If there is one underappreciated piece of gear that can make or break you, it\u2019s your socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For anyone who spends long hours on their feet, whose work or play means that your footwear doesn\u2019t come off for many miles or many days, making sure you\u2019re wearing great socks will help keep your feet healthy, and it will help you maintain morale. When your feet feel good, it makes you feel good even in challenging conditions. Whether you want to upgrade your standard-issue socks, or you\u2019re shopping at the exchange on active duty or off, these are our top tips for buying socks, and an overview of our favorite socks for service members and civilians who demand the quality and performance of elite, active duty individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The materials your socks are made of determine how your socks perform, whether that\u2019s merino, polypropylene, or something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, merino socks are our favorite socks. No other material maintains warmth when wet, and no other material has natural antimicrobial properties. Whether your feet are sweating and you need moisture management, or you\u2019re deployed in arctic cold and you need warm socks to maintain a comfortable foot temperature, merino delivers. It\u2019s a long-staple, natural fiber that comes from sheep. But it\u2019s not itchy like shorter-staple wool. Merino is soft on the skin, long-wearing, and because it\u2019s also antimicrobial, even if you wear the same pair for days, your merino socks won\u2019t stink. Merino excels at thermoregulating. So merino socks keep you warm in the cold, and comfortable in the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most merino socks are a blend of merino, spandex, and a synthetic to help merino fibers wear longer and to help the socks wick moisture away from your feet. Merino fibers are naturally crimped or coiled, which makes those fibers springy and elastic. So merino socks typically return to their original shape instead of stretching or bagging out. Polypropylene, sometimes called Polypro, is another popular material for socks. It too is warm when wet. Polypro often dries faster than merino. It\u2019s also cheaper than merino. In general, polypro socks cost significantly less than merino ones. Some polypro is made from recycled plastic bottles or recycled ocean plastic. Synthetic fibers like polyester don\u2019t have the same antimicrobial properties as merino unless the yarn or the socks have been treated. They also don\u2019t wear as long as merino socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Army\u2019s standard issue socks are cotton, another natural fiber, and one that\u2019s generally hypoallergenic. Cotton socks are best for casual wear, not performance. Cotton wears out more quickly than synthetic polypro or natural merino, and when it gets wet, it stays wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n