
Not only wearing socks can prevent your feet from getting blisters, but wearing socks can also prevent sweat and bacteria from growing inside your boots. The sweat will stick to the interior of the boots which can cause a bad odor to develop. If you keep wearing boots that are filled with bacteria, there is a chance that you can get toenail fungus or athlete’s foot.
But, is going barefoot in boots the only way for bacteria to develop?
Wearing the wrong socks can also let bacteria build up inside your boots. Boot socks are made to be breathable so moisture does not get trapped inside. It is good to let your boots air out after wearing them, whether you wear socks or not.
How To Choose The Right Boot Socks
While it is easy to grab any boot socks off of the shelves, it is important to take the time and assess if you are choosing the right boot socks or not.
If you have brand new boots, consider looking for boot socks that have extra cushioning on the toes and the heels as these are where we usually get blisters on the feet. Another thing to consider before getting socks that are too thick is the fit of your boots. If your boots fit perfectly, socks that are too tight will make the boots feel smaller than they are.
Getting high-quality boot socks will help the feet be more comfortable so checking the material before buying is recommended. Aside from the material and extra cushioning, getting the correct size is important when choosing the right boot socks. Getting socks that are too tight can lead to poor circulation, bruised toenails, or bunions.
The height of the socks is also important. It is advisable to get socks that are taller than the top of your boots to avoid chafing in the area where the boot and skin would meet if you were to go for shorter-height socks.
Benefits Of Buying Good Quality Socks
If you want healthy and happy feet, buy good quality boot socks. Your feet will thank you for wearing boot socks that protect your feet rather than cause pain.
I’ve worn regular socks in my boots before and my feet ended up with blisters. Since then, I made sure to wear appropriate boot socks whenever I’m wearing boots.
Aside from preventing blisters, good-quality boot socks can also keep your feet warm and toasty during cold weather. A decent sock can also give you comfort, especially if you are on your feet all day.
Caring For Your Boot Socks
Some boot socks require hand-washing only as the materials used can unravel or cause the socks to shrink. While some socks can be washed in the washing machine under a gentle cycle. Not all socks are the same so make sure to look at the socks’ washing instructions before throwing them in the washing machine for a spin.
Wrap Up
Socks are necessary whether you wear boots or not. If you like wearing boots, wearing boot socks is necessary to protect your feet from blisters. Boots socks are thicker than regular socks and most of the boot socks have extra padding on the toes and heels.
Save your regular socks for your other shoes and start making your feet happy and healthy by wearing the correct socks with boots.
Hopefully, this article gave you the information you need on what boot socks are and why they are necessary.
