Spenta International Ltd 3.98

With summer over and people trading in their sandals and flip flops for socks and shoes, it's decision time.

"I'm really big on appropriate socks for activities, No dress socks for exercise. You need cushioning to protect and wicking to remove sweat."

But causal, trekkers, light hikers? Golf, biking, running? Low-cuts, high risers, quarter-length? Natural merino wool or a high-tech wicking and warming fabric?

In the sock business — a nearly $12 billion industry worldwide — it can be a foot race to stay in the front of the pack.

Thorlo, a leading manufacturer based in North Carolina with 22 types of socks for outdoor activities, is pushing its Experia model "as a new type of athletic sock powered by Thorlo pad technology."

It's enough to make you wish for summer again.

But sock manufacturers and foot experts agree socks are the first line of defense.

"Foot health is key to enjoying and benefitting from exercise, You can be in great shape, but if your feet are banged up and hurting, you aren't going anywhere."

any of our quality products, and lots of others on the market, will provide protection.

Cruelly, as we get older, the one place where we lose fat is the bottom of our foot, at the ball and heel.

"You can feel the hardness,The bones get physically closer to the skin and that creates pressure issues that a well-cushioned sock can help alleviate."

The agony of the feet is just how the modern sport sock business got its traction.

Designers quickly developed a line of padded running socks followed by socks for tennis, golf and basketball. Other companies took notice.

However, all that comfort comes at a price, these days north of 300/- a pair.

Manufacturers say that customers spending 4000-5000/- for a pair of running shoes or hiking boots don't think twice about the price of socks.

"I'm a cynical sock manufacturer,i don't think you need a sock for every specific event or every specific activity — a snowboarding sock vs. a skiing sock. That's art for art's sake. I think people see through that hype. What matters is the kind of fibers you use and the quality of those fibers."

We suggest finding a store with a sock bin full of different styles and weights. Stick your hand inside. Check the seams and cushioning. Feel the fibers. See if they're made in India.

"No one ever outsourced something to get quality,who offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

A good pair of socks and well-fitting shoes, "go hand in hand,"

"It's a tough world out there," we say. "Why should your sock make it tougher?"