Cotton socks (not Cottonsocks)

“Study: Cotton Socks Worst Offenders For Causing Blisters

by KYW’s Dr. Brian McDonough
We've talked about it many times before. Scientists often get grant money to study bizarre topics and many of them don't seem worth the money. Now, here's a case where on the surface, the study appears useless.


According to a report from the University of Missouri-Columbia, sweaty socks made from 100% cotton are the worst offenders when it comes to causing blisters.


Now, why is this important, you might ask? Well, beyond helping you on Jeopardy, for people with special needs, like athletes or diabetics with circulation problems, the information can be critical. These people need to minimize blisters.


Now, in case you're wondering, nylon socks perform the best. Socks made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers scored somewhere in between nylon and cotton.”

“Where did wool or smart wool come in?”

“do you have a link?”

“Honestly the greatest "blister Preventer" I learned was from Naked Ape, he put Duct Tape on those areas that were prone to blistering. I tried it one time and it works great.”

“That is all there was to it. Just a short radio piece. Try Googling cotton socks and blisters.”

“blah blah blah blah...i've heard this so much...so many people are so against cotton...i, and many people i know have been using cotton for years and don't have problems...now if you do have tender feet and are prone to blisters i can see but i rarely have problems...you just gotta keep your feet dry and usually i double up on socks”

“Except for one trip, a school trip where they basically insisted that every stitch I wore be made of wool, I have preferred cotton socks. I wear two pair of socks on the trail, regular short cotton socks underneath cotton wick socks. Never had an issue with it. I've gotten the occasional blister but used molefoam and thought nothing further of it. Now when I'm rollerblading an extended distance (say 16 miles round trip) I quickly saturate my socks with sweat and need a clean pair after 8 miles out and starting back. Otherwise I do get wicked blisters. But never an issue when hiking.”

“i use an old trick i learned playing basketball in high school...i wear the inside pair the right way and turn the outer pair inside out...this provides more cushion and less friction”