In order for battle footwear to do its job, it’s essential to be equipped with breathable socks that prevent blisters and promote comfort.

Sure, there are somewhat expensive socks on the market that can claim all of the above and more. However, none are as strategically designed as Covert Threads.

Founded by a former U.S. Marine and a sock designer, the business grew from meeting the need for a comfortable hot-weather sock. Since its initial sock—the Sand Military Boot Sock (pictured on the right)—the company has grown to carry more than six kinds of socks as well as various military garments.

The best part about the socks? They’re fairly affordable.

With a price range of $6 to $20, the socks come in a variety of styles based around a certain climate. For example, the Rock Sock was created for those going on long-distance treks or carting around a lot of gear.

Most of the Covert Threads socks contain the following features:

• Achilles heel protection with extra padding or abrasion-resistant nylon.
• Blister prevention with special friction-reducing wool.
• Silver lining wards off infections and foot fungus.
• Built in arch support
• Instep Flexzone keeps socks from bunching.
• Specialty “Y”-shaped heel that fits the foot’s contour.

Meanwhile, the Swiss are hard at work on high-tech “Sweat Management” socks for the military. The prototype wool and synthetic socks, which are said to absorb sweat and prevent blisters, were recently tested on 60 recruits.

Israeli soldiers are also playing guinea pigs for another type of socks—ones that can be worn for two weeks without smelling. Something tells us there’s probably a market for those socks outside of military wear.