Are your feet also very sensitive for blisters when you try to go on long walks? And no tape or patches seem to help? Let me tell you about double-layer socks.
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The sun is coming back out and nature is just screaming at us to come outside. One of my favorite things to do outside is to go on walks, but unfortunately I am super prone to blisters. I have tried so many different shoes, cheap and expensive, bought boxes of blister patches and nothing seemed to help.
My hiking shoes stayed in the closet and when I was going on long hikes I taped in my feet and prepared myself to not be able to properly walk for days. Until I found out about double-layer socks.
These socks are literally so good, I HAVE to tell you about them. They saved me so much pain and trouble and they made long walks enjoyable again, with any shoes!
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Is wearing double socks even a good idea?
As a kid I always learned to not put on two socks over each other, because it was supposedly causing even more rubbing, and thus causing blisters even faster. I honestly don’t really know why this was a thing I learned, because I simply can’t find any evidence for it now.
These socks are a literal Godsent. I haven’t even had a tiny blister anymore since wearing these socks. Not even on a 25-mile walk. I remember having the biggest blood blister a few years back on the same distance.
I guess they are also called anti-blister socks for a reason!
How do double-layer socks work?
What makes these socks so good? Well, let me tell you.
Less friction
When walking your foot usually moves a bit in your shoe. The constant rubbing over one spot is the cause of blisters.
When you’re wearing one sock, your shoe rubs your sock against the skin of your foot.
The extra layer of sock prevents your sock from rubbing directly against your skin. It rubs the second layer of the sock instead.
Moisture management
The two layers of the sock usually have two different types of fabric for each layer. The inside layer absorbs water, or sweat, much more easily. The outside layer keeps the water outside. This means your feet will be more dry.
Dry feet mean less blisters!
Why are double-layer socks better than wearing two separate socks over each other?
While this two-sock method definitely can work, let me tell you why you should still consider buying double layer socks anyway. Especially when you’re planning on hiking longer distances.
Hiking socks are specifically made for hiking, obviously. So first of all, it’s always a good idea to wear those on a long hike.
Hiking socks have extra padding in certain places to absorb shocks and relieve pressure points.
Second of all, as mentioned before, double-layer socks usually have a different fabric on the inside than on the outside. Unless you have a sock that’s more water-absorbent and one that’s more water-repellant, you should definitely consider just buying double-layer socks.
Finally, normal socks have that little stitch line right at your toes. Wearing two on top of each other could cause an extra pressure point to your toes. The double-layer socks are made to only have one of those stitch lines, and thus reducing the risk of blisters even more.
The only con
As you probably have noticed by now, I’m a massive fan of the double-layer socks. However, I still want to be fully honest and tell you the one thing that single-layer socks do better.
They take a little longer to put on.
They obviously have two layers you’re trying to put on at the same time. The inside layer sometimes doesn’t want to cooperate and folds a little when first putting them on your foot. It’s essential you get these folds out, as they can create blisters instead of preventing them.
You just have to adjust it for a minute while putting them on and you’re good to go. A minor effort to be able to enjoy hour-long walks if you ask me.
Literally, that’s all.
Where to get them?
The specific socks I have are from Decathlon. I love that store.
In this package you’ll get two pairs of socks and they are available in two different colors.
Other than the double layer, they used a specific thread for the seams, which decreases the risk of getting blisters even more.
The one I have unfortunately aren’t available in non-EU places, so I was able to find similar socks for you. I do want to say I don’t have any personal experience with them, but I looked into them and the reviews are great.
Wrightsock has four different thicknesses and four different models for everything from running, to hiking, to skiing. Most models come in several funky colors.
You can find a very in depth page on how to choose the best socks for you on their website.
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I hope these socks will help you as much as they did for me. Time to enjoy the sun and get a move on!
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