When it comes to running sports equipment, many people’s first reaction is running shoes. Runners are fascinated by every detail of running shoes. They will learn about the shock absorption, support, midsole, upper, etc. of running shoes, so as to ensure that every step of running can get comfortable feedback.
However, many of them randomly choose a pair of socks between carefully selected running shoes and feet. It is the socks that may make your feet suffer during running.
Long-term repeated friction may cause blisters or abrasions on the feet. A pair of suitable socks is like a good pair of running shoes. It will not only bring you a good running experience, but also reduce blisters and abrasions.
Material
Like the clothes we choose for sports, we reject the material of pure cotton.
When you are running short distances, you may not notice too many anomalies. But once the running distance becomes longer or the weather becomes hot or humid, you will find that pure cotton socks absorb a lot of sweat and easily cause blisters. At the same time, a humid environment is very easy to breed bacteria.
Nowadays, most running socks use synthetic fiber materials, such as spandex, polyester, etc. These materials will keep your feet in a relatively dry and comfortable state.
Of course, synthetic fibers are not the only option. Some running socks suitable for long distances will also be added with merino wool (natural fiber), which has a better effect on regulating foot temperature, perspiration, and odor.
Thickness
The thickness of running socks can play three roles:
Make every step of running softer. This is well understood, the thicker the socks, the greater the cushioning effect, which can reduce the pressure on the feet and knees. This is very similar to the role played by a pair of running shoes midsole;
Reduce the appearance of blisters. Some running socks will be thickened on the forefoot or heel and other areas prone to blisters to reduce the appearance of blisters;
Fill the extra space in the shoe. The ideal state of a pair of running shoes is to tightly “stick” to your feet, which is what we commonly call heels. So in general, we will choose the most suitable size and tighten the laces before running to maximize the effect of running shoes.
But sometimes running shoes are not as you want. For example, they will be slightly looser in some positions. At this time, a pair of thicker socks can fill the extra space and help your feet be better fixed in the shoes.
Length
In most cases, you can choose the length of your socks at will, and you can match them freely according to your running shoes or pants.
But it should be noted that some running shoes (such as cross-country shoes) will have a higher upper, and the length of the socks should be correspondingly higher (preferably higher than a certain length of the upper), otherwise the exposed part of the skin will be easily worn by the shoes.
In trail running, because the road environment is more complicated, stockings help keep mud and sand away from the skin and prevent scratches or abrasions from plants.
Heel
Heel fitting means that the socks will not slip off or wrinkle during running.
Because running is a long-term movement of alternating feet, any discomfort in the feet will be infinitely magnified. Once slipping or wrinkling occurs, it will be prone to scratches, rubbed feet, or blisters.
Therefore, the material of some running socks will contain spandex, and the addition of elastic fabrics has a stronger sense of wrapping on the feet, and has a certain compression effect, which improves the recovery after exercise and performance during exercise.
Some compression running socks will also redesign specific positions. For example, 2XU compression sports socks will use “X-LOCK” technology to enhance the foot wrapping power to ensure that the socks will not move during running. At the same time, the soles, heels and other areas that are prone to blisters are thickened and reinforced, thus greatly reducing the chance of blisters.
However, it should be noted that if you choose a stocking with compression function, you cannot choose too tight or too loose. Generally, additional measurement of calf and leg circumference data is required for matching selection.
Summary
Choosing a pair of running socks that suit you should consider the following three points.
To avoid pure cotton in the material, it is best to choose socks containing elastic materials such as spandex to prevent wrinkling and falling off during exercise;
The thickness of the socks should be able to fill the gap between the running shoes and the feet, and of course there are seasonal factors;
The length of the socks is higher than the upper, and the choice of socks with compression function requires additional attention to the calf and leg circumference.