Going sockless when wearing your shoes may sound like a fashion trend to some. But do you know the effects of wearing shoes without socks?
Well, socks play a critical role in overall feet health. Keep reading as we sieve facts from fiction.
The feet have tremendous reservoirs of sweat glands than any other body parts. Besides, the feet produce at least 500ml of sweat daily, which is a lot of liquid. The socks will absorb excess moisture and prevent bacterial and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
More importantly, socks will help the user to overcome blisters, chaffing, and calluses. They prevent the shoes from rubbing against the bare feet. Again, the socks provide a cushioning effect on your feet as you walk. Socks make your feet remain warm during the freezing winter season.
As if that is not enough, wearing socks prevents leg fatigue and improves blood circulation.
Table of Contents
Impacts of Not Wearing Shoes without Socks
Stink
One of the notable effects of wearing shoes without socks is they stink. You can get embarrassed as you take off the shoes since the scent will waft into the air, making anyone around you uncomfortable.
Wearing your sneakers without socks is enough to guarantee that they must smell. The smell is ever stubborn even if you spray on them.
Changing the Color
When you go sockless as you wear your sneakers regularly, the interior might turn from white to grey. As the sweat accumulates, it will begin to stain the inside part of your sneakers. Also, the dirt from your feet may cause color change inside your shoes.
Causes Blisters
Your feet need to be comfortable as you wear your shoes. That cannot be the case if you lack socks in your footwear. When your feet rub against your shoe, they are likely to cause blisters, thereby creating some discomfort.
Molds
Your shoe might gain some mold when you prefer to use them minus the socks. As the sweat accumulates within the shoes, it results in mold growth. The compounding factor is moisture, sweat, and lack of ventilation. Such conditions are ripe for breeding bacteria and fungi, leading to further foot infections that pose a health challenge.
Basic Care When You Operate Sockless
You can wear shoes without socks and prevent your footwear from stinking. It is only right if you maintain primary foot care practices. You can resolve to go sockless without harming your feet by doing the following:
Wash and Dry the Shoes frequently
As you keep your feet dry and clean, they become free of bacteria and fungi as the two lead to foul odors and infections. When you wear shoes without socks, wash the feet with mild soap and warm water.
Let your toes dry since it is the perfect ground where fungal infections such as athlete’s foot begin.
Alternate between Shoes
When you alternate between shoes, you give them a chance to dry out completely before putting them back. If you prefer to go sockless, then let every pair dry for 48 hours before reusing them.
Alternatively, you can buy multiple pairs of odor absorbing linings which promote a sockless design.
Use Antiperspirant
You can keep your feet against excessive sweating by using foot antiperspirant. You can get in stick or spray form. But there is more. One can still use regular underarm deodorant to mask bacteria and sweat smell.
Also Read: How To Keep Socks From Slipping Into Shoes
Foot Powders
The powders will absorb any moisture from your feet to make them dry and odor-free. In case you lack food powders, you can opt for baby powders to absorb excess sweat. One can apply the foot powders on the feet directly. Also, you can control the moisture and odor by sprinkling talcum powder.
Wash your shoes
Most of the shoes, such as sneakers are machine wash compliant. Washing them from time to time assists in the elimination of bacteria. Also, it prevents infections and odor, which is an excellent benefit if you want to go sockless. Suppose the shoes are not compatible with the washing machine, remove the shoe liners and wash them instead.
Using cedar Shoe Tree
They are wooden inserts that assist your foot to retain the shape when they are not in use. Again, they assist in absorbing moisture and controlling odor. If you lack the shoe tree, you can stuff the shoe with the newspaper which will assist in absorbing the excess moisture and unpleasant smell.
Breaking the Habit of Going Sockless
Wearing socks is beneficial for your health. You can change the habit of operating sockless by working on your mindset. Shoes protect against injury and bacteria; therefore, you must wash the socks after using them.
Besides, you must get the right socks that fit your style. For instance, crew socks have mid-calf, making them standard. The correct socks should match your shoe and style.
If you are forgetful, then you should stash socks in your gym bag or in the pair of shoes that you will be using during the next outing. Alternatively, you can keep a pair on the desk or the car.
Finally, ensure that you have enough stock of socks in your wardrobe. Make it a habit to be purchasing a number of them as you buy other attires. It does not hurt to have several in your wardrobe to keep you for the whole month without repeating any pair in between.
The Bottom-line
Going without socks looks minor and straightforward, but it has diverse effects on your health. For instance, you can send people to run away from the stench as you remove your shoes. Notably, you can still end up with a life-threatening infection.
The good news is that you can break the norm and begin to cultivate a new habit of wearing the socks responsibly. Socks protect your feet by protecting them from the dangers of fungal and bacterial infections.
Feet happen to be essential parts of your body. You can begin to show your feet some appreciation by acquiring a nice pair of socks. As such, you will live a healthy life.