PUT A SOCK IN IT! {2010}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
Now that you have your proper tennis shoes, do you think of socks as an important part of your equipment, too? You should. Socks can make a lot of difference in how your feet feel. Engineered fabrics or natural; the difference could make your feet feel cooler (or hotter). What about thick socks; thin socks?
Traditional natural fabrics usually used for socks are cotton and wool. I’m sure you would think that wool, especially in Florida, would be too hot! Actually, that’s not necessarily true. I have tried ultra-thin wool socks designed for tennis, and they are quite comfortable. They won’t hold moisture, so they won’t cause the blisters so common with wet cotton. Usually wool is pretty costly, so a man-made fabric is probably going to be the best choice for the foreseeable future.
Most companies offer socks designed for the tennis player. Look for socks having good wicking properties; custom fit such as padding in specific areas, “seamless” fit across the toe; special features such as antimicrobial treatment to fight odor. A number of companies are now offering socks made with bamboo; a renewable natural fiber with good performance for tennis.
When selecting a sock you should consider how your shoes fit. You don’t want the sock to make your shoes feel too tight or too loose. Your choice should complement the shoes you choose making them easier on your feet. That’s where thickness comes in. I know a lot of people who use very thick socks. For years I was one of them. But I have VERY wide feet, and although I wear wide shoes, I found that I could use a thinner sock and my shoes actually fit better! The thinner socks also do something else for me; they keep my feet COOLER! Without the bulk, I don’t walk off the court feeling like I have been wading in an ankle-deep puddle. Here in Florida we have to consider the temperature. Although many people feel that thicker socks cushion your feet, with today’s better shoes they really are not necessary.
When you find your perfect socks, take them with you when you try on tennis shoes to be sure you get the best fit for your feet.
COPYRIGHT 2010
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All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
