There are so many sock choices it can often be difficult deciding what to buy. Finding the sock that works best for your activity, the weather conditions, and your feet makes all the difference in your comfort. Too often we blame a shoe or boot for “not working right” when in all actuality, it’s probably the sock you’re wearing. Read more to see why the right socks are so critical to your comfort.

Wearing the proper sock is critical to the enjoyment of athletic activities. Every action creates different stress points on the body, and in order to prevent injury, vulnerable spots must be protected. The incidence of blisters and other foot problems can be reduced by wearing socks that fit exceptionally well and that wick moisture.

Fox River’s patented Wick Dry^® Health System^™ is designed to help keep feet dry and comfortable, no matter what the temperature. This system combines an inner layer of moisture-repelling (hydrophobic) yarn with an outer layer of moisture-attracting (hydrophilic) yarn to wick moisture away from feet.

High-performance socks protect feet against cold or excessive heat and assist the foot’s own temperature regulating function. Under varying climatic conditions, socks help balance the body’s temperature and manage perspiration creating a pleasant “microclimate” next to the skin.

Since human core temperature of the head and torso must remain at approximately 98.6°F (37°C), it is essential that heat be removed at the same rate it is produced. With increased physical exertion, more heat is generated throughout the body which causes people to sweat. The prerequisite for cooling is evaporation. Therefore, clothing (including socks) must have good moisture transfer capacity to ensure the microclimate next to the skin remains dry and comfortable.

Fox River uses a combination of natural and synthetic fibers to help keep feet dry and comfortable, minimizing friction and creating an environment that promotes healthier feet.

The human foot is very complex. With 26 bones and many joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, it isn't always ideally suited to weight-bearing and getting around. That’s why proper foot care, and wearing the right socks and footgear is essential.

Did you know...?

• In a lifetime, each person logs an average 70,000 miles on their feet.

• Feet sweat about 10-15 gallons per foot per year, and 5-8 gallons of that perspiration gets absorbed by socks.

• Fiber content does make a difference in socks! Avoid all-cotton socks. Cotton is great at absorbing moisture, but then the moisture stays there against the foot. This moisture softens the skin, increases friction and, in turn, causes blisters.

• 85% of people wear shoes/boots that do not fit correctly.

• Most foot problems are caused by improper fitting footwear.

• As we age, our feet grow by as much as a size (or even two) in length and width.

• You should measure both feet when buying shoes/boots and get the pair that fits the larger foot.

• The best thing you can do to prevent foot problems is wear a great-fitting pair of socks made from fibers that wick moisture away from feet. Look for high-wick microfiber acrylics, CoolMax^®, Thermolite^®, or merino wool.

Getting the right fit is essential to comfortable feet. After all, if your feet aren’t comfortable the rest of you won’t be either. And you won’t want to finish that hike, workout or walk. Here are tips to help you get the proper fit the next time you buy shoes or boots.

• Make sure you know your correct foot size. If possible, measure feet with a Brannock device for more precise fittings (found in shoe departments of most retailers).

• Take advantage of retail sales associates’ expertise in helping you select shoes/boots to get the best fit possible.

• Look for shoes/boots with leather, mesh or perforated uppers to allow for air circulation. Replace athletic foot gear when wear is visible or when shoes/boots no longer have that same cushiony feel as when first purchased.

• Shoes/boots should feel a little roomy, especially in the toe box. Allow at least 1/2-inch extra space at the toe of shoes/boots for toes.

• Buy socks at the same time you purchase shoes/boots. Oftentimes, it is hard to find shoes/boots that fit perfectly. So socks can make the difference for a proper fit. Socks that fit your foot precisely will enhance both comfort and performance of the shoe or boot.

• Socks should fit foot length and width perfectly. If they are too tight, they’ll restrict circulation in the foot; if they are too loose, they’ll increase friction which leads to blisters.

• Sock toe closures should be “no-feel”—smooth against the skin with no bulkiness or irritation. You don’t want to crowd the toes. Toes need room to wiggle, but not so much room that there’s constant rubbing against the sock or shoe causing blisters.

• Buy socks with the right fit. Fox River’s women’s socks are made specifically to fit women’s feet. Women’s feet are different from men’s. Most women have smaller feet, more rounded toe “boxes”, and narrower heels. Comfortable socks with exceptional fit are critical to good foot health and athletic performance. Unisex socks are designed using lasts that are modeled for men’s feet.

• Kids need great-fitting, high-performance socks too. Keeping kids’ feet dry and healthy is important, and excellent fit is part of that. Most socks made for children are simply shortened adult socks or little, uncomfortable tube socks. Fox River’s kids’ socks are designed to fit the size and shape of a child’s foot. Features such as Lin Toe^® no-feel toe seams, high-wicking fibers, and fun fashion accents on the girls’ socks make these a must for any active child.

Great high-performance socks are about the fit and the function. Both of these characteristics are largely affected by the type of fibers used in the socks.

CoolMax^®is a four-channel synthetic fiber that is specially-engineered to quickly transport perspiration away from the skin to the surface of the sock where it can evaporate. CoolMax^® provides breathability even when wet and it helps regulate temperature to keep feet dry and comfortable.

Cotton is a soft, natural fiber that absorbs moisture very well. Cotton dries slowly and cause wet feet by holding moisture if layered next to the skin. It can help pull moisture away from the foot if layered away from the skin.

Hollofil^® fiber offers superior insulation. Each fiber has a column of trapped air which runs through the center. This hollow core cross-section makes Hollofil^® fibers thicker, fluffier, and warmer than solid-core fibers of the same weight.

Ingeo™ fiber is the first man-made fiber derived from 100% natural, annually renewable resources like corn. It has low odor retention, offering the wearer optimum comfort, confidence and freshness. It is soft to the hand and feels natural against the skin. Ingeo’s excellent wicking properties transport moisture away from the foot. It dries very quickly, has superior low pilling performance, does not cause allergic reaction in third-party testing, and does not support bacterial proliferation. When products made of Ingeo™ come to the end of their useful life they can be returned to the earth without any negative impact on the environment unlike the problematic petroleum based products.

Lycra^® elastane provides the stretch and memory fit in Fox River socks. Lycra^® 3D^™ is a construction technology using Lycra^® in every course of the sock to surround the foot in comfort.

Merino takes the itch out of wool. Merino wool fiber is so fine that five strands equal the width of a human hair. Its long silky fibers guarantee a wool sock that won’t itch. In addition to comfort, wool is nature’s technical fiber. Wool is the most hydrophilic of all natural fibers, absorbing as much as 30 percent of its weight without feeling wet. Besides being a natural wicking fiber, wool doesn’t attract dirt because it is an anti-static fiber. Fox River Merino Wool socks also retain its soft feel, wash after wash.

Microfiber acrylics are exceptionally soft, high-wicking, low-bulk synthetic fibers. Microfiber acrylics wick moisture way from feet to help eliminate blisters.

Lightweight synthetic fiber with higher thermal insulating value than most other solid core fibers. Offers excellent wicking in socks.

Silk is a natural fiber that does not conduct heat and is a natural thermal retainer. It is luxuriously soft and durable and moves moisture well.

Thermolite^® provides warmth and comfort without weight even when wet. With its hollow-core fibers that trap air for greater insulation, Thermolite^® is lightweight while offering heavy-duty performance. The larger surface area allows for faster evaporation by speeding moisture away from the skin to the surface of the fabric. Thermolite^® also dries 20% faster than other insulating fabrics and 50% faster than cotton.

X-STATIC^® socks use X-STATIC^® silver-coated nylon—a natural antimicrobial. Fox River was the first sport-specific sock manufacturer to use X-STATIC^® fiber. Socks with X-STATIC^® help eliminate foot odor (even after wearing a few days without washing); inhibit foot bacteria and fungi. (Silver is used in hospitals to heal burn victims, and to protect patients against infection.); and transfer heat away from the foot. (Silver is the most conductive element; in fact, the hotter feet get, the better X-STATIC^® socks perform.) X-STATIC^® socks continue to be effective wash-after-wash. X-STATIC^® is permanent and washing actually enhances the antimicrobial and therapeutic performance of the socks—because water releases more silver ions (water is a catalyst). That’s why it works so well on perspiring feet!

is designed to help keep feet dry and comfortable, no matter what the temperature. This system combines an inner layer of moisture-repelling (hydrophobic) yarn with an outer layer of moisture-attracting (hydrophilic) yarn to wick moisture away from feet.

Fox River uses a combination of natural and synthetic fibers to create their exclusive Wick Dry^® Health System^™. By keeping the foot dry, this unique system maximizes comfort while minimizing friction, creating an environment that promotes healthier feet.

Fox River was the first sock maker to design a line of sport socks made to truly fit the shape of a woman’s foot. Fox River^® for Women^™ socks feature rounder toe boxes to eliminate extra material at the toes (no more bunching); and comfortable fibers along with Lycra^® 3D^™ ensure the best high-performance wickability and a lightweight “memory fit.” The socks are knit with a special “flex-stretch” design at the heel to keep socks from slipping and to help prevent blisters.

AXT 50/50^™ is a revolutionary intimate blend of merino wool, wool, and top- quality, long-staple polypropylene fiber that dries 25% faster than other merino wool socks and is 31/2 times more abrasion resistant. The blend also resists deterioration from mildew, perspiration, and weather.

Fox River socks with AXT 50/50^™ improve upon merino alone by offering better moisture transfer to help keep feet dry and prevent blisters. Fox River’s AXT^™ socks also have greater durability for extended wear. AXT^™ socks weighs less than other merino wool socks, so wearers carry a lighter load. And, AXT^™ socks do not support bacterial growth in the sock, so there is less chance of foot odor.

To ensure the most comfortable fit without irritation at the toes, Fox River uses linear-looped or Lin Toe^® seams. These seams feel flat and smooth against the foot.

Linear-looped seam: a “no feel” toe seam that uses very fine stitches for a flat, smooth seam.

Lin Toe® seam: A looped, “no feel” toe seam very much like hand- looped seam. It is flat and comfortable, but completely finished on the knitting machine.

It’s a myth that your feet will stay cooler if you skip wearing socks in your shoes. In fact, perspiration causes friction between the foot and the shoe, and that in turn causes hot spots and blisters.

Sweating is the way our body temperature stays regulated in the heat. Drinking enough water to keep the body perspiring is key. Your sweat will evaporate from your skin, but when feet sweat, that perspiration can cause foot problems unless you wear a high performance sock that will wick the moisture away from your feet.

Socks with an inner layer of synthetic fiber knit against the skin (as in many Fox River Wick Dry^® socks), transfer moisture away from the foot to keep it dry. Merino wool—an often overlooked fiber for summer use, but very comfortable—also does an excellent job wicking moisture away from the foot.

Keeping warm as the temperature drops is critical to staying comfortable, healthy and safe. Wind-chill, frostbite, and hypothermia are the three biggest dangers the cold brings. Any outdoor activity requires extra precautions.

Many people know that dressing in layers and wearing a hat, are key ways to stay warm. However, some overlook the importance of keeping feet equally protected. In fact, because blood goes to protect vital organs first, blood vessels in the feet constrict which reduces circulation and increases the likelihood of frostbite. The basic concept you should look for in cold weather clothing applies to socks too. The best fabrics offer insulation from the cold and allow the body to release perspiration.

Cotton is a poor choice because its absorbency causes the fibers to collapse against the skin, drawing heat away from the body. And trapped perspiration is a major cause of cold weather health problems. If you’re wet, your risk of hypothermia increases dramatically. Studies have shown that the rate of heat loss through wet clothing can be 240 times that lost while wearing dry clothing. High-quality socks help retain warmth, and absorb and transfer moisture away from the skin.

Wool is the best natural fiber for warmth. Even when wet, wool is warm because wool fibers trap dead air space providing insulation. Synthetic fibers, such as microfiber acrylics, Thermolite^®, Hollofil^®, or CoolMax^®, provide superior moisture transfer. Socks with a combination of these natural and manmade fibers offer great protection from the cold. Thicker socks are generally warmer because their large loop (knit) construction traps more air which provides warmth and insulation from the cold.