As we all know rubber boots are an ideal outdoor work boot as when it rains, you cannot count on anything else to keep you safe from electrical hazards and wet, slippery surfaces.
But if you’ve invested in a good pair of rubber boots, you need to understand that in order to fully bring out the best features of your boots, you need to pair it with good quality socks.
Ideally, you should wear socks with rubber boots in order to avoid getting painful blisters. Since rubber is a non-porous material, it will not absorb sweat that your feet will produce, hence making it prone to infections and stinky, foul smell. That’s when your socks come in handy!
Just to be clear, what type of socks you can go for totally depends on the weather, the kind of work you’re into, and your general body constituent.
Because if you’re someone who sweats profusely even during winter, it is evident that your feet will sweat too under those rubber boots. And that when you’ll realise how much stinking can your feet cause.
But you don’t have to worry as we’ve carefully curated this article to solve your queries.
Why do you need to wear socks underneath your rubber boots?
We’ll provide you with 6 reasons why:
1.) It will protect your feet from unwanted blisters
If you’re familiar with work boots, then you should be aware of blisters and how painful and irritating they can be.
Well, when your skin is rubbing against the rubber, the friction is bound to cause blisters and calluses, and in order to avoid that situation, you can count on socks to help you.
See also: Do Grip Socks Help Blisters?
2.) It will help you keep infections away
Some people have naturally sweaty feet and wearing rubber boots for long hours will make their feet prone to fungal infections.
3.) It will not let your feet stink
Since your feet have loads of sweat glands, your socks will act as a layer between your feet and the rubber, so even when you sweat, your socks will absorb the moisture keeping your boot and feet away from that foul smell.
4.) It will keep your boot clean and fresh for long
If you’re wearing your rubber boots without socks, the insides of the boots are going to stink because of the mold and sweat. However, using socks can avoid such a situation.
5.) It will provide insulation if your boot doesn’t come with the feature
Since most rubber boots do not have the insulation feature, pairing socks with such boots will provide you warmth and also keep you comfortable.
6.) It will keep your feet comfortable
A right pair of socks will not only keep you comfortable, but will also provide the necessary cushioning that is needed for arch support, especially for people suffering from flat feet.
Things you should consider while pairing socks with your rubber boots
You have to carefully choose your socks according to the climate. If the temperature is hot outside, you cannot be wearing thick, woolen socks because rather than being helpful, it will create more problems for your feet.
In the same way, thick, woolen socks or silk socks are beneficial during extreme cold temperatures.
When it’s raining, rubber boots are a must, and it is vital to keep your feet warm, comfy, and, most importantly, dry. Rubber boots will be more comfortable when worn with cushioned crew socks that dry quickly.
Now let’s have a look at this chart explaining different types of socks material you can wear with rubber boots along with its pros and cons:
1.) Cotton
It can be paired with rubber boots but it is not recommended for daily use. Even if you prefer cotton socks, make sure you change twice a day. And even if you cannot change it twice, be sure to wear a new cotton sock pair everyday.
Pros:
It is beneficial for people who do not use it regularly. Also, it is affordable as compared to other socks that you can pair with your rubber boots.
Cons:
The problem with socks made of 100% cotton is that they absorb sweat, saturate quickly and dry slowly, which is a perfect recipe for blisters and fungal infections.
2.) Merino wool
Merino wool socks are great for rubber boots because of their fine, itch-free fiber, which give all-around comfort and keep your feet dry.
Pros
They are thermostatic, meaning they are ‘temperature-adjusting’ which will keep your feet comfortable and is ideal for both hot and cold temperatures.
Cons
It takes time to dry once you get it wet. And merino wool socks are comparatively expensive.
3.) Silk
Silk socks with rubber boots are an ideal pair for extreme winter as silk acts as a natural insulator keeping your feet warm, also offering a smooth texture against the skin.
Pros
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- They’re lightweight, wicks moisture away, keeping your feet dry.
- Since rubber is hard on your feet, these socks feel comfortable against the skin protecting you against painful calluses.
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Cons
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- These socks are less durable than other fabrics.
- They’re expensive and need additional care.
- They’re not appropriate for a warmer climate.
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4.) Synthetic materials (Nylon and Lycra)
Nylon and lycra fabrics assist socks to keep their form, provide a snug fit, and give arch support in some sock types, which is advantageous for those wearing rubber boots, which often have a flat footbed with no arch support.
Pros
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- They’re extremely durable, absorb sweat and also dries fast when wet.
- But the most important aspect is the cushioning it provides that is extremely useful for people having arch pain and flat feet.
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Cons
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- They are not suitable for use in hot weather.
- And the insulation is affected and reduced once you get it wet.
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These are some of the important features that you should look for in your socks while pairing it with your rubber boots:
Padding- since you know your rubber boots come with very little to no arch support, you should look for padding on the heel and ball of the foot for cushioning and protection.
However, be sure that the level of cushioning in your shoe does not make it excessively tight, as this can restrict your foot movement.
Fit- by now you must be aware of the importance of a right fitting rubber boot. So in order to bring out the best use of your boot, you need to pair it with socks that fit you just right.
A sock too tight will cause blisters and restrict blood flow on your feet, and if it’s too loose, there is a danger of your foot slipping and causing discomfort.
Proper arch support- as mentioned before, you need socks that provide arch support since your rubber boots do not come with one. To provide support, certain socks include a firmer, reinforced fabric in the arch.
This is especially beneficial if you have high arches, but it can also be beneficial to people who have regular arches or flat feet.
Working for long hours without arch support can lead to a condition called policeman’s heel (plantar fasciitis), which can cause severe pain in your heels if it is not properly supported.
Here are some recommended brands of socks to pair up with your rubber boots:
Rockay Accelerate Socks- This comfy, anti-blister socks fits perfectly and also provides arch support.
- GUARANTEED FOR LIFE
- 100% RECYCLED MATERIALS
- ANTI-BLISTER
- 1 PAIR = 22 PLASTIC BOTTLES REMOVED FROM THE OCEAN
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Balega Compression fit socks- These socks wicks moisture away keeping your feet dry and odorless.
- Drynamix Moisture management yarn to provide a foot environment thats fresh and odor free
- Hand-linked seamless toe closure; heel tab helps prevent the sock from slipping into your running shoe
- High tab heel ensures that your sock stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit
- Medium Volume construction
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Swiftwick socks- These lightweight socks are not only breathable, but it also comes with a sweat management feature that helps keep your feet comfortable.
- MAXIMUM SWEAT MANAGEMENT
- THIN, BREATHABLE DESIGN
- FIRM SUPPORT
- Y-SHAPED HEEL
- MADE IN THE USA
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Socks- These socks are ideal for cold climates as it provides insulation and keeps your feet warm. Also, they’re a great choice for someone with flatfeet as they provide excellent support in rubber boots that have flat insoles.
- These socks will always stay uptight without slipping into the footwear.
- Manufactured from a nice blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane
- These socks are lightly cushioned on the ball and heel of the foot to provide maximum impact absorption.
- Featuring a 4 Degree Elite Fit System
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Merino Wool Hiking Socks- They provide warmth and arch support, but also do not compromise on breathability as they have a moisture absorbing feature.
- Fit men’s shoe size 8-12
- Constructed with 80% merino wool blend, 18% nylon, and 2% spandex.
- BREATHABLE
- WARM
- INCREDIBLY SOFT
- COMFORTABLE
- Designed for all-weather
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
To conclude, rubber boots are indeed reliable and safe but pairing it with appropriate socks will help you fully utilize the benefits of it. We all know that painful blisters or uncomfortable feet are a distraction at work.
And socks do a lot more than just keep your boots from rubbing against your feet and causing blisters, because believe it or not, they are crucial to the longevity of your shoes as well.
