Thermosocks are a unique element of clothes and an obligatory part of the wardrobe of a modern person. They protect the feet from hypothermia in winter and do not allow them to overheat in the offseason. The material in this article will tell you what thermosocks are, how they differ from ordinary ones, and what advantages and disadvantages they have. In addition, you will learn how to choose, wear and wash them.
What is it and how do they differ from ordinary ones?
At first glance, thermal socks may not differ from ordinary socks. Sometimes they even look like simple classic counterparts. The prefix "thermo" means that the socks are designed not so much to warm their legs, but to preserve their dryness. They are considered to be thermal underwear, they are responsible for the thermoregulation of feet in shoes and removal of excess moisture from the feet.
Thanks to the special technology of weaving fibers and threads of thermolight, which are part of the material, an air cushion is created between the skin of the legs and the textile. Their main difference from the classics is that, regardless of the intensity of the loads, the thermosocks always remain dry. At the same time, due to the elastane fibers, they sit quite tightly on their legs, but do not rub the skin.
Such items of clothing have unique properties. They are summer and winter, differ in purpose and have their own classification. Thermosocks can be female, male, teenage and children's. They are always warm and dry, even in slush and cold.
They are made by zonal and continuous knitting.Socks made by continuous knitting are the same thickness anywhere in the product. Analogs made using zonal knitting are distinguished by more dense weaving in the areas of the fingers, heel and sides. Due to this feature, additional shock absorption is provided at the points of highest pressure on the foot.
Advantages and disadvantages
Treomnoski have many advantages. They are distinguished by:
- functionality and practicality;
- durability and efficiency;
- wide size range;
- a variety of shades and colors;
- maintaining a comfortable foot temperature;
- variability of purpose and design;
- the presence of zones of thermoregulation;
- resistance to absorption of odors;
- wear resistance and washing resistance;
- aesthetic appeal;
- price variability and customer accessibility.
Thermosocks have the ability to adjust the balance between body temperature and the environment. This ensures not only the prevention of overheating, but also prevents the appearance of leg fatigue.
Along with the advantages of termonoski there are disadvantages. According to customers, not all products are as effective as we would like. Someone does not like that socks are not too heat-saving and cannot warm their feet in cold weather. However, buyers do not always take into account that the models differ in purpose, and this factor determines their thermal properties. For example, thermal socks for sports and walks differ in the material of manufacture and the level of moisture-absorbing function.
Someone is sure that thin thermosocks must be necessarily warm. This is a mistake, since each species has its own characteristics and operational properties. And the point here is not so much the price as the ignorance of the nuances of each variety.
Varieties
To date, the assortment of termonoski has many lines designed for different times of the year and different kinds of sports (for example, for figure skating, snowboarding, skiing). They are summer, winter, thin, dense, warm. In the assortment of manufacturers there are male and female versions of the classic type and waterproof models with heating. At the same time, based on the purpose, the products can be elongated, conventional and shortened.
Compression
Products of this line are designed primarily for the prevention of venous diseases (phlebitis and thrombosis). In addition, they are suitable for all those who have sore legs. Compression-type thermal socks are designed to increase blood flow to muscles, saturate them with oxygen, and soon recover after long workouts.
Multisports
This category includes products for cross-tracking and running, as well as modifications of the classic type for the gym. Athletic thermosocks are characterized by the presence of moisture absorption.
At the same time, individual modifications of the multisports line series are equipped with a minimum insulation layer and inserts for cushioning.
Jogging
There are two types of products for a running line: uniform over the entire surface and with different thicknesses. The second modifications are equipped with amplifiers in the lifting and heel zones.
This allows you to reduce the load on the foot, which is important for athletes who are engaged in running and similar exercises.
For walking
These thermal gutters differ in small thickness and are designed for those involved in fitness walking. In comparison with the classic counterparts, they have additional inserts with moisture absorption.
The legs in these socks remain dry, regardless of the intensity of the workout.
Everyday
Unlike sports counterparts, options for everyday wear are not made from 100% synthetics, but from threads of a combined type. They are characterized by low weight, medium thickness, they are made of synthetic fibers with the addition of merino wool. Casual socks They have good heat-saving functions, but they have less moisture absorption.
For hiking
Options for hiking have reinforcement in the heel, lift and toe areas. Designed using high-tech material, due to which they sit tight on the foot and are characterized by tensile strength. Compared to other modifications, options for hiking are much longer.
Such socks do not rub the skin, and corns do not appear even with intense and prolonged sports loads.
Skiing
Models of the ski and snowboard line have inserts in the shins and soles. They are designed to protect the feet and lower legs from hard points of contact. In addition, they have optimal moisture and windproof properties. Among other functions of such wardrobe elements It is worth noting the conservation of heat.
Bicycle
Thermosocks of this line are designed for long-term physical exertion. They are distinguished by the convenience and comfort of wearing, optimal fit and lack of friction of the skin on the fabric. These are quick-drying models made of synthetic material with high moisture-removing functions. They stretch in the ankle zone, which ensures blood flow to the feet.
For hunting and fishing
The structure of these products is much more complicated than that of classic thermosocks. Their length can be standard and elongated, they are performed with thickening along the entire length. In the lineup there are options equipped with additional systems of thermal insulation and heating.
These are dense socks, the task of which is to heat the legs, they are made of material with the so-called dry heat.
Materials of manufacture
The entire raw materials assortment for thermosocks can be divided into 3 types: synthetic, natural and combined. More often products are made of polyester, lycra, nylon, as well as their combinations. They are rarely made from natural material (angora, camel, dog, and merino wool). However, woolen models, although they have high heat-shielding properties, are expensive, and they dry more slowly than synthetic analogues.
Good thermal socks, combining the best properties of moisture and heat protection, consist of synthetics with the addition of natural fibers (for example, merino wool). Such products are intended for winter sports.
They use Thermolite and Primaloft insulation, which are the raw material for the production of sleeping bags and outerwear. From the inside, these fibers are hollow and thin. Thanks to them, socks are suitable for practicing active sports in cold weather (for example, skiing or mountain climbing) and save your feet from the cold.
For those who engage in active sports in the warm season, they develop trekking waterproof thermal socks using Coolmax or Polipropilen fibers. These artificial threads do not have heating properties. but they do not absorb moisture at all, so the person’s legs always remain dry, regardless of weather conditions.
Manufacturers rating
Many leading companies with a worldwide reputation are engaged in the production of thermal socks. A lot of high-quality and practical products are produced by trademarks of China, Czech Republic, Germany. There are noteworthy options for Finnish and Mongolian brands, producing a wide range of thermal products for sports and everyday wear. At the same time, large firms are engaged in the manufacture of models for various shoes, including membrane.
The top best includes several manufacturers of thermal underwear, whose products are in great consumer demand and have a lot of positive reviews on the World Wide Web.
- Lasting - Czech manufacturer of high-quality thermosocks with excellent performance. It is distinguished by the release of practical and durable models for men and women.
- Norfin is a leader in the design and manufacture of modern, light and comfortable underwear. Trademark socks are great for everyday wear, they are equipped with a soft rubber band that does not rub the skin.
- Hasky offers customers thermal socks for hunting and fishing at any time of the year. The manufacturer’s products are of high quality, excellent heat-saving properties and rapid removal of moisture from the skin surface.
- Tesema (Finland) produces thermosocks with internal fleece insulation. The range is characterized by pleasant tactile sensations and an optimal level of convenience. A drawback of products is their thickness.
- Smartwool brand thermal socks designed for lovers of long hiking trips. They have a thickening in the area of the heel and foot, which reduces the shock load and facilitates walking. Models are suitable for fans of winter sports.
- J. B. Extreme produces thermosocks in which it is not cold even in the harsh winter. Brand products are convenient for fixing on the leg, these socks do not slip off the legs, even if the person will walk in snowdrifts for a long time in high boots.
Selection tips
When choosing models of thermal noses, a number of factors must be taken into account. It is important to understand that the products are not universal at all: you can not wear the same pair in the summer, in the offseason and in the winter, hoping that it will simultaneously warm and remove excess moisture.
Products for rubber boots, skates, sneakers and trekking shoes differ among themselves, as are options for summer and extremely low temperatures.
To choose the right option for winter, you need to study the composition of the products:
- for the cold season it is worth taking options with wool, nylon and elastane;
- for active sports, including jogging, products with a high content of polyester or other synthetics and wool are suitable;
- for daily wear in cold weather or winter fishing needs low synthetic synthetics;
- for summer everyday wear you should choose high-quality socks with cotton or silk;
- do not buy 100% cotton socksThey do not remove moisture and absorb odors;
- best socks made without seams and have amplifications in the areas of greatest load;
- for spring and autumn models of medium thickness are suitable, which are made of two layers, three-layer ones are needed for winter.
To make the right choice and choose the best functional models, it is necessary to pay attention to the height of thermosocks. According to the recommendations of manufacturers, do not take products larger than their size. The parameters of the size range of each brand are indicated taking into account the shrinkage of the material of manufacture after the first wash.
Too large socks will hang on your feet, which will reduce thermoregulation.
How to wear and wash?
Contrary to popular belief, ordinary and even snowboard thermal socks should be worn on bare feet. When they are put on tights or other socks, thermoregulation is violated, which means that the properties of the products are reduced. You need to wash socks manually or in the gentle mode of the washing machine without a strong spin. In this case, you can not use bleach or stain remover.
The temperature of the water can be cool or warm. Do not use aggressive detergents. Do not dry the thermosocks on the battery and iron. This leads to a violation of the structure, deformation of the fibers and the loss of their properties. It is desirable that the drying of products is natural.
See below for how to choose thermal underwear.
