Good Socks Make My Feet Happy

While this might seem obvious to you, it took me months to realize what a difference a good pair of socks makes.  When I first started running back in January, I wore several pairs of festive candy cane and reindeer socks purchased from the clearance dollar bins at Target.  Cute, right?  Anyway, I couldn’t understand how my feet could get so wet and sweaty in 30 degree weather.  The answer,  my friends?  Crappy socks make your feet sweat.  They also can cause blisters, chafing and just plain unpleasantness.  Not to mention the smell… Still cute?

Now, I don’t know about you, but none of those ailments seem at all appealing to me.  So what should you look for in a good sock?  In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to look for a running specific sock made of synthetic materials or wool that wick moisture away from your feet.  Never, I repeat, never run in 100% cotton socks.  Cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away from your skin, which will cause blisters and overall wetness.  

There are also a number of running socks that are geared to your specific arch type.  Some provide mild arch support while others provide more cushioning.   This is really an area of personal preference.  I personally prefer thin socks that keep my feet close to the ground.

If you're looking for a basic starter sock, I love the Saucony Athletic Anklet socks.  They are fairly inexpensive ($12.95 for a 3-pack).  They are super thin and provide no cushioning which keeps my foot closer to my shoe and the ground.  I use these socks mainly in the spring and summer as they don’t provide as much warmth as a wool blend.  

I just recently purchased a pair of Feetures Pure Comfort Ultra-Light Cushion-Tab socks.  They are made from a wool and bamboo blend and let me tell you, I love these babies.  They provide mild compression in the arch area and the wool keeps my feet warm in cold weather.  They are made with CoolMax to keep feet dry and comfortable. They're even eco-friendly, made predominantly with sustainable fibers.  I have to say, these are my favorite socks that I've tried so far.  They are soft, light and fit tightly to my foot. 

SmartWool makes great wool blend socks that are light and fit snuggly. I really like the PhD Ultra Light Sock.  They have ventilation to help keep your feet cool and the material is strategically blended for moisture, temperature and odor control.  Not to mention they come in fun and cute colors!  

Another great option if you’re looking for some extra cushioning is the Thorlo Experia sock.  It provides great cushioning in the heel and forefoot and also fits snuggly through the arch for a glove-like fit.  For a sock with a lot of cushioning, its surprisingly light.  

While not always true, in general with running socks, you get what you pay for.  Consider it an investment in your feet.  They’ll thank you for it.