Compression Stockings in Summer: Your Guide to Comfort and Style

Written by Brittany Stuckless on May 27, 2024

What comes to mind when you think of compression stockings? Thick, wool socks and the dead of winter? In actuality, summer compression stockings are just as popular. The sweltering heat can add several obstacles for those who need compression gear and people with summer leg health concerns. Keep reading to find out how to pivot from your winter needs and wear compression stockings comfortably this summer!

Who Needs Compression Stockings In The Summer?

Compression stockings help with many summer foot health issues by improving blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clotting and reducing heat-related swelling.

These benefits can become more imperative in the summer for many people. First, you may amp up your traveling, which can lead to spending long hours cooped up in planes, trains and cars – wreaking havoc on your lower leg health. They’re also essential for those with health concerns that are exacerbated by heat, like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and pregnancy.

Best Comfortable Compression Wear for the Summer

Sigvaris sea island cotton and linen Summer compression stockings

The number one thing to remember when inquiring about summer compression stockings? Cotton!

You should wear socks made with cotton since it’s a natural fibre that also functions as a water absorber, letting air in and out while wicking away excess summer foot sweat. In other words, cotton socks are breathable, lightweight and have solid ventilation. Additionally, you may want open-toe designs for extra airflow.

When it comes to practical and stylish compression stockings, Sigvaris can’t be beat. Their linen and sea island cotton socks are especially good for the summer. With this special and rare cotton, they feel luxurious to the touch. But their lightness and breathability without sacrificing compression levels (they’re available in 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg) are what makes them perfect for the warmest months.

The best part? These stockings also blend in perfectly with your summer outfits and don’t look like a typical medical device. To the eye, they look exactly like stylish, comfy socks. It’s the best of both worlds!

To get your own pair, check out Feet First Clinic’s compression stocking service.

Step Into Feet First Clinic This Summer!

For your compression stocking solutions, we have everything you need under one roof! Call us at (416) 769-3338 or book an appointment here!

Thank you to Sigvaris for the image source!

About Author: Brittany Stuckless

Brittany holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Memorial University of Newfoundland. With a diverse background in journalism and marketing, she got her start as a freelance content writer. She currently works as a Marketing Assistant at Real Food for Real Kids in addition to her role as a writer at Feet First Clinic. Previously, Brittany has been a journalist for the Ontario Learning Development Foundation and Immigrant Muse magazine, and an Administrative and Marketing Assistant at Evolve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy. Originally from Newfoundland, she has lived in Toronto since 2014.

Learn more about Brittany Stuckless

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August 20, 2019

Best Socks For Your Feet That Won’t Break The Bank

You already have the shoes. Now for the next most important piece of gear for your feet: socks. Socks are your first line of defense when it comes to blisters and other foot problems. You wear them during the toughest conditions including heat and during exercise. Plus, they're on your feet for hours on end. So, you're best off choosing a comfortable pair that are built to last. Below we round up some popular athletic socks for when you exercise. Darn Tough Darn Tough are premium Merino wool socks that go the distance. Each of their products are guaranteed for life. A personal favourite is the Vertex 1/4 Ultra-Light (ankle-length). The Ultra-Light is the perfect height of a sock and the material is thin but also withstands “tougher than hell” conditions. Ankle length cuts are perfect for winter when you’re wearing long tights since it eliminates exposed skin. Injinji Injinji, known as toe socks, are the most fascinating brand featured on this list. The unique approach to socks, in part because each toe is isolated from each other, helps prevent blisters while “while freeing them [toes] to splay and align naturally for better comfort and feel.” Their socks come in a variety of heights including hidden, no-show, micro, mini-crew, crew, and over the half, as well as in various materials depending on the purpose, whether that’s trail running or as a liner. Our personal recommendation is the Run Lightweight No-Show. Lululemon As Lululemon continues to go all-in on running, the Vancouver-based athletic brand continues to put out stellar accessories. Lululemon’s socks, which can be described as thinner and softer than many other running socks, are offered in primarily no-show length for women. For men, there are a few other options if you’re into the higher cut (which to mention can be good for trail running when there's harsher terrain and brush). You can purchase a three-pack for as low as $38. Smartwool Smartwool is known as the Merino wool brand. The outdoors-focused brand makes some of the best socks you can find including the PhD Run Light Elite Low Cut Socks, which are made of 52% Merino wool, a natural fibre made from Merino sheep. The material is super soft, cancels out odour, and is perfect for all-around conditions in Canada including in the summer and winter. The way it does this? The fibre helps regulate body temperature by adjusting to the surrounding conditions. Smartwool also offers men’s- and women’s-specific fits. Stance There are few trendier apparel companies right now than Stance, and they’re dominating the athletic sock market as a whole. Widely available at stores across Canada, Stance socks are accessible to all runners. The Tab Collection is a favourite among wearers as they’re lightweight and fit just right based on the contours of your feet. The Uncommon Run Tab also has a nice “tab” on the heel providing additional coverage. At $20 a pair, Stance is on the pricier side among socks but don’t be skipping out on costs when it comes to socks when you’re spending $100+ on footwear. Balega You’ll be pressed to find better socks than Balega. They feature moisture-wicking fabric, ultralight material, blister resistance thanks to natural mohair wool, and they're odour-free. Balega is a household name in the running industry and trusted across the board for being a top-notch sock. Each sock comes with a contoured fit and deep heel pocket as well as ventilation pockets for breathability. We recommend the Balega Enduro Quarter for your sock needs. Drymax As the name suggests, Drymax aims to keep your feet drier than leading competitors. Minimizing moisture within your shoes is essential when trying to prevent chafing and blisters. For that reason, Drymax is one of the best in the business. Try the Maximum Protection Running Sock if you experience blisters on a regular basis and are looking for a premium product. The material is soft and the length is just right, reaching just above the ankle. Steigen Steigen socks are designed for high-performance athletes. But just because they’re meant for the pros, doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t benefit from the no-blister, breathable and low moisture socks. The lightweight socks come in a variety of cuts so it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. For those looking to brighten up their wardrobe, go with the half-length eye-popping Fluro Red Running Socks. Feetures Backed by a lifetime guarantee, you know Feetures last you for hundreds, if not thousands of kilometres. Feetures mixes targeted compression, a seamless toe, and super soft fabric to create the perfect athletic socks. What’s particularly great about Feetures is that there are multiple categories for different purposes. From performance-based to plantar fasciitis relief to everyday usage, there are plenty of different styles and purposes that Feetures covers. Go for the Elite Light Cushion Quarter if you’re looking for a nice balance of comfort and cushion. You can find a selection of socks and get a feel for them yourself in person at Feet First Clinic at 2481 Bloor St W. We’re open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

June 27, 2024

Best Shoes for Construction Workers

Construction workers face challenging demands on the job site, including long hours, potential safety hazards, and variable weather conditions. There are few jobs where footwear is more important than on a construction site. Proper footwear is critical for comfort, safety, and overall health. This blog explores how to find the best shoes for construction workers. We dive into the balance between durability, safety features, and foot health, which are vital for your job. Durability Construction sites are full of heavy equipment and sharp objects and tools. Hazards range from sharp objects to heavy machinery. The best shoes and boots for construction workers should be durable, made from leather or synthetic blends, and be able to withstand abrasions and falling objects. Keep your toes and feet safe with toe caps or sturdy outsoles - ideally both. Refined safety features Safety is a top priority on the job site. When choosing footwear, opt for models that meet or exceed industry safety standards set forth by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health. Features like steel or composite toe caps provide essential protection against impact and compression injuries, while puncture-resistant midsoles shield your feet from sharp objects on the ground. Additionally, slip-resistant outsoles help prevent accidents on wet or slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Refer to the CCOSH's guide for symbols, or markings, on footwear to determine which is appropriate for the job. Comfort Long hours spent on your feet can be grueling. It's not uncommon for construction workers to be on their feet for 10+ hours per day. Shop for shoes with adequate support through the arch and heel, and invest in removable insoles or orthotic inserts for even greater support. If you're a construction worker in Toronto, our licensed chiropodists can do a biomechanical assessment to determine the best insoles for your foot condition. Grip and footing The type of flooring used in the workplace influences comfort, especially on feet. Unforgiving surfaces like concrete are the least comfortable to work on—your feet and legs absorb all the impact compared to a softer surface. Further, slippery floors (whether smooth or wet) are hazardous for slips and falls. If not careful, you can be exposed to injuries like sprained ankles or broken foot bones. Fit Durability and safety features are effective only when your shoes fit the contours and mould of your foot. When trying construction footwear, test out the fit with the same socks and attire you'd be wearing on the job site. If you decide to purchase online, we recommend using the manufacturer's sizing guide for directions, or finding a local retailer to try the shoes on in-store.

June 24, 2024

Yellow Bottoms of the Feet: What it Means

Oh no, yellow feet! This seemingly alarming skin pigmentation is not usually cause for concern and is far more common than you think. Yellow feet commonly present as yellow bottoms of the feet and are usually not an immediate emergency. That said, they should be looked at during a foot assessment as there may be underlying medical causes or dermatological conditions at play. Let’s review the top culprits for yellow skin on the bottom of your feet. Calluses and Corns If the yellow skin on your feet feels hard to the touch and only occurs in certain spots (the whole foot isn’t yellow), you probably just have a lot of thick calluses! Imagine your feet are like well-trodden paths; the more you walk on them without protective footwear, the thicker and tougher they become, forming “callused armour” which often has a yellow hue. One of the most well-known podiatric concerns, calluses can be treated if they become a problem for hygienic reasons and also to prevent them from becoming more painful, infected or ruining your skin’s integrity and strength. Corns can also cause thick, yellow skin. Calluses and corns can be easily removed by a chiropodist using sterilized, medical-grade equipment. Read more about how our chiropodists treat calluses. Hyperkeratosis A dermatological condition called hyperkeratosis causes excessive hard and yellow calluses that can cover the majority of the bottom of your foot. When combined like this they can be a lot worse than solitary calluses and are more likely to crack, bleed, and hurt. Carotenemia You are what you eat! And in this case, you may be eating too many carotene-rich foods (like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins — anything orange!) if the entire bottom of your foot has a mild, yellow hue. The good news? This is harmless. While noticing this effect on the bottom of the feet can be disconcerting, it may also occur on your face, which might have a positive effect on your confidence. Studies show these mild, facial skin changes can contribute to the overall appearance of health and vitality in humans. Pretty cool! Jaundice Jaundice is a serious occurrence that points to a poorly functioning liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Your doctor will help you determine the root cause. A tell-tale sign that you’re experiencing jaundice is if the yellow colour is quite strong, and if the whites of your eyes are also yellow (sclera). If you don’t have any other symptoms outside of mildly yellow feet, it’s unlikely you have jaundice, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Fungal Infections Athlete’s foot causes flaky and itchy skin clusters around your toes and the ball of the foot. They look red or pink when irritated, but sometimes turn whitish yellow. Don’t try to treat this at home - you might damage your skin and nail health. Seek guidance from your local Toronto foot clinic instead! They can point you towards the right ointments, creams and other treatments. Learn more about treatment and prevention. Anemia This medical condition affects your red blood cells and impairs oxygen flow throughout your body. The entire foot or entire bottom of the foot will have a bright, yet mild, yellow tint. If your feet are cold to the touch in addition to being yellow, you might have anemia.

May 27, 2024

Compression Stockings in Summer: Your Guide to Comfort and Style

What comes to mind when you think of compression stockings? Thick, wool socks and the dead of winter? In actuality, summer compression stockings are just as popular. The sweltering heat can add several obstacles for those who need compression gear and people with summer leg health concerns. Keep reading to find out how to pivot from your winter needs and wear compression stockings comfortably this summer! Who Needs Compression Stockings In The Summer? Compression stockings help with many summer foot health issues by improving blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clotting and reducing heat-related swelling. These benefits can become more imperative in the summer for many people. First, you may amp up your traveling, which can lead to spending long hours cooped up in planes, trains and cars – wreaking havoc on your lower leg health. They’re also essential for those with health concerns that are exacerbated by heat, like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and pregnancy. Best Comfortable Compression Wear for the Summer Sigvaris sea island cotton and linen Summer compression stockings The number one thing to remember when inquiring about summer compression stockings? Cotton! You should wear socks made with cotton since it's a natural fibre that also functions as a water absorber, letting air in and out while wicking away excess summer foot sweat. In other words, cotton socks are breathable, lightweight and have solid ventilation. Additionally, you may want open-toe designs for extra airflow. When it comes to practical and stylish compression stockings, Sigvaris can’t be beat. Their linen and sea island cotton socks are especially good for the summer. With this special and rare cotton, they feel luxurious to the touch. But their lightness and breathability without sacrificing compression levels (they're available in 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg) are what makes them perfect for the warmest months. The best part? These stockings also blend in perfectly with your summer outfits and don't look like a typical medical device. To the eye, they look exactly like stylish, comfy socks. It's the best of both worlds! To get your own pair, check out Feet First Clinic’s compression stocking service.

May 23, 2024

Cooling Foot Treatments for Summer

One thing many of us forget about until it hits is the annoyance of having hot feet in the summer. The blazing sun, your enclosed running shoes, and spending hours outside can really crank up the heat on your feet, making them feel downright uncomfortable. That's where summer foot care comes in handy. You'll definitely want some cooling foot treatments ready for when your feet get hot, and luckily, we’ve got you covered. Best Summer Foot Care Cooling Foot Treatments Foot Soaks Foot Creams Foot Gels / Aloe Vera Cold Towel Wraps Ice Packs Foot Ice Pack Wrap Foot Massagers Cold Water Soaks Foot Soaks On a hot summer day, refreshing foot soaks are always the way to go! Prepare your foot bath with relaxing lukewarm water (hot water can be damaging to the skin, and your feet are too warm for that anyway!) and add your foot soak product of choice for added benefits. Try Gehwol’s Herbal Foot Bath for the most well-rounded experience! This will also soothe tired, aching feet. Foot Gels / Aloe Vera Gels may also be exactly what your stifled feet need. You can try gels with aloe vera, which is naturally hydrating due to its high water content. Aloe vera also evaporates quickly when applied to the skin, providing fast relief. Cold Towel Wraps Sometimes you have exactly what you need waiting for you at home! To cool down, soak a towel in cold water, wring it out, and wrap it around your feet. This method is simple and can be very refreshing. Foot Creams One of the best foot pampering tips is moisturizing your feet with high-quality creams. Not only do these products protect against dry skin, foot odour, calluses, corns, cracked heels, and more, but the cream also has a pleasant cooling effect. Look for creams with eucalyptus or menthol, which both have added cooling and soothing capabilities. Gehwol’s Extra Universal Foot Cream contains those two additional ingredients. Ice Packs Ice packs aren’t just for pain relief! You can use a cold ice pack, gel pack, or frozen water bottle to cool your feet during the hot summer days and nights. Wrap these items in a towel first to avoid making a mess! Foot Ice Pack Wrap These are essentially ice packs that cover your whole foot and have the appearance of a shoe, slipper or ankle brace. They may work for cooling hot feet, but also treating painful foot conditions. Foot Massagers Some electric foot massagers come with a cooling option that can help relax and cool your feet simultaneously. To get the same effect, you can use a small fan and position it so it faces your feet! Cold Water Soak Foot baths are generally used with warm to lukewarm water, but combining cold water with Epsom salt or your favourite foot soak product in a basin can have a more cooling effect than warm water, the latter of which is better suited for boosting blood circulation and pain management.

May 16, 2024

Summer Sports 2024: Foot Care for Athletes

Top-notch athletic foot health is key, especially when summer rolls around. Your activity level changes in the summer when you start spending more time outdoors pounding the pavement in the sun. To make sure your feet don't hold you back from your summer plans, here are our top summer sports foot care tips for healthy feet. Preventing Summer Sports Injuries in Athletes When it comes to foot care and sports, the right footwear and healthy exercises/stretches are always a winning combo. Below you’ll find the most common strain-related summer sports injuries and what you can do to stay on your feet! Achilles Tendonitis Avoid straining the Achilles tendon by gradually increasing activity intensity. For example, run shorter distances while working your way up to longer journeys. Stretch the calf muscles / Achilles tendon every day. Try the calf exercises in this article. Also make sure you stretch your soleus muscle too! Wear runners with an elevated heel, turned-up toe and rocker soles. (Learn more about rocker soles here.) Ankle Sprains Wear athletic shoes with stong ankle support while playing sports like basketball and volleyball. Shoes with wider soles can help too. If you’re prone to sprains or tend to overpronate when you walk, try stability shoes. Strengthen your ankles with these exercises. Stress Fractures Stability and motion control shoes with a more rigid design and thick soles are good for runners who may be prone to stress fractures. Gradually increase activity intensity to avoid hurting yourself, especially if you have been on hiatus! To avoid stress fractures while strength training or weight lifting, wear a shoe with a wider toe box, a hard/thick sole and a minimum level of cushioning. Plantar Fasciitis Wear the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. These tend to be stability shoes, but neutral can also work. The key thing is to look for shoes with sufficient arch support. Perform strengthening and preventative stretches that target the plantar fascia. These include calf stretches, towel stretches, and more that you can find here. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) Prevent knee pain by strength training, paying close attention to the quadriceps and hip muscles. Avoid shoes with a raised heel, as they can place too much pressure on the knee joint. There should be a medium amount of cushioning in shoes; too much can cause knee instability. Foot Care Tips for Preventing All Injuries Footwear should always be well-fitted and supportive, regardless of what injury you're trying to prevent. Certain features can help defend against specific injuries, but shoes must always fit properly, leaving enough room for the foot to position itself and for the toes to spread. Shoes must also always have some level cushioning and support. Lightweight shoes tend to be beneficial for athletes when competing so they can propel forward more effortlessly. Additionally, athletes should always wear running shoes with good shock absorption; it acts as a barrier between your joints and the impact from the ground. You can also boost your protection with custom orthotics or Superfeet insoles. These offer extra support for your feet and joints. Preventing Skin Conditions in Athletes One of the most infamous skin issues athletes face in the summertime are blisters. Running outside in the hot sun can cause increased friction and moisture buildup in your shoe environment. Even though most blisters go away on their own, competitive runners and racers can sometimes face serious blister complications like intense pain, sepsis, and cellulitis. Ensure your footwear fits well so your skin isn’t rubbing harshly against your shoes. To tackle the moisture problem, try sweat-wicking socks and foot deodorants, which come as sprays, powders and creams (these can also help with foot odour and athlete's foot prevention). Medical devices like custom orthotics, insoles and blister pads can also help place feet in the best position for preventing blisters.

May 13, 2024

Pedicure Safety: Tips for Healthy Summer Feet 2024

Summer foot care and pedicures - can you name a more iconic duo? Showing off a sleek pedi is one of the best ways to enjoy the warm months. But safe pedicures differ greatly from your run-of-the-mill cosmetic pedicure, so it’s important to be on the lookout for the safest way of avoiding pedicure infections. We’ve got 3 pedicure safety tips you should follow before you hit the salon! Top 3 Pedicure Safety Tips Choose clean salons or foot clinics Avoid certain tools Practice aftercare Choose Clean Salons or Foot Clinics Only visit nail salons that demonstrate good practices. Be on the lookout for: An organized workspace. Equipment sanitization protocols. An autoclave with steam sterilization is best. Employees visibly maintaining hygienic standards. Employees using disposable liners in the foot baths, and cleaning and filtering them between uses. Fresh linens (if applicable). Clean floors and surfaces. Clean uniforms on employees. Clear labels on products. Clients wearing protective footwear when walking around. Another good tip is visiting your nail salon when they first open in the morning, when everything is cleanest! Pedicures at Feet First Clinic Foot clinics are where you can get a medical pedicure, which tends to be safer than a cosmetic pedicure. Appointments don’t happen in communal areas, unlike salons, so you’re already in a safer environment with less people spreading contagious fungal infections. And although you’ll be skipping the polish (you can always apply it yourself afterwards!) and foot bath (again, you can do this at home - foot baths at nail salons are not hygienic, especially if the bath has jets), you’ll be enjoying so much more than you can get from many salons. This includes: Guaranteed use of sterilized, safe tools. A thorough cleaning of the entire foot with alcohol. An inspection of your feet from a chiropodist who can recognize foot conditions. Thorough cleaning of dead skin(onychophosis) under the nails. Callus softening or removal. Learn more about what happens during a medical pedicure and the differences between a cosmetic vs. a medical pedicure. Avoid Certain Tools Nail technicians in salons use many tools, but you should kindly request they skip some of them. One of these is the foot rasp or “grater” they use to scrape the bottom of the feet. It can be overly abrasive and damage the skin, leading to irritation and cuts. Strong skin is a barrier for contaminants, and damaged skin welcomes dirt and infections. To protect your feet even more, you can skip tools that don’t appear to be properly sanitized or cleaned between uses, or avoid tools with visible signs of wear and tear. Practice Aftercare After getting your pedicure, it’s up to you to keep on top of proper foot care! Here’s what to do: Avoid tight shoes that crowd the toes. This can cause ingrown toenails. Wash your feet every day with gentle soap before thoroughly drying. If you must cut your own toenails, only trim straight across, avoiding shaping. Moisturize and exfoliate your feet. Wear clean cotton socks and change them frequently.

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Compression Stockings in Summer: Your Guide to Comfort and Style

Who Needs Compression Stockings In The Summer?

Best Comfortable Compression Wear for the Summer

Step Into Feet First Clinic This Summer!

About Author: Brittany Stuckless

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Yellow Bottoms of the Feet: What it Means

Compression Stockings in Summer: Your Guide to Comfort and Style

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Summer Sports 2024: Foot Care for Athletes

Pedicure Safety: Tips for Healthy Summer Feet 2024

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