Where’s your socks?

How many of us are guilty of putting on close-toed shoes without socks? After Winter (warm, fuzzy socks rule!), people often forego socks in favor of letting their feet 'breathe'. Not the best idea. There’s that word some folks luuuuuuuv to hate….
MOIST.

Did you know that your feet have 250,000 sweat glands (more than any other part of your body) and they sweat about half a pint a day? If the shoe is not ‘breathable’, moisture, heat, and bacteria will be trapped inside the shoe. Socks absorb sweat and keep your feet free of bacteria and fungi that cause diseases, such as athlete’s foot, and help prevent calluses. Even if your new shoes feel like you’re walking on air, you can still get blisters because your bare feet are rubbing against the shoe.

Moisture + Motion = Blisters!

Shoes soak up the perspiration from your feet. You need to give your shoes time to dry. If you wear the same pair every day, your shoes don’t have ample time to dry and they won’t maintain their shape. Plus, your shoes may start to SMELL. Sweaty feet make stinky shoes that are practically rotting from inside out. Who has had the misfortune to smell someone’s nasty foot stench when shoes were removed? 

It doesn’t matter how many little “odor eaters” you use or how much Febreze you spray in/on them. We’ve all been around someone who marinated in perfume/cologne in the attempt (FAIL) to mask the fact that they didn’t take a shower. EW!

Are the insides of your shoes gray? Foot and toes clearly imprinted in grime? Sweat and dirt. These things also ramp up the deterioration of your shoes. Sweat dries out and stiffens the shoe lining and makes the shoes bend out of shape and aggravate your feet. You can wash them, but be prepared for the soles to become misshapen or fall apart. Washing may not be enough to prevent….MOLD. ~shudder~

Socks made with soft natural fibers work best for regular wear, but NOT when playing sports or doing other strenuous activities, such as hiking. That’s when you need socks that focus on breathability AND don’t allow your feet to slide around in your shoes. Cotton socks absorb sweat, but they do not dry out and can cause your feet to slip around. Synthetic materials, like polyester and lycra, wick moisture away from the surface of your skin. Heel tabs can help ‘anchor’ the socks and prevent sliding. Make sure you’re wearing the proper sock for the activity.

If you INSIST on walking around sans-socks, spray your shoes wi8th antiperspirant in the morning and leave dry tea bags in them overnight. This absorbs excess moisture in your shoes and minimizes the stench. Don't forget to wash and dry your feet thoroughly and allow your shoes 48 hours  to dry!

As for your stanky shoes? If you are walking 30 minutes a day, or an average of three to four hours a week,m replace your shoes every six months. If you are walking 60 minutes a day or an average of seven hours a week, replace your shoes every three months. Plan on replacing your fitness/walking shoes every three to six months, or by 500 miles.

Slipping on my ballet-flat socks,
Aniki