Do walking socks prevent blisters?

Nothing is as dreadful as developing blisters when you decide to take a walk. Blisters are a common complaint of runners and walkers. If you have started walking or doing longer workouts, you are at the risk of developing blisters. You have to understand that it’s not any sock that can prevent blisters. You cannot just pick any socks and expect your feet to be safe. Not all walking socks are blister-free. 

However, walking socks can prevent blisters depending on their design and the type of material. To be blister-free, you should choose the right walking socks made from the right kind of material. Here is what you have to look for when choosing the right walking socks 

Avoid cotton walking socks; they tend to hold a lot of moisture, which can lead to blister formation when combined with friction. Choose socks that have moisture-wicking abilities made from wool or polyester. Examples of such socks are Bridge dale or Smart wool. 

Make sure you choose walking socks that fit very well. Too large and they will develop wrinkles which can later lead to blisters, too small and they will slip down your feet causing a lot of friction on your skin. 

Cushioning helps in providing comfort and protection. The proper walking socks usually have the right cushioning on your feet’ toes and heel area. Some examples of blister-free walking socks are Rocky Accelerate Anti-Blister Running Socks and Thorlos Unisex walking crew socks.

How do I prevent blisters on my feet from walking?

You have to consider many things when you want a blister-free life. I will give you a few tips that can help you prevent blisters on your feet when walking. 

Always note that the sock to boot combination matters. Make sure your socks fit very well in your shoe. The leading cause of blisters is friction and heat. Avoid anything that leads to a lot of friction. Your shoe should fit like a snug glove. Always wear shoes that are breathable and that offer protection to your feet. 

Socks

Socks are an essential element when walking. Choosing the right socks will save you from all the blister worries. Avoid cotton socks at any cost. Choose merino wool socks that wick moisture away, allowing your feet to breathe. Smart Wool and Fox River Wick Dry are some of the best sock brands with extraordinary moisture-wicking abilities.

Prevent blisters by applying petroleum jelly to your feet, particularly areas prone to friction, such as toes and the heel area. 

Always give yourself and your feet a rest. Take a break whenever you feel the heat in your socks or shoes. You can also change the socks if they are sweaty and let your feet cool down. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.

Should I wear two pairs of socks to prevent blisters?

Most hikers swear by this system. They have seen it working in preventing blisters. You can wear two socks, but they should have different thicknesses. 

The inner socks should be thinner, also known as sock liners, silk, polyester, wool, or nylon. 

The outer socks should be thicker, preferably smart or merino wool socks.

The inner socks help reduce friction on your feet by wicking away moisture. Less moisture means that your skin is safe from blistering or damage. Friction will be there but occurring between the two socks and not on your feet. 

The outer socks are thicker, providing cushioning and wicking away moisture. 

However, some people find wearing two socks tiresome. Two socks can make your feet hotter, make your shoes fit too tightly, and that can also lead to blisters.

There’s nothing wrong with wearing thick socks with walking boots as long as they fit well. To avoid disappointments, always check and do your socks with the shoe you will wear. 

Make sure your thick socks come from wool or merino wool that regulates temperature and wicking away moisture. Note that thick socks can make your feet hot, so you can wear them if there’s a lot of heat.

What socks cause blisters? 

You should always wear the right socks to battle blisters. There’s a direct link between the socks that you wear and the blisters on your feet. 

Socks made from cotton are a culprit in the formation of blisters. Cotton tends to absorb a lot of moisture which doesn’t wick away. If your feet stay moisturized for more extended periods, they can develop blisters. 

Socks that are too thin can also lead to blister formation. Friction will occur between your feet’ skin and the shoes leading to the formation of a blister. 

Too loose or too small socks can lead to blisters. If your socks are too loose, they form wrinkles capable of pinching the skin, causing blisters. Too tiny socks may bind the toes or slip down, causing a lot of friction that can lead to blisters.

 What is the best sock material to prevent blisters?

The best sock material to prevent blisters is merino wool. Comparatively to others, it has a higher temperature regulatory capacity, a better rate of moisture-wicking, provides comfort to your foot, and dries up quickly if it gets wet. It is best at preventing blisters because of its ability to deter the prerequisites for blister formation by providing a dry, calm, and moisture-free foot. 

There’s a classic comparative reference between merino wool and cotton. In this case, the former is hydrophilic as it repels water, and if it does, it dries up quickly. Whereas the latter is hydrophobic, its water retention capacity is high and worse because it can not dry up quickly. Blisters occur when the foot gets soft as a result of moisture. 

As one walks from point A to point B, the friction causes the skin to separate from internal tissues. The ultimate end of this is the formation of blisters. Therefore, you need to look for merino wool socks as they have several advantages as far as providing you with the best conditions that deter blisters on your feet.

Do liner socks prevent blisters? 

Liner socks can prevent blisters depending on the type of socks material, shoes, and activities undertaken. For instance, if you intend to have a shopping walk, roaming around shopping malls while wearing Toms shoes. You are safe to do so while wearing socks. On the same note, liners are unsuitable if you have hiking adventures that are likely to last for days and probably on rocky surfaces. 

Liners generally tend to be thin, and thin socks struggle a lot to provide comfort to the feet. Not only to mention that, but liners also have comparatively low levels of moisture-wicking, which creates a conducive environment for blister formation.

To prevent blisters, find thick socks made with double layers. They are good at moisture-wicking and regulating the temperature within our shoes. When planning for long distances, you need medium-weight or heavyweight socks to deal with the new comfort, protection, and safety.

Other blister prevention tips 

• Always cover areas prone to blisters, such as the heel and the toes.
• Make sure your feet are always dry. 
• Lubricate your feet before you start your exercise 
• Wear better shoes that are breathable and fit well.