Running shoes are enhanced by great running socks, and ruined by cheap, poorly made, garbage socks. How do you know if you are using something great, or garbage? If your socks have the following 4 qualities then you are good to go. If not, welcome to blister town stinky foot.
Table of Contents
Before I just list off the 4 qualities I want you to know that I am not shaming your socks, or you. Ok, well, I am shaming the socks, but not you. You are good, you just made a bad purchase. It happens to new and old runners alike. After reading this and buying new socks, you will be much happier in your great running socks.
4 Qualities of Great Running Socks
Quality 1-Fit
The fit is not just buying the correct size according to the package. Fit is the way the sock wraps around your foot and hugs it gently.
The sock should have a dedicated area for the heel and fit snugger through the arch. It should also be a little loose in the toes so they have room to wiggle and not get jammed up.
Bad running socks will not feel like they are on until you have pulled them all the way up and puts pressure to your toes. The problem is as you exercise your foot expands, and then applies pressure to the toenail beds and bruises them. Then after they fall off.
Bad running socks will also not stay where they should. As the materials begin to break down they will slip down and twist around. This is the main cause of chaffing and blisters, not the shoes.
When you put on a great running sock, no matter how many miles you are running, you should not notice them at all.
Quality 2- Durability
I won’t lie, great running socks are expensive. It seems like such a better value to buy a big bag of socks every three to six months. But its not.
Great running socks should last at least 5 years and more often a lot more than that. The use of premium materials and high quality stitching means the sock should never get stretched out or come apart.
One area where you can tell if the stitching is quality, or not, is in the toe. Inside the sock where they close up the sock there should be a flat seam that feels smooth. Bad socks will have the ends pinched in and sewn, leaving a ridge. That ridge can be the culprit of black toenails.
Another area to check is the ankle or top of the sock. The compression that holds the sock in place should primarily be stitching, with little to no spandex. The spandex wears out fast with use and heat, and makes the sock fit like a floppy mess.
Quality 3- Moisture Wicking
Not all moisture wicking is created equal. A lot of bad running socks promise moisture wicking technology, but they use a chemical treatment that goes away after a few washes.
Quality moisture wicking relies mostly on the material of the sock. Natural materials, like merino wool are outstanding for their moisture wicking abilities, plus they regulate the temperature of your foot keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
High quality polyester, and recycled polyester are great too. Polyester may be derived from oil (BOO!) but it is naturally moisture wicking as well. Plus if you get socks made from recycled (YAY!) plastic, then its a good thing.
Quality 4- Fabric Makes Great Running Socks
By far the most important of the four, fabric is everything. It is what gives the socks its durability, moisture wicking capabilities, comfort, and fit. Choosing socks made from lackluster materials means that you will pay dearly.
Lackluster materials include cotton, spandex, rayon, and made up names that certain companies use for their exclusive blends. A little of these materials are not the end of the world, but high amounts are not good.
Over the long term great running socks cost less than garbage. While you may be able to get 12 in a bag for $20, they won’t last as long as great running socks will last. Also great running socks keep your feet healthy, stop stinkiness, and prevent blisters. Some great sock companies even have lifetime replacement policies, which means you only have to buy a pair once and be set for life.
Cotton is Rotten
Runners need to learn that cotton is not your friend. While it is a lovely, earth friendly, comfortable, and inexpensive fabric it is the WORST for working out.
Cotton is horrible at wicking away moisture. It holds 100x more than other materials like merino wool and polyester blends, before it starts the wicking process. That means you get a wet sock that loses its shape, rubs on your foot, creates a blister, and holds on to all your stinky sweat, before is starts to shed water.
Plus they break down a lot faster and need replacing more often. Which means that in the long run cotton (and low quality socks in general) will cost you more money.
Great Running Socks Bonus Tip
There are a lot of great running socks out there, but there are even more awful ones. The best places to find great socks is to check out your local running store. They should carry a lot of good options. Otherwise check running groups on Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms that have pockets devoted to running for what other runners really enjoy.
That being said is that there is not just one great company. In fact some of the most popular companies make some of the worst socks. They make a couple of good pairs to be fair, but they make a lot of garbage too.
While I do try to stay away from promoting different companies, because they aren’t paying me I do have a few to mention. I have worn each of these and I do believe they make great running socks.
Darn Tough
Made in Vermont from Merino wool, these socks are built for the long haul. They actually have a lifetime warranty and will replace any pair that gets a hole in them. Naturally moisture wicking, made in the US, and durable. Perfect.
Balega
Great company that makes most of its socks in the US and the rest in South Africa. They make the thinnest of the thin and the cushiest of the cushy. No warranty, but they will last at least 5 years, maybe even 10+.
Feetures
Fairly well known and one of the most replicated now, Feetures is the sock that makes a right and left. Each sock is more tailored to fit each foot, adding a bit more compression for a precise fit. Stitching holds up brilliantly, and people love the feel.
Injinji
Not well known, but if you like the feeling of free toes these are the ones for you. Injinji make the individual toe socks so many people find disturbing to look it, but so comfortable to wear. Not as durable as the others due to their unique design, they are awesome for people who go long distances, or get blisters between the toes.
Saucony and Brooks
While these guys are known for shoes, and don’t quite fit in the category of great running socks, they do make some pretty decent ones. Also they are generally at a lower price point. So if you are just starting out getting a three pack of these is a great way to get started and keep your feet happy.
Find Your Great Running Socks
In the end you got to choose what you like the best. So, get a few different styles. As a former Running Store Manager I have all the socks. Too many, in fact. I find that some days I like a thicker sock, others a thinner one. Sometimes it is a no show day and others I want it up to my knee.
It all depends on what I’m doing and how I’m feeling at that moment.
You are on your own journey to find your great running socks, now you know what to look for.