Running Socks
Running is a great pastime that can be as good for your body as it is for your mind. And when you think about it, all you really need is a good pair of running shoes and an equally good pair of running socks and you’re all set. Unfortunately, many people seem to completely overlook the second of those two items and focus entirely on the first (if even that). This is a significant mistake that can come back to haunt you and it’s a real shame because in this day and age, between the amount of information that is so readily available at your fingertips with the internet combined with advances in technology and materials for making both running shoes and running socks, everyone who is out there pounding the pavement (or treadmill, as it were) should be properly equipped.
When you consider how much there is to know about running socks that goes mostly unawares by the majority of runners out there, whether they be the occasional jogger or someone who has decided to train for their first big race, it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that the amount of information regarding running shoes can be truly overwhelming. For this reason, we’re not even going to attempt to broach the subject of shoes in this article. Especially because not only are there personal preferences, but there are some serious physical and mechanical reasons why one person would do better running in shoe A while someone else will need a completely different running shoe, such as shoe Z.
Fortunately, when you consider all the brands of running shoes out there such as adidas, Nike, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, Mizuno, Brooks, Fila and Reebok just to name some of the bigger ones, and that each of those brands has countless different models to chose from for almost every different kind of foot, you’re sure to be able to find one that suits you. Probably your best bet to sort through all those variations is to go to a high end running specialty shop where they might even video tape you running on a treadmill so that they can diagnose your stride and recommend the most appropriate running shoe for you. Some people might be dis-inclined to go to such a running specialty shop because they think they can get a better price at the outlet mall. However, when you consider the fact that this wonderful, healthy pastime is really all about taking care of your body and your mind, and that all you have between you and the pavement is that pair of running shoes and those running socks (which we’ll get to in a minute), don’t you think it’s worth figuring out what type of shoe works best for your body? At least one visit, and after that you’ll have an expert opinion on what to shop for in the future so that you can keep on running for many years to come.
Now, about those running socks…
Again, many people make the mistake of thinking that just any old pair of athletic socks will do, and so they grab the pack of white athletic socks that are sold as half a dozen pair for $8 or $10 saying, “100% cotton socks”, and they figure they’re good to go. BIG mistake.
Again, your feet will be taking a serious pounding when you’re out on the trail or road or treadmill. You’ll want all the extra support and cushioning you can get within reason. And you’ll want your running socks to last. What good is a set of cheap socks if they not only don’t perform for you, but the fall apart and become full of holes in a matter of a few runs through the washing machine?
Another major factor you want to be aware of is the ability of these socks to wick moisture away from your skin. If you’re not familiar with moisture wicking or exactly what that means, think of an old fashioned oil lamp. The wick of the lamp reaches down into the oil and pulls it up and away, towards the opposite end of the fabric (wick), where it gets eliminated. In the case of the oil lamp, it gets burned off by the flame. In the case of moisture wicking socks (or other types of clothing such as thermal shirts and long underwear), the moisture is pulled away from the skin and pulled towards the outer layers of the fabric where it can evaporate.
By doing this wicking, your skin stays dry and much more comfortable. In fact, in colder weather, thermal socks that wick sweat away from the skin will keep your feet dry and comfortable and prevent them from becoming cold and clammy. And in hot weather, the movement of the moisture towards the surface to be evaporated works as a kind of evaporative cooler to keep you feet dry and cooler and more comfortable. It’s really a wonderful technology.
What’s more, is that if you feet are NOT kept dry, you run a much greater risk of not only developing blisters (which will surely put an end to your run), but you’ll also be creating an environment that is perfect for fungus to grow and thrive. Athletes foot and just generally stinky feet are much more prevalent in runners who wear all cotton socks as opposed to specifically designed running socks.
What’s great about getting the best running socks, in addition to all the points mentioned above, is that once you find the kind that suit you best, you can usually just order them online and save a few bucks. So while these kinds of quality running socks aren’t the cheapest at the time of going to the cash register, when you consider the fact that some people claim to have used the same pair of socks to both train for and run in multiple ultra marathons, you know these kinds of socks are made well and will certainly last for you, and you’ll more than save the original purchase price on them.
So don’t cheat yourself out of a good, long term running career. Take the time to get the right running shoes and invest an extra few dollars in a good pair of running socks and you’ll be set for a good, long time.