The Running Thread - 2016

roxymama · Mar 16, 2016

Can I ask a possibly dumb newbie sub-question to today's question. When should I wear compression socks? What do they help with?
(I'm not to half marathon distance yet...will be working towards that in the fall/end of this year but I'm doing 10k and less primarily for awhile.)

FFigawi · Mar 16, 2016

I run in Asics Kayano low cut socks. I find them to be more comfortable than any others that I've worn, and they do an excellent job of wicking the sweat away from my feet. I have 8-10 pairs in my regular rotation and 2 that I keep only for races because they haven't lost their super cushioning feeling yet. Do I think socks matter? Sure they do. Some wick moisture better than others, some are more cushioned than others, some are thicker or thinner than others. All of these features make a difference because we don't all need or want the same things from our socks, or any of our running gear for that matter. At a basic level, they all do the job, but it's the minor differences between them that make them more appealing to any particular one of us.

I never wear compression socks or calf sleeves during a run. I get way too hot for that. I do use them after long runs, though. They're great to put on after an ice bath while relaxing on the couch.

opusone · Mar 16, 2016

I don't have one brand/type of sock that I have fallen in love with yet, although I have tried quite a few over the years. I currently have an arsenal of Thorlo, Nike, New Balance, and Adidas. They are all synthetic, somewhat on the upper end of the price range, fairly low cut, and specifically made for running (I think this mainly relates to the location of the cushioning). Some are thinner that others, so depending on the shoe I am using as well as the outside temperature, I will pick based on thickness. Otherwise, I just pick a random pair out of the drawer.

I have never tried compression socks, so I can't comment on them.

DVCFan1994 · Mar 16, 2016

I used to think socks mattered for me, I always wore feetures. But I forgot my socks once and had to buy some at Dicks while away, and the Aasics I bought worked fine. Then when I started running a lot outside in winters my feet were getting cold and I tried smart wool. Also worked well. Last time I bought shoes my running store was having a sale on Balega, so I bought those. My feet seem to not be super particular. Or, maybe I have particular needs for different runs that my different socks fill as needed. I'd say my features and smart wool are the most cushioned. My balega wick the best, and my aasics are definitely my favorite fit. They are what I wear around the house even on an off running day, but I find them not great at wicking, and in the summer they are too hot for me. I have determined with one set of shoes (saucony triumph) I can not wear my balega socks, only time I have ever gotten blisters. Tested again a few weeks later and it happened again, so it wasn't a fluke. I think the problem is their thin and tight fit combined with those shoes being just a touch big for me (not enough to size down).

As for compression socks, I sometimes wear them for extra warmth and support on winter runs, because I have a history of calf strains in cold weather. I occasionally wear them after long runs. I have always worn them at Disney challenge weekends on the days I am touring between races. So after the 5k, before the 10k and again after the 10k before the half. In 4 Disney halves I am 50/50 on wearing them while park touring after the half. Depends how the legs are feeling post ice bath.

BuckeyeBama · Mar 16, 2016

Most of my running socks are Saucony, but that is because this is what my wife buys me. As long as they are tight, thin and made of wicking fabric, I will wear them.

I wear CEP compression sleeves for my calves, but only if I am nursing a calf problem.

BuckeyeBama · Mar 16, 2016

You shouldn't unless you need them. Your feet and calves can become dependent on them for support.

surfde22 · Mar 16, 2016

YAY, socks. I love socks. Currently I run in either Balegas or Injinjis. I have a variety of different Balega sock styles, but have a strong preference for the hidden dry style. They are really thin, and my feet get way too hot, so as nice as the cushioning on the blister resist socks can be, my feet can get too hot in them. All of my Injinji socks are the original weight right now, but I may spring for a couple of light weights soon to see if I prefer them.

I have a pair of compression socks and a pair of compression sleeves. Like @FFigawi, I can't run in them. I get too hot. But I do use them after longer runs, or just when I feel my calves are getting a little tight in general. I have a history of lower leg problems, and they compression seems to help.

CheapRunnerMike · Mar 16, 2016

I'll almost always wear compression socks during the Fall, Winter and Spring. Sometimes in the summer too, but I'll usually pass as they can get a bit too warm. I like the feel of them (and the added warmth), but as for actual benefits it is all anecdotal. I usually wear Pro Compression because they are a good value and have lots of cool colours and patterns to choose from.

Anisum · Mar 16, 2016

I run in Asics Quick Lyte in the summer and the Intensity in the winter (at least I think it's the intensity). The change is mostly because of the fact that my feet get cold in the quick lyte if it's in the 40s or lower. I don't wear compression socks because I never found a pair I liked. I also have a six pack of FILA socks that I use in an emergency but they're not my favorites.

rteetz · Mar 16, 2016

Well I don't wear specifically running socks. I probably should but I just wear champion athletic socks. I haven't had a sock problem so I just continue going with what I have.

gjramsey · Mar 16, 2016

ATTQOTD: Balega hidden comfort are my favorites for long runs/races. I have a variety of brands that I use for all other runs (thorlo, swiftwick, Injinji, wigwam). Some thin/some thick. Some of the others have caused blisters on long runs during the hot humid time of year for Houston.

I do wear compression socks or sleeves for multiple races on a weekend or long relay races (Ragnar).

IamTrike · Mar 16, 2016

I have a couple of different styles in rotation. For Low cut I really like the asics kayano quarter cut. I like that they have a little bit of compression to them. I do periodically get blisters on my toes and when that happens I'll start running in injiji socks.

For compression socks I like CEP socks the best although I will periodically run in pro-compression or CW-X compression socks. I have a pair of Saucony compression socks that are okay too.

ZellyB · Mar 16, 2016

ATTQOTD: I run almost exclusively in Feetures. They just happened to be the first ones I ever bought and they work well for me. I've tried a couple of other types here and there, but nothing I found works better for me. They fit my foot well and are thin enough and comfortable. I almost never get blisters thankfully, so socks haven't been a big issue for me. I don't use compression socks anymore although I did briefly the first year I started running when I got shin splints from pushing my training too fast.

As I mentioned above I pretty much never use them, but they did seem to help me some when I was recovering from shin splints. Once those improved though, I ditched them. I also just used the calf sleeves rather than the full socks. I think compression sleeves are another "experiment of one" thing. They really help some people and others don't need them. They are kinda pricey though and if you aren't having problems, you may not want to spend the money.

LSUlakes · Mar 16, 2016

I find they help my legs after a particularly hard week of running, and help a lot with controlling cramps. I will only wear them during a marathon training period and have never wore them during a run.

I have only had one blister since I started using those socks and it was between my toes. Not sure what happened that day... Sorry they didn't work out for you.

Mickey's sweetheart · Mar 16, 2016

QOTTD: I have little, narrow feet so I wear whatever fits and so far that's been Balega and kids socks from Target.

Roxymama: You mentioned getting a hot spot on your inner foot near the arch. Same thing was happening to me and I discovered the shoe I was running in had a wider toe box so my foot was sliding around and causing the blister. The shoe had been redesigned since the previous model and it didn't work for me any more.

michigandergirl · Mar 16, 2016

ATTQOTD: I wear a couple of different types of Asics socks. In warmer months I really like the low cut socks with the little roll tab in the back and the front. So far I have never had a blister and my feet don't get too sweaty.

I do have a pair of compression socks (not sure what brand). I sometimes like to wear them after long runs because my left calf can get a little wonky - I'm not sure that is a word, but I don't know how to describe it! They do feel good to me, like a hug for my muscles. I haven't ever ran in them yet, but I've considered it, especially when the calf is wonky. :tilt:

camaker · Mar 16, 2016

Great QOTD! I run exclusively in Thorlo low-cut running socks, but I'm open to trying different things. I have tried Feetures and absolutely hated them. Not nearly enough cushion. I also don't like those socks that try to get cute and cushion just the ball of the foot and the heel. They aggravate my plantars fascia.

As far as compression socks/sleeves go, I've got a set of Zensah calf sleeves that I really like. I don't wear them during the runs themselves, as they really didn't seem to provide any benefit there, but they are great to wear after any run 10 miles or longer. They help with recovery and ease post-run muscle soreness.

croach · Mar 16, 2016

Been lurking for a couple days but this seemed like an easy question to jump in on. I run in Balega socks. No real reason other then I just always have. I like Swiftwick socks too but just for everyday wear.

Don't run in compression socks but did use one when I sprained my ankle. Use compression sleeves for marathons.

Miranda · Mar 16, 2016

ATTQOTD: I have a bunch of SockGuy socks that I run in for shorter runs. They are a convenient filler item when I'm ordering something from Left Lane Sports to try and hit the free shipping minimum if I'm close to it... they're like $5 apiece.

I don't like them for long runs, though, because they are uniformly thin all over and my toes usually feel smashed up at the end of a long run. I have 4 pairs of Thorlo Experia socks that I bought on a whim at Tink last year because the deal was like buy 3 get 1 free or something (and ran the race in them... brand new socks!

) and those tend to be my long run socks, because they are super thin all over except they have a thick padding at the toes and on the heel and my toes don't feel smashed up in them after a long run.

I have a pair of CEP compression socks but I have only managed to get them on my legs once, after my first 13 mile training run for Tink last year. The last time I tried to wear them last fall, I started cutting of circulation and was in pain before I could get them pulled up (I was struggling because I was still damp from a shower plus they are so darn tight) and I gave up. I think my legs are just too big for compression socks or something. These are even like a larger man-size because the lady sizes didn't seem like they'd be big enough based on the measurements. They're just plain black recovery socks, not running ones.

clemsondisneygirl · Mar 16, 2016

ATTQOTD: Balegas all the way! Mostly the hidden comforts, which i have in a bunch of colors. I also have a pair of CEP compression sleeves which I usually wear after long runs. I wasn't sure if they were really making a difference until after a 9 miler a few weeks ago I forgot to put them on and had sore calves for 3 days. I've never actually run in them though, just wear for recovery.

The Running Thread - 2016

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