If you're having problems with blisters on your feet or if the expensive athletic shoes that fit so well in the store don't seem to cut it in your daily workouts, maybe the shoe's not the problem at all. When you're working out, a good pair of athletic socks comes second only to the proper shoes. If you've been wearing some generic brand of sock while running or walking, your feet may be suffering for it. At the very least, you're probably shocked at how often you run through the things - they wear out and get holes constantly. The truth is that your average, everyday cotton sock - yes, even those thick ones - really don't cut it for working out. Not even for fitness walkers. Yes, high-quality athletic socks are more expensive, but in the long run they're more economical because they last longer and you'll save on the bandages you were buying for your sore tootsies. Today's athletic socks are designed for specific needs and best of all they feel great. Seriously - try a few pairs and you'll never want to go back to the cheap stuff. Here are some pointers for buying the right socks:

• Get synthetic. Yep, this is one time when natural isn't better. Cotton, as you may already know, retains moisture and wears out quickly. You don't have to eschew cotton completely - it can be part of the blend, just not the majority. Look for synthetic fabrics with names like CoolMax, Orelle or Dri-Fit - any fabrics that claim to "wick away" moisture. That's what you are looking for.
• Your socks should match your activity. Socks are now designed for a variety of activities, with padding where you need it most for whatever it is you're doing. There are socks for walking, running, playing tennis, hiking and a number of other activities. If you can't find a sock specifically fashioned for your favorite form of exercise, at least pick a good, thick sock made with one of the wicking materials.
• Socks are gender-specific. Men's feet and women's feet are built quite differently (in case you haven't noticed), so you'll only get a really good fit if you buy socks made for your own sex.
• One last note - make sure there is room in your shoe for a nice, thick athletic sock. It's amazing how many people, even those who prize themselves on their fitness awareness, buy shoes that are too small. Your athletic shoe should generally be a little larger than your regular shoes so that you have room for a thicker sock (that is, providing your regular shoes are the right size for you to begin with). If you have any doubt about your shoe size, have your foot measured, and when you're shopping for athletic shoes, do it at the end of the day and wear the type of athletic socks you will be wearing when you work out. There's no use in stuffing high-quality socks into shoes that will make your feet feel claustrophobic.

If you're shopping online for athletic socks, visit Road Runner Sports.