by Ron Balske – Style Coast by Sidney Casuals –
At this time of year, when it’s the season for visiting, there’s nothing worse than taking off your shoes at the door and finding tired old socks with holes in the toes. Rather than having to hide in the corner, a pair of fun, flashy socks will allow you to step into the room with pride.
Flying kittens, dinosaurs, hotdogs – there’s nothing you can’t find as a sock pattern these days! Everyone loves them, with bright colours and playful designs for men and women. You’ll find teenagers buying coordinating pairs with their friends; even professionals like to don a fancy pair to brighten up work wear! Like all accessories, socks are a way of adding a little personality to an outfit, without going overboard. You’ll find some that are a little cheeky, so be sure to check that the message you might be sending is appropriate.
All joking aside though, socks can be serious business too. New technical fabrics mean that socks can be relied upon to keep your feet warm and dry whatever the conditions you’re wearing them in. Brands like Smartwool have made cozy, soft socks achievable for all. Their Indestructawool™ technology has been developed to stand up to the toughest challenges you can throw at it. With a new, more durable knitting technique, combined with merino wool, they are the socks you’ll want to take with you hiking, running and on ski trips.
Another style to consider for trail activities are toe socks. You might remember them as a novelty from childhood, but socks with individual toes are being produced by many activewear companies. They’re not for everyone, but the ability to feel your natural toe splay, and for your foot to align within your shoe, can add stability and comfort.
Selecting the right fabric is also key. Cotton is comfy for everyday wear, and washes well, but it is worth considering bamboo, which is breathable and feels like silk or cashmere. It also boasts antimicrobial properties, helping with foot odor. Wool, and especially merino wool, will keep you warm, but synthetic fabrics can be great for wicking moisture away from the skin. Whatever the fabric, look for barely-there toe seams and socks that fit your shoe size, to prevent blisters and sore spots.
A last word on socks? You can’t go wrong with a pair wrapped under the tree, and they don’t need to have Santa on them.
