What Landscapers Should Look for When Buying Socks
As a landscaping professional, having the best socks for your job is vital. If anything doesn’t feel comfortable when it comes to your socks and work boots, it can affect your ability to perform your job to high standards.
You might even say that your bottom-line revenue is attached to the type of work sock you select.
In this article, we will discuss the best socks for landscapers and what to look for when making your purchase.
Qualities of the Best Work Socks
Selecting landscaping socks requires understanding the qualities that make some socks more effective than others. Here are the main items to become familiar with so you can buy the best socks for landscapers and remain comfortable all day long.
Durability
Durability is key in a work sock. You need socks that will not wear down quickly or tear easily. Ask yourself how often you want to replace your boot socks. You have plenty of other items inside your business to spend money on. Focus on finding socks that last a long time.
Look for materials like nylon and spandex blended with cotton for the best performance. Cotton provides multiple benefits. For instance, not only does it help with durability, but it also comes into play when determining the breathability and comfort of your work boots and socks.
Nylon and spandex help your socks maintain shape, making them more durable overall.
Comfort
Comfortable socks are essential when working all day in the heat or cold. Your work environment is probably already uncomfortable enough, so having comfortable socks that do not irritate or rub against your feet will go a long way.
Your socks should provide ample arch support while fitting well in your shoes. Make sure your socks are thick but still stretchy so they don’t bunch up as you work. A thicker sock will provide extra cushioning in the heel area.
Blister Prevention
The best socks for landscapers should protect your feet from potential friction while in your work boots in wet and dry conditions. Watch out for materials with a low absorption rate so they don’t become saturated with water or soil.
Blisters Can be Painful and Make for a Miserable Workday
Avoid too much cushioning, as this could create air pockets between your skin and the sock. Opt for seamless socks that fit snugly around your feet to reduce the chances of blisters forming.
If you notice a blister forming, immediately remove your socks and put on a new pair. Keep more than one pair and brand in your work truck until you find the perfect landscaping socks. Keep working through them until you can work long days and weeks without even the slightest appearance of blisters.
Moisture Wicking
The best socks for landscapers should have a combination of features that keep you comfortable no matter the weather.
Moisture-wicking fabrics come into play here. When moisture is present, look for materials like merino wool and polyester to help pull the moisture away from your skin. It helps regulate temperature and keep you dry so you can focus on the task at hand instead of feeling uncomfortable.
Test how well your new socks do with moisture wicking in the early morning or when working on irrigation tasks. These scenarios will provide the tests for preventing uncomfortable wetness in your work shoes.
Socks With Moisture Wicking Materials Prevent Moisture Buildup and Keep Your Feet Dry
Breathability
Another factor in choosing landscaping socks is breathability. You need a material that lets air circulate your feet.
Pay attention to the fabric blend used in your socks. You want something lightweight and breathable so you don’t end up with sweaty feet. Look for details like mesh panels or ventilated zones that allow air to flow freely around your feet during long work days.
Additionally, if your socks are too tight, this could reduce airflow and create a negative environment for your feet. Make sure there’s enough space so that air can work its way around your feet, socks, and hiking boots.
Reinforced Toe and Heel
The most effective socks should provide reinforced toe and heel areas for extra protection. It helps prevent wear and tear from excessive contact with the ground.
Look for socks made with reinforced toe caps. Manufacturers often use a variety of fabrics, including merino wool and synthetic materials, to create socks with extra durability in these areas.
The best socks also have reinforced heels to protect your feet from rubbing against the back of the shoe. The extra layer of protection can help reduce friction and discomfort so you’re not constantly fidgeting with your socks during long projects that require your full attention to detail.
Cushioning
Don’t forget about the importance of cushioning. We briefly mentioned this above but it requires more explanation.
Landscaper socks need to offer some form of cushioning, but not too much. Too much cushioning will lead to discomfort. Look for lightweight socks with an ergonomic design.
See if you can find socks that offer a moderate amount of cushioning in the heel and ball areas. It should provide enough comfort without making you sweat too much. You essentially want enough cushioning so your feet feel comfortable when working long hours on hard surfaces.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Sock’s Material
The material of your sock plays a large role in how comfortable you’re going to be on the job. Here we take a look at two of the most common materials used in sock construction: cotton and merino wool.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a common material used in some of the best selling socks. Merino wool is a premium, natural fiber derived from Merino sheep, primarily found in Australia and New Zealand. Known for its exceptional softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, merino wool is an excellent material for outdoor and activewear. This makes the merino wool sock among the most popular and best sock materials for landscapers.
Cotton
A cotton sock has both advantages and disadvantages for someone who works outdoors on their feet all day. On the positive side, cotton socks are generally affordable, widely available, and comfortable when first put on due to their softness. They’re also a natural material – made from organic contton. They are also breathable, which can help keep feet cool in warm weather.
However, cotton socks have significant drawbacks for prolonged outdoor use. Their main disadvantage is their poor moisture-wicking ability; cotton tends to absorb and retain moisture, which can lead to blisters, chafing, and increased risk of fungal infections. When wet, cotton loses its insulating properties, potentially making feet cold in cooler conditions.
Landscaper’s Socks Buyer’s Guide
In addition to sock qualities, you should use the following buyer’s guide information when finding the most effective socks for your landscaping work.
Foot Conditions
When selecting socks for work, it’s best to consider any existing foot conditions. Look into socks made from natural fibers if you have sensitive skin.
You can also manage and prevent some foot conditions by selecting the correct boot socks. People with flat feet, for example, can wear shoes and socks that will better support their arches.
To avoid discomfort, ensure that your shoes have enough space to accommodate arch socks and work boot socks. Talk to your physician to learn more about the boots and socks for your specific health situation.
Size and Fit
When selecting socks for your work, find an option that provides the correct size and fit. The best socks will be snug without being too tight or loose. Look for socks with cuffs that will not slip down over time. You want them to provide a secure fit throughout the day.
Your work sock should lay flat against your foot and calf. By doing this, you won’t have to scrunch up the fabric too much and cause discomfort. If you wear socks that fit too tightly, they will compress your feet. Additionally, they will also hold your toes in an unnatural position.
Height
Consider sock height when shopping for landscaping socks. High-top socks will generally provide more protection and support. The best option is to look for calf socks that end below your calf muscle.
Weather Considerations
The type of sock you choose will also depend on the weather conditions you work in. In cold climates, insulated socks provide warmth and protect your feet from frostbite. On warmer days, you can choose lighter socks that keep you dry.
Affordability
Last but not least, find socks that offer good value for money. Consider the quality of the fabric and see if it will stand up to the wear and tear of outdoor work. Compare different brands to find socks with the best features for the best price.
Care and Maintenance
It is best to launder your socks after each use, as this will help extend their lifespan. Since wool and synthetic materials are prone to shrinking, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing them.
Another idea you can consider is applying a waterproof treatment to your socks as this will help keep them protected from dirt and moisture.
Best Type of Socks for Landscapers
To more effectively help you with your buying decision, let’s quickly review our top five picks when it comes to selecting the best socks for landscapers.
Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiking Socks
The Wigwam Merino Comfort Hikers are a must-have for cold weather. These socks have a full cushion. Made mostly of Merino wool, these cold-weather socks are superior to the average sock. They don’t make you itch.
They’re not just a hiking sock to be used with hiking shoes, they’re also great for steel toe boots that you’ll be wearing on the job.
The average merino wool socks provide you with about 20% wool. With these socks, the merino wool content is a staggering 67%. The fabric of these socks efficiently holds warmth. Made of natural materials, they will keep you warmer than a synthetic version.
Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Socks
These Dickies work socks are perfect for a long day on the job. With a reinforced heel and toe, the socks work well to wear with your steel-toed boots.
In addition to being comfortable, these socks will also stay in place thanks to their reinforced heel and toe and arch compression. With these socks, you’ll never have to worry about slipping and bunching.
The Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control socks have the unique ability to keep your feet both comfortable and dry. To accomplish this task, the Dickies Dri-tech socks use mesh materials and a special ventilation system near the toes.
Camel City Mill Lightweight Wool Socks
The Camel City Mill Lightweight sock is not only comfortable but also provides arch support and light calf compression. The compression effect will help improve circulation, which in turn lessens foot fatigue and helps with recovering more quickly.
These socks aren’t the cheapest options on the market. However, you will find that they last a long time. Once you invest in these Camel City wool socks, expect to wear them for years to come.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Sock
The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock offers several benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday wearers.
These Darn Tough Socks feature mesh panels on top of the foot, which enhances ventilation and helps keep feet cool and dry. No one likes dealing with a sweaty foot and the blisters and chafing that can come along with it.
It includes extended cushion over the Achilles, providing additional comfort and support in a high-impact area.
These micro crew socks aren’t limited to just landscaping duties. They’re suitable for use with hiking shoes as well as trail running shoes.
Carhartt Cotton Steel-Toe Socks
Similar to the socks put out by Fox River, these Carhartt socks are a must-have for those who plan on wearing steel-toe boots. The cushioning, arch support, and heavy-duty material of these socks will help keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Designed with a reinforced toe, these extra durable Carhartt Cotton socks will provide ample protection from any potential dangers in the workplace. The heel and toe cushioning will also help to reduce any potential for blisters or other sore spots.
