Socks don’t usually get a lot of thought—as long as they don’t have holes in them, we figure they’re doing their job. But socks should be thought of as equipment, the same as your shoes and game gear, and they should be retired once they’re past their prime. They may not get the glory, but they are an important contributing factor to your athletic performance. There are many reasons why you should replace your sports socks because you deserve everything you need on your drive for success.
As a basic rule, sports socks should be replaced every three to six months, or 300-600 miles of usage. Overused socks lose their support, as well as their effectiveness at preventing:
Toenails with bruising or bleeding underneath
Ingrown toenails
Thickened skin, corns, and calluses
Infections (fungal, yeast, and bacterial)
Warts
Heel spurs
Tendonitis
Shin splints
If you aren’t sure how long you’ve been using your current socks, check for the following problems.
Thin Spots
As friction wears away at the fibers, socks can develop thin spots and eventually holes. Without a thick protective layer, you’re more likely to blister.
Warped Shape
If your current sock is stretched out, it can’t give you the arch and ankle support you need.
Foot Discomfort
Your feet tell you when something is off. If your feet are aching, your socks might not be working for you anymore.