For those of you suffering from cold feet again today. — Thinking about measures against cold sensitivity [Recommended socks also introduced]

Hello.
I am Akuru, who runs the sock workshop Toré.

I have produced millions of pairs of socks in the field of major apparel OEM.

In this note, based on that experience, I write about the mechanisms of socks and the body, which are not usually conscious of, as clearly as possible.

When winter comes, my feet are so cold I can't sleep.

Even if I wear thick socks, I feel like nothing really changes.

“It can't be helped because I have cold sensitivity.”
Don't you think so?

If you understand the structure, you can take measures!
Today, while organizing the mechanism of cold sensitivity, let's think about measures including socks together.

The true nature of coldness

The true nature of coldness is a “problem of heat circulation and loss.”

It's a bit complicated, but
how heat is generated, how it circulates, and how it is lost.
If you organize what is happening in the body, it can be broken down into three forces.

The power to create heat Muscles generate body heat.
The power to deliver heat Blood flow carries heat to the extremities.
The power to keep heat from escaping Minimizing the heat that goes outside.

When any of these three collapses, coldness occurs.
That means we just need to take measures for these three!

Creating heat — Moving

The most effective measure is to move.

I know it's annoying... I'm sorry.
But, anyway, we have to generate heat.

Because it is to generate, move, and retain heat.

Muscles are factories that create body heat.
In particular, the calf has the role of a pump that returns blood to the heart, so much so that it is called the “second heart.”

If the calf does not move, blood tends to accumulate in the feet, making them prone to coldness.
There are things you can do even during desk work.

• Raising and lowering your heels

• Toe clenching and spreading

• Walk a little once an hour

It doesn't have to be exaggerated exercise.
Moving your feet first is the fundamental countermeasure for coldness.

Delivering heat ― Warming up

Soaking in a bathtub is effective for warming your body from the core.
If you only take a shower, it is difficult for your deep body temperature to rise.

By soaking in a bathtub, you warm up from the center of your body, making it easier for heat to reach your extremities.

There is a priority order for places to warm.
The "three necks" (neck, wrists, and ankles) and the area around your stomach.

Warming these areas where thick blood vessels pass allows heat to circulate efficiently throughout the body.
There is one point of caution.

Water above 42 degrees Celsius tends to make the sympathetic nervous system dominant, which may reduce the relaxation effect.
If you are bathing before sleep, around 40 degrees Celsius is recommended.

Supporting heat ― Diet and lifestyle habits

Meals are not a direct form of insulation, but they are involved in the foundation of maintaining body temperature.

If the habit of drinking cold beverages accumulates, it may affect body temperature maintenance.

Choose warm drinks.
Incorporate ingredients that warm the body, such as root vegetables and ginger.
Continuing as a habit is more important than immediate effects.

And regulating the autonomic nervous system is also the foundation of cold countermeasures.
It is the autonomic nervous system that controls the contraction and expansion of blood vessels.
When the autonomic nervous system is disrupted by stress or lack of sleep, blood flow to the extremities is easily restricted.

• Get enough sleep

• Do not stay in the same posture for a long time

• Do not accumulate too much stress

It is plain, but this builds the foundation for coldness.

Retaining heat: Socks and legwear

This is where socks come into play!!

The role of socks is not to be a 'heat-generating tool,' but rather,
how to protect the heat you already have.
This is what they are responsible for.

Therefore, they only become effective when combined with measures ① through ③.

The greatest enemy of cold sensitivity is 'moisture'

This is the most important perspective when choosing socks.

It is said that feet can sweat up to a cup's worth in a single day.
If this moisture remains in the socks, your body temperature will be rapidly sapped by the heat of vaporization.

The greatest enemy of cold sensitivity is 'moisture'.

A wet state becomes a device that steals heat.
No matter how thick your socks are, if they remain damp and sweaty, they can actually worsen your cold sensitivity.

How to choose materials

Wool
A material that retains heat while releasing moisture.
It is resistant to stuffiness and is best suited for cold sensitivity measures. This is why many mountaineering socks are made of wool.
Silk
It is gentle on the skin and provides warmth.
It is suitable as a base layer for layering.
Cotton
It has high moisture absorption but is difficult to dry.
If you continue to wear them while damp, your body temperature may be sapped by the heat of vaporization. This is a material that those with severe cold sensitivity need to be careful with.

How to choose the structure

Thick
Has many air layers and high heat retention.
However, because it tends to get stuffy, the combination with the material is important.
Compression
If the pressure is appropriate, it supports blood flow in the calves.
However, if it is too strong, it will hinder blood circulation and have the opposite effect.
Layering
Wear thin silk underneath and thick wool on top.
This increases the air layers and improves heat retention.
However, please ensure there is enough room in the size so that it does not become too tight.

When socks have the opposite effect

Socks with too-tight elastic
They hinder blood circulation and actually make your feet colder.
Materials that get stuffy easily
They steal body heat when sweat evaporates. This is the problem of heat of vaporization.
Wearing them while sleeping
If you prevent heat release from your toes, it may become difficult for your core body temperature to drop.

However, this works for some people and not for others.
There are also people who find it easier to sleep when wearing socks at night.
I think it is best to judge while observing your own body's reactions.

The order of cold sensitivity measures

To summarize, it looks like this.

1. Generate heat (move) Fundamental measure. Move your calves.
2. Deliver heat (warm up) Soak in a bathtub and warm the three key areas (neck, wrists, and ankles).
3. Support heat (diet/habits) Prepare the foundation.
4. Retain heat (socks/legwear) Function as the front-line defense.

Recommended socks

I will introduce various recommended socks too!

Okamoto Kutsushita Supple Series

The 'Marude Kotatsu' (Like a Kotatsu) series was a huge hit!

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Kiribai 'Socks that keep feet from getting cold'
These are also good!

Cold-remedy layering basic 4-pair set, silk and organic cotton
I really think layering is great!
It's a bit of a hassle, though.

Thank you for reading until the end.
I will continue to share various information like this, so please like and follow me.

At Sock Workshop Toré, we value this kind of design under the theme of 'Socks that aren't flashy but can be worn every day.'

Toré's socks are here ↓↓

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