The Socks Drawer Blog

Like any athlete or artists, dancers put more stress on certain parts of their bodies than others and therefore need to take extra care of those parts. For dancers, it is their feet. So socks and proper foot apparel is paramount.

So what options are out there for a dancer? Well the things dancers are thinking about is what will give them the right balance of traction and slide in addition to the comfort and care of their feet. So, once again, what are the options? Dancers need their own unique sock

There are those who prefer to go with out anything. Barefoot and natural.

Some prefer tube socks, something comfortable, well fitted, allows your feet to breath, and allows you to slide.

Some prefer half socks. These are an ingenious little invention, good for the non-dancing feet too! Half socks come in a variety of fabrics for your dancing preference. They come made of silk, cotton, Lycra. They come in a variety of colors. There are half socks with the rubber gripping nubs. There are half toe socks. These are really great for dancers, and allow one all the foot and toe movement one might need with the right balance of slide and traction. Great idea.

Another thing you might find in the sock drawer of a dancer is a foot ring or foot undeez. These are like a half sock minus the toes. Foot rings are fitted fabric bands that go around the ball of your foot. Foot undeez are like foot rings, but they anchor between your toe, like a flip flop. Again, allowing the for a balance of slide and grip

Some dancers would simply opt for tights.

When not dancing, foot care is equally important for dancers. They need to restore and guard their feet. Some do this with regular socks and good shoes, some use support socks or compression socks.

Foot care is incredibly important for dancers and so the right tools and essential. The right socks, go a long way.

Here are some foot undeez.

Mini skirts with high heels or dress boots are in fashion again. Another generation, another return of the previous generation’s fashion. Some girls like to wear leggings underneath for warmth or style. However, a unique way to dress up your legs when wearing a mini skirt or shorts is to wear over the knee socks.

Over the knee socks keep you warmer in cooler weather covering two-thirds of your legs, more than knee highs do. Athletes like soccer players commonly wear them as do cheerleaders and ice skaters. They are more than practical, though, and many people wear them just for the chic alternative in leg fashion. They come in solids and neutrals but there are lots of unique styles and colors, too, like stripes, argyle, fishnet, and ribbed styles.

Another practical way to wear them is under longer skirts to avoid wearing uncomfortable and bulky tights or nylons. Whatever your reasons for wearing them, the key in selection is to find a pair that stays form fitting and doesn’t stretch out after a few wearings.

I went searching for some quality over the knee socks and found some at the following sites:

Footraffic.com

Tabbisocks.com

Feelmax at Amazon.com

K. Bell at joyofsocks.com

Clothing made from bamboo is gaining worldwide popularity, and one of the biggest sellers currently is bamboo socks.

Bamboo is one of the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly crops due to its fast growth rate (grows to 75 ft. in 45 days) and its natural ability to regenerate new growth without replanting. It also takes in 5 times more greenhouse gases and produces more oxygen than most trees. For many of us, buying choices are increasingly influenced by the impact on the earth’s ability to sustain the resources we need. Bamboo is a good choice for this reason and others.

Bamboo is also a natural product with a comfortable, airy feel. Unlike cotton, the fabric absorbs moisture and wicks it away from your body, making it an ideal fabric for socks, where wicking moisture is essential for comfort and foot health. Bamboo also contains an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal fiber perfect for wearing on feet.Test studies have shown bamboo can even cure athletes foot. If you’re in the market for new comfort socks, hiking socks, athletic socks, diabetic socks, try bamboo and do some good for  your feet and the environment.

Some brands to try:

Bamboosa Socks

Bridgedale Bamboo Socks

Many other famous name brands are now producing bamboo socks. Check them out at Amazon.com

Have you heard of these? A product that is new to me.

This is a company that makes some pretty amazing socks! These socks are good for athletes, and for those with medical issues.

Here are some of the benefits or selling points of these socks.

Smooth toe socks protect your toes, they have no pressure points. They are a seamless sock.

They releive your feet and legs and stimulate blood flow with a graduated compression system.

They gently hug your legs preventing swelling.

They reduce bacteria with their coolmax fabric. A fabric that wicks moisture away from the body.

They are non constricting. They are made of Lycra and are secure all around, rather than a tight band at the top.

They maintain their integrity. They won’t get stretched out of shape.

They are form fitting and won’t wrinkle or bunch up in your shoes.

They calim that it is impossible to get blisters while where these socks and they significantly reduce blisters. They do this by reducing friction and by providing a cushioned sole.

They also provide mid foot support.

Pretty amazing. These socks are great for all types of athletes, from soccer players to dancers. They are also great for those with medical issues like diabetes, or even pregnant women who need extra comfort and support.

You can check them out at http://www.smoothtoe.com.

Toe socks are even more diverse than we thought! We thought they were for the fun and funky who like to dress up their feet and their wardrobe or for those yoga and Eastern exercise types. But now we learn that they have become all the rage among even the most All-American–baseball players. Yes, professional pitchers,  Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima of the Boston Red Sox are are changing what ball players puts their feet into before their cleats. Left fielder,  Hideki Matsui of the Yankees has also been wearing toe socks and converting fellow ball players. They are convinced that five-toed toe socks help them improve their pitching performance by allowing all their toes to grip and improve their agility. And so, how many other sports and activities might they be useful for? Hiking, football, walking, tennis, running, just to name a few.

Injinji makes some athletic toe socks with CoolMax fabric for optimal wicking and drying properties, and this fabric is made from recycled plastics making them a eco-friendly purchase as well. Injinji also makes outdoor toe socks made with Nuwool, a blend of natural-wicking merino wool, nylon, and spandex.

Feelmax is another brand that makes several toe socks for sports and outdoor activities.

ToeSox makes athletic toe socks from 90% organic materials. Socks are made with a fitted heel and arch support.

Toe socks have come in and out of style for decades. I remember the brightly striped toe socks my teenage sister wore with her Dr. Scholls sandals in the 70’s. Then they re-emerged in the 90’s as an  adolescent fashion trend that quickly faded. Recently, however, toe socks are getting attention again not only for a way to add fun to your wardrobe, but for better foot health! Toe socks advocates claim that they are healthier than conventional socks for the proper balance, grip, and support your feet need. Toe socks are compared to gloves for the feet. Because the toes are separated, they give the feet and toes greater dexterity to provide optimal muscular form and function. In fact, the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) has given their seal of acceptance to toe socks made by injinji and Wigwam. Toe socks might be around for awhile now that evidence has shown them to have health benefits. For those looking for performance socks, try a pair to see how your physical activities improve. Or just go and splurge on some funky wardrobe fashion and be confident your purchase will be healthy for your feet too!