Diabetic socks are known to have therapeutic benefits for a person with diabetes. Though they do not cure the foot problems that arise from the disease, nor do they prevent other conditions that occur thereafter, they come highly recommended for people with diabetes. Diabetic socks are made of hypo-allergenic and micro-fiber materials that absorb moisture from sweating of the feet. They are made of soft and breathable materials of cotton or synthetic fiber that protect the feet while making it as comfortable as possible. Unlike regular socks, most diabetic socks are seamless to avoid any abrasion on the foot. They are also made of special elastic cotton that fit just right around the foot. Tight-fitting socks cause red lines that may complicate later on with sensitive diabetic feet. Socks that are too loose on the other hand may slide down and inside the shoes, causing another stress to the delicate feet. Diabetic socks snug just right to allow regular blood flow while making the feet feel comfortable. Moreover, they have a wider toe area to give the feet more space to breathe and move in especially when wearing shoes.

Also called medical socks for their therapeutic benefits, diabetic socks have non-binding and loose tops so as not to restrict the flow of blood which causes stress to the feet. Unlike regular socks, they have padded soles which are thicker and sometimes made of gel to cushion the feet from calluses due to friction. Some even have insole colloidal silver particles to absorb excessive moisture and sweat from physically active patient. Since a diabetic person has special needs, diabetic socks are designed for specific functions and activities to provide protection and comfort the whole time. Moreover, they also come in a variety of styles, colors and packaging to appear fashionable just like regular socks. Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t be active and actually have fun, right?

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when picking out hiking socks to make sure you have all the positives and none of the negatives mentioned above.

Hiking socks are very often – in fact, all TOO often – overlooked as an unimportant piece of hiking gear. Like someone once told me, your hiking socks are probably a lot like you at work… they do a whole lot more than what they are given credit for!

So what are the key points to a good pair of hiking socks? The short, basic list includes the following things that really are requirements to even be considered for a best hiking sock:

They must be comfortable, they must be able to wick moisture, they must have thermal properties to keep your feet at a comfortable temperature (cooling them when it’s hot out and keeping them warm when it’s cold out. Yes, the same pair of socks can accomplish both of these requirements), they must be tough and durable so that they last a long time while also promoting good blood flow and absorbing shock.

That’s ‘all’ you need in a pair of hiking socks to make them a good pair of hiking socks.

One of the most often overlooked and under rated things you MUST demand from these socks is the moisture wicking abilities.  Wicking is the process of drawing moisture away from the surface of the skin and out towards the outer layers of the garment material (think of an old oil lamp ‘wicking’ oil from the base up toward the flame).  By doing this you feet stay dry and warm in the winter, and in hot summer weather it acts as a kind of mini air conditioner, keeping your feet comfortably cool and dry.