Between Easter and Passover, many of us were dressed to impress recently.  When putting together such an outfit, choosing the correct pair of socks to wear will ensure not only comfort, but also optimum foot protection. Socks are not just a piece of foot "armor" acting as an additional barrier to the outside world, they are an essential element of complete, healthy footwear.  When it's decision time for socks, keep the following two major criteria in mind: 1. Climate: Weather indictates sock choice just as much as shoe choice

• In cooler temperatures and wet weather, thicker and well-insulated socks are recommended.
• In warm climate areas such as Jacksonville, lightweight socks with moisture-wicking technology are the better choice.

2. Activity:  Would the sock you wear to work be the one you wear to climb a mountain?

• To avoid heat build-up during high-impact activities such as running or fitness walking, choose a thinner sock with moisture-wicking capabilities.
• If shock absorption and cushioning is what you need, choose a sock made of thicker material such as micro-acrylic fabric or cotton.

While the idea of "technical socks" might sound a bit funny, there's no denying the big improvement they can make over your basic tube socks during certain activities.  One can now find socks made specifically for: "heavy" work, "light" work, sitting, walking, jogging, running, hiking, mountaineering, biking, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, scuba diving (yep, scuba diving!), aerobics, weightlifting, and the list goes on and on.  What's the difference between them?  It all comes down to these features... Padding:  Look for padding on the heel and ball of the foot for cushioning and protection.  This extra padding can be a real foot-saver. Arch reinforcements:  Some socks offer a tighter, reinforced weave in the arch to improve support. Without proper support, arches can develop arch pain or even plantar fasciitis. Keep in mind, though, that your shoe choice is the key factor for arch support. Height:  In many cases, height is merely a personal preference. However, crew and quarter socks do offer abrasion protection from boot/shoe tops, so socks at least as tall as the tops are recommended. Fit:  When you try on socks, pay attention to how they fit in the toe and the heel. Correct length is very important. If a sock       is too long, it will bunch up over your toes. If it's too short, the sock will slide down into the shoe and feel tight. For heavily padded socks, try them on with shoes to ensure everything fits comfortably together. And last, but not least... for the sake of your feet (and fashion), regularly inspect your socks and discard outgrown, misshapen, or "holey" socks! If your feet are suffering from the effects of a poor sock choice or any other reason,contact the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic today and make an appointment to meet with Dr. Reddy