Sock Materials Matter: MD Podiatrist

Dan Michaels, DPM, says it’s important to consider the attributes of your socks. Dr. Michaels recommends a combination of cotton and polyester. “Ideally, socks containing 65 percent cotton and 35 percent polyester are preferred. The synthetic polyester material helps to move moisture off the foot to help keep it relatively dry,” he shares. 
 
Other sock materials that he says can work well include rayon and nylon (both of which are synthetic), as well as silk and wool (which are natural). “Silk and wool socks can be relatively high priced, and so they may not be accessible to some. Wool socks are preferred for hiking by many hikers,” Dr. Michaels says. Wool also does a good job regulating skin temperature. Some high-end athletic socks may also have silver fibers woven into the fabric. Silver acts as an antimicrobial agent, so it can reduce odor.