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How Important are Waterproof Socks?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Before delving into the world of waterproof sock technology, it may help to understand the question behind the question - how important are dry feet? For those who like to hike, walk, garden, exercise or work outdoors, dry feet are very important indeed.

The human foot contains an abundance of sweat glands. Many times the produced sweat becomes water vapor and evaporates into the air, creating a cooling effect for the feet. The problem is that most people do not spend their entire days barefoot, so this natural evaporative cooling process is compromised. Socks made from breathable material such as cotton act as a wick, drawing most of the moisture away from the foot. This build-up of moisture has nowhere to go within the confines of most shoes, however, so the result is a damp foot surrounded by a damp sock.

Hikers often use waterproof socks.
Hikers often use waterproof socks.

As a person walks, the fabric of the wet sock rubs against the surface of the foot, causing minor abrasions. These abrasions sometimes escalate into the dreaded formations called blisters. Spreading absorbent foot powder into socks and shoes or changing into drier socks may temporarily keep the area dry. But the cumulative effect of too much moisture and not enough evaporation will continue with the use of regular socks. Socks can also crease during wear, causing even more irritation and friction.

Waterproof socks work well with breathable hiking boots.
Waterproof socks work well with breathable hiking boots.

A better way to keep feet dry is through the use of waterproof socks. Waterproof socks typically use a three-layer construction to draw away excess moisture from the foot and repel water from the outside environment. The innermost layer of a waterproof sock is generally made from a breathable but absorbent material such as natural wool or a proprietary acrylic blend. The second layer of a waterproof sock is where technology enters the picture. A plastic laminate with extremely small pores is attached to both inner and outer layers. These pores are large enough to allow the relatively small water vapor molecules from sweat seep through to the outside, but tiny enough to prevent the larger molecules of rain and other water from entering. The result is a one-way vapor barrier between the foot and the outside environment.

Waterproof socks are a valuable piece of gear for people going on a trek.
Waterproof socks are a valuable piece of gear for people going on a trek.

The outer layer of most waterproof socks is usually a watertight synthetic material such as Spandex or Lycra. This tightly-woven and elastic material repels water but still allows the skin to breathe. A material such as rubber or plastic would also repel water, but not allow the accumulated sweat to escape into the air. Waterproof socks must perform a balancing act in order to draw sweat and other moisture out while allowing for natural evaporation. If the sweat does not go through the laminate membrane at a steady rate, the result could still be a damp foot and a higher risk of blistering. Waterproof socks work best with shoes which allow sweat and moisture to escape naturally, such as athletic shoes and hiking boots.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon140672

The problem with all waterproof socks I've tried is that they are impossible to get on over the heel because, unlike regular socks, they have no give. Why not design waterproof socks like boots, i.e., with a tongue insert on the front that fastens with velcro.

closerfan12

If you have kids that play around outside a lot, then kids waterproof socks are great for keeping their feet dry and healthy.

They also keep their shoes in a little better condition, since the shoes aren't getting quite as soaked from all the moisture from the foot.

Both my boys use waterproof socks, and I have to say, it has really saved me when it comes to sock buying and laundry bills. Those things can come through just about anything!

I would highly recommend it to any parent with kids whose shoes come back soaked more often than not.

galen84basc

I love waterproof socks in theory, but I find that a lot of them are really not very breatheable, which tends to make them quite uncomfortable.

I've heard good things about Sealskinz, but I've never used them, since every waterproof sock I've tried so far either doesn't work or is terribly uncomfortable. I'd hate to spend that much money just to be disappointed.

So if you know of a good, relatively cheap brand for waterproof, breathable socks, I'm all ears -- thermal waterproof socks are even better, but just regular waterproof breathable sock are what I'm really looking for.

Thanks!

musicshaman

I could never do without my Sealskinz waterproof socks and gloves when I go camping. I like to do pretty rigorous hiking, and getting wet or soggy feet on a five-day trail is just awful. There really is no other word for it, it's terrible, terrible terrible.

Besides being horrendously uncomfortable, having wet feet when you're hiking can also cause you to have foot problems -- not to mention what it can do to your shoes.

Blisters and fungus are the best you can expect -- so don't skip out on it, buy waterproof socks before you next go camping or on a long hike.

They are total lifesavers.

waterproof

Waterproof Sock is the ONLY unit that would fit snugly around your feet and ankle. It will protect your skin from the harsh chemical of pool's water, like Chlorine and Bromine, Waterproof sock, protects your feet from Verrucae, athlete’s foot and other foot infections commonly found in the indoor swimming environment. Simply, slip it on your feet prior to entering a swimming Pool or Jacuzzi, This would help the skin and feet retain its original moist, so your skin won’t dry or crack.

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    • Hikers often use waterproof socks.
      Hikers often use waterproof socks.
    • Waterproof socks work well with breathable hiking boots.
      By: Alexandr Vlassyuk
      Waterproof socks work well with breathable hiking boots.
    • Waterproof socks are a valuable piece of gear for people going on a trek.
      By: HappyAlex
      Waterproof socks are a valuable piece of gear for people going on a trek.
    • Waterproof socks work best with shoes that allow sweat and moisture to escape naturally, such as athletic shoes.
      By: AlessandroContadin
      Waterproof socks work best with shoes that allow sweat and moisture to escape naturally, such as athletic shoes.
    • Waterproof socks may help prevent the development of blisters.
      By: roblan
      Waterproof socks may help prevent the development of blisters.
    • Water socks can provide ankle coverage to protect against mosquitos.
      By: demarfa
      Water socks can provide ankle coverage to protect against mosquitos.