Everyone knows that choosing the proper thermal undergarments when you plan to spend an extended amount of time out in the cold is essential. There are many brands and styles to choose from, but you would think it would be fairly basic. In fact, it is more involved than many people realize. Choosing the wrong equipment for any task can end badly, even if all you are doing is choosing a pair of socks.
Most thermal socks are made of wool, or a wool blend, because no matter how wet it gets, it will still retain heat, thereby keeping your feet warm even when it is cold and wet outside. If you happen to be one of the many people who have a sensitivity to wool, there are also thermal socks available in merino wool.
Merino wool is regarded as finer and softer than any other wool, and is commonly used for athletic wear. It is great at keeping your body temperature even, particularly when worn as an undergarment. It provides warmth while drawing away any moisture from your skin. This process is known as wicking. Like regular wool, merino wool will keep you warm in the cold even after it gets wet. Buyers should be aware that it is more costly than plain wool, but is well worth the extra money it costs.
Another choice is a blended synthetic sock, which are also quite popular. Several name brand manufacturers develop outdoor and thermal socks which may keep your feet as warm, if not warmer, than wool socks. One such company offers a sock that even features arch supports and a moisture management system, not to mention built in vent zones to allow your feet to breathe.
Buyers should be aware that when it says blended synthetic sock, there is still a percentage of wool and or cotton in the sock. Some socks can contain spandex as well, and most athletic socks do. Companies tend to combine their outdoor wear with their athletic wear, so if you can’t find exactly what you are looking for in the cold weather section of your store, you should try looking in the athletic wear section.
You also do not need to be confined to gender specific styles. In some cases, women find that thermal garments made for a man keep them warmer than something produced for women. Socks, in particular, need never be gender specific, unless a certain style is desired. Most especially for cold or inclement weather, if a man’s thermal sock will keep your feet warmer and drier than a woman’s, wear the man’s sock.
When making your final decision on which thermal sock to purchase, you should always bear in mind that if a certain sock is going to make you uncomfortable, for whatever reason, you should not wear it. Some allergies to certain things may involve no more than a slight rash or itchiness where the material rubs against the skin. Still others could involve a very serious health risk. Either way, any rash or swelling as a result of wearing a certain blend of material should be viewed as a problem, and you should avoid whatever blend caused that reaction. There are so many thermal socks available that you should be able to find some that do not cause you any discomfort. Whether they are 100 percent wool, cotton, or a blend of various things, there is no reason to wear something that you have even a minor allergic reaction to. Even a short hike can be a miserable thing if your feet are itching or burning, or worse, and whatever benefits your socks bring as far as warmth or arch support can only be negated if you are allergic to them in whole or in part. Remember also to bring along an extra pair, maybe even of different materials, just in case you are allergic.
Choosing the right thermal socks does not have to be difficult. With a little research and a little shopping around you should easily be able to find just exactly what you need for whatever you need them for. There are many web sites devoted to telling you all about thermal socks, as well as many online stores to shop at. If it is a store you have purchased from before whose products you trust, then buying your thermal socks online might be the best way for you. However, you might do better to shop at a street store for your thermal socks. In some cases you will be able to touch them and see if you have any kind of reaction to them before you buy them.