May 11
18
Getting out and active is a great way to improve the health and get fit, with active exercisers who get out and about in the great outdoors adding years onto their lifespan. Starting a new jogging routine is great for improving cardiovascular health, or heading out into the hills for long walks great for boosting stamina and conditioning. With the heat and lungs getting a great workout you are certainly on the right track; However be spare a thought for your feet.
The feet can have a pretty hard time of it. They have to carry the full bodyweight, they get cramped up in stilettos and by socks, and they often get neglected or even mistreated, yet are expected to carry on working without any problems or complaints. It’s no surprise that doctors have to treat so many foot ailments.
Great foot health is important for the wellness of the whole body, and getting the proper arch support and cushioning is important for foot health, and so is giving the toes room to move. Whilst most outdoor enthusiasts get the footwear right, and even spend upwards of £100 on a high quality pair of walking boots, when it comes to socks they often are an afterthought.
Socks are in direct contact with the feet, and standard tube socks treat all the toes as one and cramp them. Highly technical sports socks can add in cushioning, offer superb moisture management, but they still pay scant attention to the toes. Injinji socks are different. With Injinji socks on your feet, the toes are treated as individuals, with each given each a separate lobe to allow them to move independently.
The toes have evolved to work independently, and allow for greater finesse when it comes to traction and balance. The body can gain important ground feedback from the terrain and adjust balance accordingly, and allowing them to move can improve dexterity. By increasing toe involvement throughout the stride, they too get a workout, and their movement helps to stimulate blood flow in the feet whilst helping to circulate air in the shoes to get rid of hot moist air to keep the feet cool.
Injinji socks use a seamless design to prevent abrasion to the toes, yet still allow them to move freely thanks to the friction free materials used in their construction. A Nylon outer layer allows the toes to slide past each other, with Lycra® to keep the socks fitting closely, and the inside layer of the socks is constructed from Coolmax®. Coolmax® fabric greatly improves the rate of moisture wicking compared to cotton and other synthetics, helping to keep the feet perfectly dry. By helping to reduce moisture, they can prevent fungal infections from taking hold, whilst the design prevents blisters forming from skin rubbing on skin.
Injinji socks may be perfectly suited for wear with barefoot shoes, but are just as well suited for standard footwear. Everyone can benefit from improved moisture management and greater toe involvement, and making a change to your usual brand of socks can be an important first step to great foot health.