The chilly weather is almost upon us. We’ve said goodbye to the heat and humidity and replaced it with cold breezes and freezing temperatures. When the temps drop, and your feet get chilly, it’s hard to keep the rest of your body warm. When the weather turns cold, the body’s blood circulation slows down. This will initially affect those parts of the body farthest away from the heart – like the lower legs, feet, arms, lower arms and hands. How can you stay warm and dry in the winter? Compression in the winter!
Blood vessels begin to narrow when the temperatures are colder, which reduces blood flow near the body’s surface. This can start the process of frostbite. For those with underlying medical conditions that contribute to poor blood circulation, cold temperatures can be even more difficult.
Luckily, the right compression sock can do the trick for keeping your feet warm while also helping with circulation in the colder months. Graduated compression socks are made specifically to increase blood flow in the lower legs. It is warm blood that keeps our core body temperature steady and prevents cold feet, hands and ears.
It’s important to look for compression socks that keep your feet dry. Socks that help absorb body sweat and moisture, or that feature moisture-wicking properties to help keep your feet dry can increase warmth in the feet. The best compression socks for those with cold feet with poor circulation will prevent heat loss by regulating your body temperature.
The mediven® line of premium compression from medi features an innovative technology called Clima Comfort that reduces perspiration buildup while preventing the skin from drying out with our patented knit fabric. When moisture is transported away from the skin, better temperature control is met, keeping the skin warm. This is particularly important in the cold winter months. In addition, soft fibers with Lanolin wick moisture away, keeping you dry and thus warmer in the colder months.
Choosing the right material in your compression sock that is both breathable and moisture-wicking is also something to consider, especially if you prefer more athletic activities this winter. Merino wool is a plush-enhanced thermal fabric that applies a warming effect to feet.
The CEP line of athletic compression wear has a full line of compression socks made with merino wool that are perfect for skiing or long winter hikes. The merino wool helps the feet stay nice and warm thanks to the premium merino thermal yarns, with their heat and moisture regulating properties that keep the feet fresh, warm and comfortably dry. The compression helps reduce swelling, while the thermal design offers comfort and keeps you warm on the coldest of days. The natural merino wool feels pleasantly soft on the skin and offers luxurious comfort. Its natural fibers warm you up and the material composition of synthetic fibers, wool and spandex creates an extra-thin, elastic fabric.
For those who want a little more coverage but still compression-focused, look no further than compression leggings! Fall and winter are the perfect seasons for leggings, and compression leggings can offer even more coverage than a compression sock but with similar benefits.
The mediven® comfort sculpt is a footless compression legging designed for all lifestyles. Its integrated tummy shaper sculpts the waist while the graduated compression profile works to support circulation and reduce leg pain. One of the best features is the temperature and moisture-management the leggings offer, with soft fibers that wick moisture away for a more comfortable fit.
It’s important to choose the right compression gear this winter that not only fits your lifestyle and activity level, but that also will provide you with the right level of moisture control. Cold temperatures will slow down blood flow, which naturally makes you feel colder. Blood vessels will narrow when it is cold, requiring more pressure to maintain flow. Luckily, compression socks and leggings can help moderate body temperature and increase blood flow in the winter months.
