The right socks are your first line of defense against blisters. They must fit properly without bunching. Walking socks must wick away moisture to keep your skin from softening and becoming prone to blisters. You may prefer some with padding to cushion shocks. Toss your cotton socks and invest in high quality walking socks.
1. Thorlos Walking Socks
Wendy Bumgardner ©
These socks are designed for walkers and made of CoolMax fabric to wick sweat from your foot and prevent blisters. The padding is placed just where needed -- at the instep, heel and ball of foot. They come in crew and mini-crew lengths. Thorlos wear like iron, you'll have these for years to come.
2. Balega Enduro Socks
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
These single-layer socks are "just right" in many ways. They have just the right amount of light cushioning without bulk. They have a great fit that stays put without constricting your foot. They are made with excellent sweat-wicking fabric. They don't shrink horribly like I keep encountering with Wrightsock, although I did go up a size.
3. SmartWool Walking Socks
Wendy Bumgardner © 2006
SmartWool makes machine-washable, non-itchy wool socks that provide natural moisture management. These walking designs are woven for comfort where walkers need it most. You don't need a liner sock with SmartWool socks, just wear them like any other sock and feel the natural comfort of itchless wool.
4. WrightSock Double Layer Socks
Pricegrabber.com
Many walkers swear by double layer socks as the key to preventing blisters. Wrightsocks double layer socks use CoolMax and Microsafe fabrics to wick moisture away and reduce bacteria. The two layers reduce friction to help prevent blisters. Browse through the site for the length and style you prefer.
5. Wigwam Mills Ultimax Walking Socks
Wendy Bumgardner © 2007
The Ultimax® moisture control system combines Lumiza™ and olefin to repel and move moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. These socks are well-designed and do not shrink badly on first washing as some brands do.
6. SockGuy Socks
Wendy Bumgardner © 2006
Fun socks in colorful designs. But these are also serious socks made of wicking fabric and woven to stay in place without bunching.
7. Fox River Wick Dry Walker Socks
Check the wide variety of excellent socks from Fox River. Each walker will find a different thickness, a different height, etc. that will work best for them.8. DeFeet Socks
Colorful socks in fun styles for serious walkers, runners and cyclists, made with CoolMax Alta in a quick-dry Air-E-Ator weave.9. New Balance CoolMax Socks
New Balance makes excellent technical socks for walking and running with wicking fabric and cushioning where you need it.10. Lin Socks
High performance socks in a bunch of fun and colorful designs.
