This past weekend I had the
opportunity to help at the Gold Rush Adventure Race in Northern California. While
the weather was great to start, over the day and evening, and into the night,
rain and cold came in. Everyone was wet and certainly the racers were cold in
addition to being fully soaked.
It
is easy to think when we are cold to simply add layers, or thicker materials.
In many cases, this works. But we have to be careful when this thought is
applied to our feet.
Athletes
need to understand that when we have our feet in socks and then inside shoes,
there has to be some space. Call it air space, extra space, wiggle room,
whatever you want – it’s necessary for good circulation.
Adding
another layer of sock, or going to a thicker sock, may make the fit of the foot
in the shoe too tight. Socks that are too tight in your shoes can cause vascular
constriction. The circulation of your blood is compromised. This can lead to
even colder feet, and in extreme conditions or for extended periods of time,
can cause cellular damage.
Do
yourself a favor. As winter's cold draws closer, be careful not to compromise
the circulation of your feet with the wrong socks. Your feet will thank you.
