How I Hiked the 96 Mile West Highland Way at 61 Years Old

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By Susan Cornell

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My introduction to compression socks started when we were flying to Indonesia in February. Door to door (Connecticut to Indonesia) this is a 42-hour commute which I completely dreaded! My daughter, who travels internationally quite often, suggested I try compression socks. So, I googled “best compression socks,” read a zillion reviews, and went with Sockwell.

I tried the competitor on the trip to Indonesia and was satisfied but not over-the-moon thrilled. They are better than nothing but the fabric is thin and not as soft as Sockwells.

When we returned from Indonesia, my husband and I started training for the West Highland Way. I was really nervous that I would not succeed as, while I’m in good shape for my age, I am 61 … and I have Hallux Rigidus (arthritis) in my right big toe.

I found that the days I trained with Sockwells, I was in so much less pain than when I wore regular socks. And, I was able to cut way back on acetaminophen. Given the choice of popping pills or wearing compression socks, I’d definitely go with the socks - so much healthier!

Hiking in Scotland was certainly not easy but I never had a blister or pain. The feet photos on the West Highland Way Facebook pages were not pretty. I wondered why anyone would set out on such a long journey without proper gear. While one in our group dropped out of the hike, many certainly moaned about sore legs and feet LOL.

I wore only Sockwells … every single day. Sure, I brought other socks just in case but found no reason to wear them. If something works, why switch?

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