Dec. 17, 2005
 
All I Want for Christmas is …Socks!
 
By Lisa O’Donnell
Winston-Salem Journal
 
Winston-Salem, NC -- I really do want socks for Christmas. Not knee-highs or striped toe socks. But performance socks. That's a pretty lofty adjective to describe a sock. But for people who run, hike, cycle or spend any significant time sweating, a good sock can keep foot funk at bay while providing some much-needed cushion.
 
Even gear junkies with a taste for high-end gadgets and cutting-edge technology will appreciate a good pair of socks.
 
Champion's new line of socks, Advanced Performance, are designed to pull moisture away from the foot, balance foot temperature and prevent bacterial growth, which can make feet stink. The socks come in a variety of styles and provide cushion at different levels. They sell for about $9. Here a few more items to consider:
 
* Road cyclists and mountain bikers need a good set of shades to shield their eyes from the sun, debris and overhanging limbs. A $5 pair of sunglasses from the drugstore won't cut it. Specialized makes eyewear designed to take a beating. The lenses on these glasses darken or lighten depending on the light conditions. No more changing lenses or propping them on the head. The lenses are also coated with a material that makes them hard to break. High-end models, many by Specialized, like their Singletrack Optics, sell for $140, so think twice before giving them to someone prone to losing things.
 
* On the cheaper side, backpackers will enjoy a nifty new cook stove, er, a personalized cooking system made by Jetboil that sells for $79 at many outdoor and gear stores. This efficient canister stove has earned raves from outdoors magazines for its ability to bring liquid to a boil in about a minute. The one-liter canister, burner base and heat exchanger fit together in one unit. The canister, which holds a liter, is wrapped in an insulated cozy so that it can be held while eating. The Jetboil weighs 15 ounces and can fit in fanny packs.
 
* One of the hottest sellers this year is a waterproof case for Apple iPods and MP3 players. Now, kayakers, surfers and other people who play in the water can listen to their favorite tunes. The cases, which are made by H2O Audio, are designed to give listeners access to the dials and control buttons. Each case comes with a waterproof headset and silicone earplugs. Accessories include armbands and swim belts. It can be submersed in up to 10 feet of water. The cases sell for $150.
 
* Back in the day, people didn't ride their bikes when it got dark. But a new breed of lights has eliminated much of the danger from night riding on the roads or in the woods. Lights made by Light & Motion and NiteRider can be mounted on the handlebars or helmet. The lights throw a broad, white light onto the path, giving bicyclists a long view and making them visible to motorists.
 
The lamps employ a technology called High Intensity Discharge, which does a better job approximating natural light than a halogen bulb.
 
The lights sell for between $400 and $550.
 
Or, there's always socks.
 
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com