Learn How to Choose the Right Socks!
DRYMAX MAKES SEVERAL DIFFERENT SOCKS.
Picking the right pairs of socks can be difficult. There are many to choose from and it is hard to know what those socks will be up against once they leave the store. This article will help explain how different aspects of socks tend to function in different conditions.
One thing is certain, it's hard to know if a pair of socks will be up to the challenges it will face based on how it feels at first try on.
Most people don't think about their socks until they have foot issues. Even then, many people think that blisters or uncomfortable feet are inevitable. This is a mistake. Not only are blisters and foot discomfort preventable with better socks, but those issues change the way we walk, run, and do other things which can have a negative impact on our immediate performance and lead to other injuries up and down our bodies.
The purpose of socks is to protect feet from the effects of the weather, debris, varied surfaces inside of shoes, and the wearers' sweat. All of these elements can cause blisters, injuries, and discomfort to feet. With a wide variety of people and activities, we've made a variety of socks.
As the elements outside and or activities get more extreme, the demands on socks increase. We make socks to meet those demands.
Everyone's feet come in different shapes, sizes, and the forces that those feet endure depend on the shape and size of the person. Everyone's skin and toenails may react differently to the elements than others', and different nervous systems will be more or less sensitive to discomfort and pain in the feet than others'.
All Drymax socks feature the #1 technology for addressing the biggest issue causing discomfort and injury to your feet, moisture. Learn more about how Drymax fibers combat moisture. Fighting moisture is the foundation of Drymax, and the construction of socks is tailored to the needs of the wearer based on the activities they do.
Drymax's heritage is making running socks. Running has been a great testing grounds for our socks, as running puts a lot of pressure on the feet while runners have little patience for foot problems. With the help of some of the best runners in the world we've created socks that any runner can trust no matter how far or fast they are going or what surface and weather conditions they are running through. Beyond running, Drymax has a developed a wide variety of different socks for different purposes and preferences.
The main variables to consider when choosing Drymax socks are the density of the fibers the sock is made of and length of the sock. For extreme conditions, we have made socks with the material PTFE for maximum protection against blisters.
CHOOSING SOCKS BASED ON DENSITY
Drymax socks are designed to be as thin as possible while offering the protective benefits required by the activities they were designed for. As much as we can, we increase the density of our socks rather than the thickness of the socks to prevent our socks from changing the fit of the wearer's shoes.
Thin socks tend to provide enhanced breathability and a light, barely-there feel, while dense socks provide protection from friction and debris and can provide warmth. Material choices can alter this dynamic though.
HYPER THIN
Our Hyper Thin™ Running socks are the thinnest socks we make and are designed to be the lightest socks available anywhere. Thin socks from other brands tend to keep moisture close to the skin as the single layer wicking materials they are made of leave nowhere for moisture to go. Drymax dual layer protection is different, and even our Hyper Thin™ moves moisture from the skin keeping feet happier and healthier. Additionally, Drymax socks are much more durable than other thin running socks that tend to develop holes quickly.
While these socks were imagined for race day when the pace is blazing fast, many runners have made them their everyday running socks or even their everything socks. They aren't as protective is our other socks, but they are the best option for a barely there feel. We also have a similar sock specifically for Cycling.
HYPER THIN SOCKS OPTIONS
SHOP HYPER THIN™ RUNNING SOCKS
LOW DENSITY
Most of our socks have some padding and are higher density than our Hyper Thin™. Our most popular sock, the Running Lite-Mesh fits this description. Strategically placed, densely packed terry loops under the toe and heel of the sock creates a springy sponge to protect the impact areas of your feet. On top of the foot, where not as much protection is needed, there are mesh vents to help the foot keep cool. For runners that want a socks in this density without the mesh vents, we also have our Thin Running socks.
We've taken the concepts in our Running Lite-Mesh to other socks in different categories for maximum comfort and versatility throughout the day. Our Dress and Performance Casual socks will make the day more comfortable in the same way that our running socks keep feet dry and protected. Sport Lite-Mesh and Golf-Lite Mesh are ready to improve performance in other competitive pursuits.
LOW DENSITY SOCKS OPTIONS
SHOP DRESS SOCKS AND PERFORMANCE CASUAL SOCKS
MEDIUM DENSITY
Drymax got its start with medium density socks and they are still core to the business. Our original Running socks first brought our dual layer sweat removal system to the market. This was a revolution for runners who needed protection against blisters that other running socks were not providing. There are a lot of blister prone runners that continue to need the extra padding that our original Running sock offers.
Our most popular medium density socks are the Lite Trail Running socks. Our trail running heritage is strong and Lite Trail Running is our top selling sock for trail runners. These socks provide the right balance of protection from sweat and trail debris, while being very smooth to the touch and light on foot. We designed it to be great for most easy to medium trail runs, but it has seen the top of the podium at trail races of all distances. The Lite Trail Running sock is what the winningest ultra runner in history, Karl Metzler has chosen for his signature sock.
Medium density is the sweet spot for many of our other socks as well. Our Active Duty socks help people in uniform focus on their high pressure tasks instead of their feet. Our Diabetic socks help people suffering from neuropathy avoid foot injuries that often lead to infections. Our Golf, Sport, and Lite Hiking are all designed to help you better enjoy your favorite activities.
MEDIUM DENSITY SOCKS OPTIONS
HIGH DENSITY
When feet are going to take the most abuse or for feet that are more injury prone, our high density socks are the best option. While our lower density options are impressive in their ability to protect your feet with less bulk, our higher density socks are truly impressive in their ability to provide protection in your feet while keeping them dry, a challenge for thicker socks.
The first high density socks that we put to the test were our Trail Running socks. We knew that ultra runners were the perfect people to put our technology to the test on the most rugged trails around the world. Our technology has been validated and Trail Running socks are still in our lineup.
Our HD Hiking socks were a natural extension to our lineup and are perfect whether you're it's for a leisurely hike or a multi day adventure. Our Walking socks help people get out and about while avoiding foot problems. Our Work Boot socks absorb the toll of being on feet all day in stiff work boots.
When the winter comes, our Cold Weather Running socks help runners get out and continue doing what they love. Our Cold Weather Running socks keep feet dry with our Drymax technology and stay warm with additional thermal materials and triple layer protection in the leading edge of the socks.
HIGH DENSITY SOCKS OPTIONS
SHOP COLD WEATHER RUNNING SOCKS
EXTRA PROTECTION AND MAXIMUM PROTECTION WITH PTFE
Our Extra Protection and Maximum Protection socks combine moisture fighting Drymax fibers with PTFE(Polytetrafluoroethylene) fibers to that reduce friction. PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction of any fiber, making it the best at reducing friction between the skin and sock. Low friction allows socks to stay cooler and drier, reducing the chances of hot spots & blisters.
Our Extra Protection system has PTFE fibers in the heel, forefoot, and toe areas of the socks. Our Maximum Protection socks surround feet with PTFE fibers.
Our Extra Protection Hyper Thin Running socks are the lightest socks made with PTFE fibers. Our Extra Protection Warm Weather Running socks are ventilated to offer the best possible protection against blisters when the fighting heat and humidity. Extra Protection Running and Trail Running will manage long hard runs with no issues.
When Maximum Protection is needed, our Maximum Protection Running socks deliver. With heel to toe protection, these socks are made for the most extreme conditions. They have won the biggest ultramarathons in the world having seen the top of the podium at Western States Endurance Run, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, and Badwater Marathon.
SHOP EXTRA PROTECTION AND MAXIMUM PROTECTION SOCKS
CHOOSING SOCKS BASED ON LENGTH
Drymax socks come in several different lengths - No Show, Double Tab, Mini Crew, 1/4 Crew, Crew, and Over the Calf.
Choice of sock length is often made based on personal preference. Many people choose to fill their sock drawer with socks of the same length and use them for every purpose and there's nothing wrong with that. Different sock lengths do have different benefits to consider.
NO SHOW
No Show socks use the minimal amount of fabric necessary to cover the foot and provide a layer of protection from the shoe and any debris that might get inside the shoe. No Show is the lightest length and leaves the ankle and calf exposed to the air allowing the body to naturally cool itself unencumbered.
DOUBLE TAB
Double Tab socks are no show length at the sides of the ankle with tabs at the base of the shin and achilles. These tabs add extra protection from the tongue and heel of the shoes and make it easier to pull the socks on.
MINI CREW
Mini Crew socks rise just above the shoe. Mini Crew socks provide protection from your shoe's heel collar and tongue, help keep debris out of the sock, and secure the fit while keeping most of the ankle and leg exposed to the air.
1/4 CREW
1/4 Crew socks cover the entire ankle. They rise above most low cut shoes, provide full protection from debris entering the sock. They provide some protection from the opposite foot kicking the ankle, scratches from passing by vegetation and other obstacles. They can also be turned down to mini crew length to provide an extra layer of padding from the shoe.
CREW
Crew socks come midway up the calf. They rise above all low cut shoes and most high cut shoes and boots. They provide full protection from debris entering the sock and a good amount of protection from the opposite foot kicking the ankle and calf, scratches from vegetation and other obstacles. They provide extra warmth to the leg and ensure no gaps for air to reach the leg when wearing full length pants or tights.
OVER THE CALF
Over the Calf socks cover the entire calf to the base of the knee. They provide full protection from all lengths of boots and shoes and warmth for the entire lower leg.