Moisture-wicking, form-fitting socks
Not all socks are created equal. Developed by a collaboration of U.S. manufacturers that have been weaving socks for generations, FITS incorporates tech and premium materials to provide comfort and moisture control. Each pair is designed to cushion properly – from toe to heel to cuff – so there’s no looseness, with compression around the foot and leg for mild pressure to increase blood flow. You can choose socks made from merino wool, which has natural moisture-wicking and anti-microbial qualities, or FITS’ Omega Performance Yarn, a synthetic, breathable material that keeps the feet dry. Our favorite is the Casual socks with their cool designs.
Everyday footwearBluprint is a brand-new footwear company, launching in July, that brings the best footwear tech to fashion-focused shoes. We’re stoked about the Laguna because it has the cool look of a boot, yet the comfort of a well-supported sneaker. Traditionally, most boots aren’t comfortable to wear or practical to pack, and your feet get pretty stinky after a day’s wear. But the Laguna is lightweight and made with soft materials. Plus, these boots don’t use cement in the lining, which makes them breathable. Layers in the construction, including a proprietary cushioning insole, offer proper foot support. Whether you’re pounding the pavement or attending a meeting, these shoes let you dress up and down.
Smarter gym shoes
While keeping your feet healthy is important, Altra’s forthcoming IQ can tell you how healthy they are. Working with an app (Android and iOS) and an embedded sensor, the shoes can measure impact and balance, which part of your feet hits the ground first, track cadence (how many times your feet touches ground during a period of running), and the amount of time spent on the ground (ground contact time). Using technology developed by sister-company iFit, the IQ gives you metrics to help you become more informed about your feet health and improve your form, whether it’s running on the hotel gym’s treadmill or walking around town.
You’ll put 75,000 miles on your feet by the time you hit 50, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, yet foot health is often neglected. They take an even worse beating when we travel, when we tend to put on more miles than we normally would, cramp them in tight coach seats, or place more pressure on them from carrying luggage or shopping bags. Abused and left untreated, poor foot health could lead to complications down the road.
There are some easy, basic tips for staying healthy when on the road. They include not bringing brand-new shoes, packing light, and maintaining good blood circulation. But even if you don’t pay attention to what you’re slipping on, packing the following items will make all that extra walking around town or sitting in a coach seat for 13 hours not only a bit more bearable. Here are four footwear-tech products for keeping the dogs healthy.
