[gailr42]

This might not be the right place, but...

I am getting back into walking. I went to Wal-Mart to buy socks and all they had were synthetic blends. Yesterday, we went to Costco and the same thing - synthetic. I thought all cotton socks were the best. Is this not correct any more? I wore one pair that I bought at Wal-Mart and they seemed extremely hot just walking around the house. My DH said I should look at Big Five, which I will, but does any one have any "technical" info on socks?

[LandonsBaby]

I don't know about fabrics but I buy my walking socks at a running shop. I get Balega because that is what they have in kids sizes (I wear size 2 shoe) but if you go to store that sells running shoes they should have all kinds of socks. If I try to wear anything else my feet start to hurt after a couple days.

[BillBlueEyes]

I wear Under Armour for the moisture wicking. Socks that are all cotton stay moist for a long time which is not comfortable for my feet and leads to athletes' foot.

[WildThings]

Oh, go with the synthetics! I know it seems like the natural cotton would be so much better, but cotton and sweat are not a good combo. They create the perfect storm for blisters! I had always bought 100% cotton socks because they were soft, plush and comfy...until I started walking and running a few years ago and ended up with exceptionally nasty blisters on my feet. I read that cotton was the worst for walking/running so went in search of sweat-wicking, non-cotton socks. I haven't had blisters since.

[gailr42]

Aha! Wicking socks. I have heard of wicking clothing, but not socks. I will look for them. If I can't find them here, I'm sure I can get them online. I kinda think that Wal-Mart and Costco aren't the best places to look.

I don't have to worry about finding them for size 2 feet. Hee!

Thanks for the advice.

[alaskanlaughter]

i run and i bought my socks at walmart....i dont remember the brand or what it said but it offered arch support and there seems to be added material(?) or something in that area and it makes my workouts much easier

[gailr42]

I was looking in the underwear department. Maybe they have an athletic department. I'll check that out. I didn't see anything like you describe, Alaskanlaughter.

[MariaMaria]

Bear in mind that some athletic socks will add half a size to the shoe size you need. If you've already got shoes you like, choose thinner (still technical) socks.

[Riddy]

Wicking socks are AH-MA-ZING!

My current favorites are from Target. Champion C9 Premium Maximum Performance - low cut with heel shield. They come in packs of 2 pairs, white with magenta and dark grey trim on 1 pair, neon yellow and grey on the other. I am seriously in love with these socks - I hate hot feet, sinking socks, and toe seams. These have NONE of those issues. They are about $10 for 2 pairs, and worth every penny.

When the weather gets cooler I'll switch to Smartwool. I know you can wear them in the summer, but mentally I just can't bring myself to do it.

[gailr42]

Well, I just spent some time looking for exactly what you describe, and, of course, I can't find them. Target website doesn't show any neon yellow or anything that comes in a two pack - they are all three pack. Maybe they only have them in the store. Anyway, we are going to visit family in the next couple of weeks and there is a Target where they live.

[Riddy]

I did buy mine in the store - they were in the exercise clothing section. Maybe they don't sell them online?

[gailr42]

OK, I went to Big Five. They have lots of socks, that's for sure, but no Champion.

I got some Adidas brand. They have no toe seams - Riddy, I would never have thought about this on my own, but I know I hate toe seams in regular socks. These have more padding at the also seamless heel and the ball of the foot. They have the arch support, wick moisture, anti-microbial, light to medium weight and machine whashable - of course! I think I will like them.

When we go see DH's mother, I will go to Target and check out the Champions.

You'd think I was going to run a marathon, but, hey, whatever keeps me interested.

[gailr42]

Update: I am now the proud owner of a whole slew of different kinds of socks. All of your advice was good.

I started out being able to walk less than a mile. Now I am up to just over 1.5 miles. I am so proud of myself, and my socks make me feel like I really "mean it". I know, I'm kind of strange...but whatever works.

[Tai]

Congratulations; you're doing great! I felt the same way about my socks when I first started walking. Good socks make a difference and it's a good investment in your fitness.

Btw, your avatar kitties are adorable!

[gailr42]

Those kitties think they are something, too. They are just unrelated alley cats.