“Never put a sock in a toaster.” – Eddie Izzard
Fact: All equestrians wear boots. It doesn’t matter in which discipline you ride or the type of boots you ride in, we all wear boots — cowboy boots, paddock boots, tall boots, work boots, muck boots, groom boots. And since you wear boots, you’ve got to wear socks. When it comes to the comfort of your feet, socks are almost as important as the boots you wear. Many times, we blame a shoe or boot for “not working right” when, in fact, it’s probably the sock you’re wearing.
Why are socks so important? Human feet are densely covered with sweat glands, 250,000 sweat glands per foot, to be exact. When feet sweat, your socks get wet. When socks get wet, your feet can become cold and are prone to rubs. The friction from rubs causes blisters.
Did you know that, under working conditions, your feet can sweat up to one pint of fluid or more per day? That can really lead to unhealthy conditions and that’s why wicking technology in riding socks is so important, as are temperature regulation, and cushioning.
The first rule when buying riding socks is to avoid socks made of 100% cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture. Look for socks with a blend of natural and synthetic materials. Synthetics are great for wicking moisture away from the skin and the natural materials work great as insulators and have a nice feel.
Wear socks for the season. Choose a wool blend in the winter for added warmth and a thinner, light-weight sock in summer. Look for socks with added cushioning to reduce shock impact. A little extra padding will ensure maximum comfort during all your favorite equestrian activities.
Your feet are as comfortable as the boots and socks you wear. Making the right choice is easy if you know what works best. We hope our sock tips are helpful because we want you to enjoy every ride!
