We invest so much in running shoes and hardly notice the gap between the foot and the shoe – the sock.
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Table of Contents
What are Running Socks?
Socks are designed especially for running, with extra protection for your feet, improve blood circulation, and foot health, and prevents blisters.
The fabric of running socks is breathable, and padded, and they absorb sweat, which means that the foot is drier than when wearing regular cotton socks.
These features provide temperature control and help in reducing foot problems, such as fungus, peeling, and friction blisters.
Additionally, running sock padding acts as a cushion to absorb shocks. That gives support and more protection to the legs, prevents friction with the shoe, and avoids Achilles tendon issues.
The Key Features of Running Socks:
- Moisture-wicking technology keeps out moisture and sweat from the feet.
- Quality stitching and without stitches in places where it will scratch your toes.
- Usually, have anatomical design and elastic arch support that make them more comfortable and protect your feet.
For a precise anatomical fit, several brands have also socks that conform to the left and right structure of the foot. - Geometric shapes in the fabric stimulate the blood and prevent movement of the foot in the shoe.
- There are running socks with anti-bacterial technology that keeps the feet healthy and odor-free.
As said in the following review “Running Socks…Are they worth it?”, once you tried them, you will not want to wear again regular socks.
What to look for when buying running socks?
- Pleasant Materials
It is better to buy socks with a combination of natural fibers and synthetic materials. The popular materials in high-quality socks are nylon, wool, and polyester.
Anyway, remember to avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture. - Comfort
Pay attention to the stitches’ quality and where they are located.
High-quality socks usually have seamless stitching that prevents rubbing and friction on the heel and toes.
The cushion thickness should be thicker for cold days and thin for warm days.
Additionally, more cushion on the ball and heel is suggested especially for trail running. - Moisture Absorption
The socks should wick sweat away from your feet and also repels water (helps in rainy winter runs).
It is also recommended to choose socks with hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial features. - Compression
The compression improves blood circulation and reduces fatigue during and after the run.
Also, the socks’ compression helps when recovering from injury. - Reduced Friction Profile
This is the ability of the sock to reduce movement within the shoe.
There are fabrics with a high level of friction than others and fabrics that slide. The running socks should have a better hold in the shoe, and smooth socks produce unnecessary micro-movement that can increase the level of friction.
So, are running socks worth it?
The answer is clearly yes. It costs more than regular sports socks, but it definitely improves a runner’s life.
Running Socks’s Main Benefits
1) Helps to maintain good foot health
2) Prevent blisters
3) Prevent skin friction
4) Injury prevention
5) Reduce foot swelling and pain
6) Comfortability
7) Moisture-wicking
Frequently Asked Questions about Running Socks
Not all socks are the same, and when it comes to running socks, a good pair of technical ones will make all the difference. Keeping your feet dry and comfortable will not only reduce your risk of blisters but keep you running confidently.
There are no hard-and-fast rules about when to wear compression socks. Some runners like to wear them while running to increase circulation to their calves and lower-leg muscles. You can also slip them on after your shower to promote blood flow to your legs following a long run or hard session.
Benefits of Compression Socks for Runners: Aid athletic performance by improving circulation and blood flow, limiting exercise-induced peripheral edema of the lower extremity, supplying muscles with more oxygen, enhancing lactic acid removal, or decreasing muscle soreness during and post-exercise.
The best running socks are ones that are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and CoolMax because these fibers wick moisture away from the surface of your skin. You may be familiar with these fabrics for technical running shirts, and they work great on your feet as well.
The theory behind the performance benefits is that graduated compression increases oxygen delivery to the muscles, improves blood circulation to the heart, and speeds up the removal of lactic acid. According to The Science of Running, another theory is that compression socks may decrease muscle vibration caused by impact.
Cotton retains moisture and when you have moisture, heat, and friction in a running shoe you are more likely to get blisters, calluses, and hot spots. Also, cotton gets more abrasive when wet, again not good in a running shoe.