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Hottest Fall Trends For Socks

Recently, I spoke with Cate Rodrigue, Canadian Brand Manager for Darn Tough Socks about how to protect your tootsies and keep them comfy and colourful for fall. Cate shared with me her top tips for choosing the right socks this season.
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Sockscribe Me

When I consider putting together an outfit, I think about every aspect of the look and how comfortable it will be. On days when I go into Vancouver for meetings, I may park on one side of downtown and end up walking to the other side of the city for another meeting. There have been days where I was wearing the wrong socks and the rubbing would begin. My stride would slow down and the pain would slowly increase.

Comfort is one aspect to socks but the other important part is how socks can truly make an outfit. Consider the scenario of taking off your shoes as you enter someone's home. When you are visiting a friend, a colourful printed sock can really be a talking piece.

Then there is the time spent outdoors. If you have ever done a hike in the wrong pair of socks, I do not need to explain how having a good pair can make or break an outdoor adventure.

Recently, I spoke with Cate Rodrigue, Canadian Brand Manager for Darn Tough Socks about how to protect your tootsies and keep them comfy and colourful for fall.

Cate shared with me her top tips for choosing the right socks this season.

Why is it important to wear high quality socks?

We put our feet through a lot -- it's one of the hardest working parts of our body as well as being one of the most sensitive! Whatever activity we're engaged in, wearing high quality socks, is one way that we can treat our feet with the respect they deserve.

If you're the kind of person who spends decent money on good runners or hiking boots, or you're the kind of girl who invests in good quality leather boots or designer rain boots for Fall, you owe it to yourself to buy high quality socks as well because they will not only compliment the performance of your footwear, they'll enhance your enjoyment of it too!

What materials should a person look for when purchasing a good quality of sock?

Feet contain as many sweat glands as hands and armpits, so look for fabrics that can do it all -- natural, anti-microbial, breathable and wicking. You want fabrics that will lift any moisture away from your skin and dry quickly.

Avoid cotton, as it takes an age to dry out (think of that in your shoe!) and nasty synthetic fabrics, which will actually make your feet sweat even more, trapping the moisture against your skin and potentially leading to a variety of irritating foot problems such as blisters and athletes foot.

Merino wool is an excellent material to look for in socks, as it's breathable, non-itchy, naturally thermo regulating (will keep your feet feeling comfortable regardless of your body temperature) anti-microbial (won't get stinky) and wicking (takes any moisture away from your skin and transfers it to the outside of the sock where it can dry faster.)

Also look for quality construction like high density knitting to reduce bulk, knit in elastic support at the arch, form fitting toe boxes, sculpted heel pockets, ribbed ankle support...all of these techniques are important in giving you the high quality experience your feet deserve.

What colours and trends are on point for fall?

The "authentic" or "heritage" trend is strong for Fall 14 -- think rugged adventurer meets preppy ivy leaguer and lots of stripes that play into that rugby vibe, olives, khakis, burnt oranges, plums, big, bold graphics for ski socks and my personal favourite -- a retro striped gym sock (in merino wool, naturally!)

Any other tips on how to care for your socks or other helpful hints?

For runners, especially in wet climates such as B.C., merino wool socks are a must try because they will keep your feet warm and comfortable even as you run through those puddles on a cold morning run! Naturally thermo regulating, the wool will actually warm up your foot while taking the moisture away from your skin -- no "blister causing" rubbing I promise! (unlike those so called "sports socks" made from cotton) You'll be amazed when you take your socks off after your wet run - no more prune feet!

Caring for your socks isn't something you need to worry about. Throw them in the washing machine and dryer and they'll come out looking like new every time.

With these tips, I will be happily walking around town and hiking throughout the fall with a smile on my face. Stay tuned to my blog and share your comments below. Your tips and suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to find pretty, stylish and comfortable fashion.

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