Keeping your feet dry is definitely a matter of comfort. Walking around in wet socks just feels terrible. But did you know that it also leads to medical problems? There are certain risks associated with continuously exposing your feet to excess moisture – whether it's through wet socks or some other means.
To put it bluntly, there are some inherent dangers that come with walking around in wet socks. We believe that protecting your dress shoes against the weather is motivation enough to invest in a good pair of shoe covers. But if you won't do it for you shoes, think about doing it for your feet.
Friction Equal Sores and Blisters
Your feet experience friction whenever you walk. That friction exists even when your shoes and socks are completely dry. The problem with wet socks is that they increase friction significantly. This is due to the tension effect of the water in the socks. Regardless of the physics and chemistry involved, the result is a greater risk of blisters and sores.
Blisters and sores only increase the discomfort caused by the socks themselves. And if you are not careful, those blisters and sores can eventually get infected. That is the last thing you need for your feet.
Foot Rashes
Human skin is naturally covered in different types of bacteria. It is beneficial bacteria and part of the immune system. However, walking around in wet socks creates an unhealthy environment in which those bacteria can proliferate. The result could be an imbalance that leads to rashes, athlete's foot, and other problems. Again, these are issues you don't want to have with your feet.
Most people do not realize just how delicately balanced human skin is. It doesn't take much to throw off that balance. And once the balance is off, getting it back can be difficult. So it's best to just avoid problems by taking care of your feet.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Walking around with wet socks can lead to more serious issues like hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops too low. Frostbite is a condition in which tissue actually begins to freeze. Both issues are extremely dangerous.
Wet socks can contribute to both by robbing your feet of heat. As the water in your socks and shoes absorb heat, the skin gets colder than it should. Over time, this can lead to either of the two conditions. Both are considered medical emergencies. Nevertheless, both are avoidable just by keeping your socks dry.
Trench Foot
Though trench foot is extremely rare among people whose feet get wet only occasionally, it is still a possibility. Trench foot can occur when the feet get wet and stay wet for too long a time. The constant exposure to moisture actually prevents air circulation and causes nerve numbness. Over time, the surface of the skin can be deprived of blood and oxygen. When that happens, tissue can begin to die.
Believe it or not, it is estimated that trench foot killed or injured tens of thousands of soldiers in WWI. It is nothing to mess around with. Thankfully, it's not an issue most business professionals have to worry about.
Just Keep Them Dry
The point we are making here is that allowing your socks to get wet is not a good idea. And if they do get wet, walking around that way makes things even worse. Your best bet for avoiding the dangers of wet socks is to just keep them dry. We recommend waterproof overshoes as your main line of defense. They are well worth the investment.
