To prevent tired legs, arthritis, sore feet and blisters while hiking, wearing good compression socks is essential. With the right compression socks, walkers can walk more comfortably and for longer periods of time, or even start walking again. Read more about the effect of compression socks on your hiking enjoyment below.
Difference between compression socks and regular socks
The main difference between compression socks and regular cotton socks is that compression socks are able to wick away perspiration. The reason is that compression socks are not made of cotton, but of other fabrics such as polyester, polyamide and elastane. These fabrics keep your feet dry longer, which prevents skin irritations and blisters. Cotton is comfortable and cheap, but dries slowly, shrinks and wears quickly and does not retain its shape. Furthermore, compression socks have a defined pressure profile.
Compression socks
Compression socks are an aid based on the compression stocking. Compression socks stimulate blood circulation which reduces or even eliminates complaints such as swollen legs, tired legs, swollen feet and heat rashes. Many walkers suffer from heat rashes: red spots on the calves and shins. Heat rash is caused by the inability to drain fluids and waste products properly. When the temperature is high, the blood vessels dilate even more, which makes it more difficult to drain. Compression socks stimulate the blood flow to prevent heat rash.
How compression socks work
Compression socks provide a compression that slowly decreases in the direction of the heart. This improves blood circulation so that muscles can efficiently take up oxygen and therefore recover faster. As a result of the improved blood circulation, the muscles warm up and injuries are prevented. In addition, the relieving compression ensures that unpleasant muscle vibrations are prevented during walking, preventing premature fatigue. The elimination of waste products is also improved as a result of the compression socks, which helps to prevent acidified muscles.
Enforma compression socks are extremely light and have a temperature and moisture regulating effect.
Benefits of compression socks
There are many more benefits to wearing compression socks when hiking.
Blister-free
The pleat-free fit with compression and moisture-wicking material wraps around your foot like a second skin. This ensures that the socks do not slip and blisters are prevented.
Better step retention
The perfect fit with compression ensures that the socks are continuously wrinkle-free and stay in place. This ensures more feeling in your shoes.
Fresh legs
Already while walking, the precisely defined pressure profile stimulates blood circulation. This provides your legs with important nutrients so that your legs are always fresh.
Stable joints
The pressure profile on the compression sock stimulates your muscles and joints in a profound way. This prepares them optimally for any hiking terrain and makes your running even more stable.
Compression socks for young and old
Compression socks are not only suitable for older hikers, but also for younger people who can benefit from wearing compression socks. People of all ages can benefit from wearing compression socks, for example after an injury, when recovering from surgery or if you easily suffer from tired legs.
Compression socks from Enforma
At Enforma Socks you will find a wide range of compression socks. These are characterised not only by their excellent performance, but also by the wide choice of colours. The compression socks give the right support and ensure a better drainage of waste products. This ensures that the blood flows more quickly during walking, which ultimately results in better recovery after a walk or run. Our compression socks are also ideal to wear during other intensive sports such as tennis, skiing and cycling.
More information about our compression socks for hiking? Please feel free to contact us or browse our assortment of compression socks.
FAQs
Just like runners or those who work standing up for long periods of time, hikers can enjoy the muscle soothing benefits from compression garments, as well as how these socks prevent swelling and painful ankles.
Is it a good idea to wear compression socks while hiking? ›
With their ability to boost circulation, support your foot, and stabilise your ankle, quality compression socks for hiking are just as important as good boots and trekking poles. And with reduced muscle fatigue and improved proprioception, you can hike longer and better enjoy the experience.
Can compression socks help you walk better? ›
Walkers with Certain Medical Conditions
Also, if you have had any ankle injuries in the past, a scientific study found that lower leg compression garments can improve your ankle function while walking. In that study, people reported that their quality of life improved from using compression stockings while walking.
Why do compression socks make your legs feel good? ›
Wearing them helps improve your blood flow and reduces pain and swelling in your legs. They can also lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems. They come in different lengths and tightness, and you can get compression sleeves, which don't have feet.
Do compression socks give you energy? ›
Healthy blood flow is the key to keeping your body healthy and energized. So, by wearing compression socks, you could boost the levels of energy felt in the legs as well as muscles all over.
When not to use compression socks? ›
Medical compression socks and stockings are prescribed by a doctor for various venous and lymphatic ailments. However, there are times that a compression garment is not ideal. A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions.
What not to do with compression socks? ›
Compression Stocking Don'ts
- Don't Apply Moisturizers Prior To Wearing. Creams, lotions and oils can damage the fabric. ...
- Don't Wear Them At Night. ...
- Don't Place Them In The Dryer Or Near A Heat Source. ...
- Don't Alter The Stocking. ...
- Don't Wear The Same Pair Indefinitely.
The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.
How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings? ›
Taking care of your compression socks
You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).
How long does it take compression socks to improve circulation? ›
However, it may take several days of regular use to enjoy a noticeable reduction in swelling. For best results, put on your compression garment first thing in the morning. This is when your limbs are the least swollen. Visible improvement in the appearance of your veins can take up to six weeks to see.
A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
Should I wear compression socks if I sit all day? ›
Compression Socks and All-Day Sitting
If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.
What are the pros and cons of compression socks? ›
Compression socks can help support healthy circulation in many people. But when used incorrectly, they can cause side effects, including cutting off circulation and skin irritation. Compression socks are a popular treatment for tired legs and swelling in your calves.
Can you become reliant on compression socks? ›
It's usually okay to wear your compression socks all day long, but one thing you don't want to happen is your muscles becoming so dependent on compression socks for proper blood circulation that they "forget" how to do their job and become "lazy." If that happens, your muscles could become weaker and more susceptible ...
Why do I sleep better with compression socks? ›
Wearing compression socks to bed helps you sleep well since your circulatory system gets assistance and you are in less discomfort. Have at least one pair of socks for the day and another for night, so you can wash a pair while you wear a pair. Choose from a variety of styles and colors with Dr.
What's the best time to wear compression socks? ›
For best results, you should put on compression socks first thing in the morning when leg swelling is lower. Dr. McPherson recommends bathing or showering the night before so you can get out of bed and put on your compression socks right away.
What type of socks is best for hiking? ›
Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and the one that our footwear specialists recommend above all others. It regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty and it provides cushioning.
Does wearing thick socks during a hike prevent blisters? ›
Blisters are primarily caused when feet grow vulnerable due to excess moisture and are subjected to friction from regular walking or running. But while thicker socks are usually adept at preventing friction because of their extra padding, they often don't do a great job preventing moisture buildup.
Should hiking socks be tight or loose? ›
Hiking socks should have a snug fit. There should be no wrinkles or bunching, which will cause blisters and discomfort.
