Sports & Socks: Avoid Blisters By Choosing The Right Pair of Socks

Studies have shown that friction blisters (or blisters obtained by the persistent rubbing of the foot up against a specific surface), are among the most common foot injuries affecting athletes. Your choice of sock can play a significant role in helping to avoid such injuries.

In order for a blister to occur, pressure, moderate levels of moisture and shear force or exertion are necessary. All factors are, obviously, more common to those involved in particular types of sports or jobs that require an athletic level of commitment (such as military recruits).

According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, findings indicated that socks made with acrylic fibers created fewer and smaller blisters for their wearers than cotton fiber socks.

They were further able to find that athletes wearing acrylic socks were able to maintain drier feet than those wearing cotton fiber socks.Socks made of cotton fibers, when wet, often lost their shape inside the wearer's shoe.This resulted in bunching and wrinkling of the socks, which may cause a great deal of discomfort.

The cotton socks were also found to become abrasive to the foot after multiple wash-wear cycles, which may lead to irritation to the foot's skin surface down the road, making blister forming conditions ideal.

In choosing a sock for your particular activity, make sure to choose the socks that are suited for a particular shoe rather than the sport itself. Visit stores that are specific to the activity (such as running or cycle shops) for good recommendations about appropriate socks and footwear.

For those that still face persistent moisture or perspiration problems, you may try using specific foot powders or visiting your podiatrist.Make sure your feet are completely dry after bathing and never allow a blister to go untreated as it might result in infection.