Running Socks

[*Valdez*]

I am new to running and cannot find a good pair of socks. I have tried many different kinds of socks and none of them seem to fit right. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of socks I should buy?

 

[kirsangel]

I love Nike Shox socks! Maybe try your local running store. Mine lets me try on socks before buying. Good luck

 

[cewait]

I am new to running and cannot find a good pair of socks. I have tried many different kinds of socks and none of them seem to fit right. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of socks I should buy?

Rather than naming names here is what you should look for.

First socks are really an individual taste. They should be of a tech fabric - avoid cotton.

Next you need to decide cushioned versus non cushioned.

Then its a matter of heading to the running store with you shoes and finding a pair that fits your needs.

Most runners go with a thinner sock to heklp keep wick moisture away. These also tend to not contribute to blistering as much as there is not enough fabric to bunch up. You really want a sock to fit well. The toes should be against the end and the heal should contour nicely around yours. If in between sizes, I tend to go with the size larger rather than smaller.

Your socks and your shoes must be paired up. What I mean is that if you purchase shoes with thicker sock on then you need to run in thicker socks. Socks can vary you foot size easily a quarter size if not a half size.

Hope this helps

 

[FireDancer]

As Charles said which socks you wear are very dependent on you. I prefer very thin technical socks but others like more cushioning. I would try a couple of different thickness options and see which you like best.

I can not stress enough to stay away from cotton anything!

 

[ohMom]

good socks are worth the investment! definately wicking, i like cushioning ones. but a couple different ones at a lower cost to try styles then stock up on what you like. I have a $15 pair of wool running socks that is my absolute best! i 'save' them for the big days wool helps prevent blistering and oddly enough, they are not hot or itchy

 

[*Valdez*]

Thank you all so much... I have determined that I like the thinner ones... I will check out a running store for socks... I have to go buy a new pair of shoes anyway...

 

[fashionista311]

also - i've found the type of sock you run in can also be dependent on the shoe. for example - i was running in asics 2140s. when i went in to get a new pair (perks of the fam owning a running store ) my dad said they upgraded the shoe to the 2150 - and in the new model, they added an additional strap for support, and he wante me to test drive the shoe. sure enough, a few minutes on the treadmill, and i def felt it. but we switched the sock (i was running in a really thin sock - we switched it to a sock that was still thin, but had more padding at the toes and heels thus making the thin part on the sock even thinner than my originals if that makes sense) and the new shoe felt so much more comfortable. so to make a long story short, when you go to the running store to pick out your socks, make sure you are test driving them with the shoes you're running in!

 

[cewait]

also - i've found the type of sock you run in can also be dependent on the shoe. for example - i was running in asics 2140s. when i went in to get a new pair (perks of the fam owning a running store ) my dad said they upgraded the shoe to the 2150 - and in the new model, they added an additional strap for support, and he wante me to test drive the shoe. sure enough, a few minutes on the treadmill, and i def felt it. but we switched the sock (i was running in a really thin sock - we switched it to a sock that was still thin, but had more padding at the toes and heels thus making the thin part on the sock even thinner than my originals if that makes sense) and the new shoe felt so much more comfortable. so to make a long story short, when you go to the running store to pick out your socks, make sure you are test driving them with the shoes you're running in!

That's kind of what I said but you expanded on the issue of what happens when I change the shoe, also. That is an excellent point.

Brings up another point for runners getting ready for a marathon. When buying new shoes ask the store when that manufacturer chenges out their models. It's pretty constant for each brand. If the change will occur late in your training period and you are liking the ride, you need to grab a new pair for the marathon early in your training before the model change. Many times and many folks do not have an issue with a model change but dang it there are some changes that make a shoe un-runnable especially if you need the new shoes a month out from a race.

Asics Keyanos and now the Saucony Huuricanes have a really bad habit of alternating between a really great shoe and a not so good shoe. I know that things must improve but both shoes alternate good and bad and are now on the same cycle so I have to work through a year of good and a year of bad.

Sorry, stole the thread - I agree 100% that a chenge in shoe can create a change in sock.

 

[MelanieC]

I like thinner wicking socks (DON'T do cotton whatever you do). I use Wright socks (they are from a company in North Carolina). I've never had any blisters or anything when I use them and they are thin.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I love love love Balega socks! They have the tab on the back so the socks don't fall, I hate that!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

An investment in good socks is always one of the best investments one can make...

For me, the best brands seem to be SmartWool and Nike.

 

[jam217]

I also like the Balega socks. They are a little pricey (around $10 a pair) but so worth it.

 

[fairestoneofall]

i am a fairly new runner, but i just want to agree with those who've said sock/shoe pairing makes a difference. when i don't wear certain socks, i can feel it in my left foot almost immediately. and it bugs me for my entire run!

i have the wear the kind that are tighter on the arch and cushioned on the toe/heel. those work best for me.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Love my Smartwools!!!

 

[lolafrances]

I love the Balega socks as well. They are pricey but I only use them for running so they will last a long time. I also bought them when I bought my shoes so I could make sure they were a good "match."

 

[Swmr359]

I wear socks from Target; they are wicking, thin, and are $4 for 3. I also have the expensive ones from a running store and really don't see a differance.