Running socks are as important to a runner's comfort and performance as a decent pair of running shoes. Choosing the wrong pair of socks could lead a blisterful rather than a blissful running experience. Here's why socks are important to the runner.
Choose socks wisely
It is highly recommended that you give as much thought to choosing your socks as you do your running shoes. Why? Well, for a number of reasons, not least the fact that they can help prevent injuries, in addition to preventing some shocking blisters .
It makes little sense purchasing a really good pair of running shoes, if you then wear a pair of cheap socks.
It makes little sense purchasing a really good pair of running shoes, if you then wear a pair of cheap socks that mean your foot slides around in the shoe causing friction and ultimately painful blisters. This effectively negates the benefit you should be getting from the decent running shoes, reducing them to footwear that effectively handicaps you every time you run.
Sock technology has come a long way in recent years, but it is quite hard for manufacturers to get runners excited over a humble running sock. Many runners still pick up a three-pack of poor quality cotton socks over a decent pair of technical running socks and then wonder why their feet are getting damaged. Yes, cheap socks may cost a fraction of the cost of quality running socks but it is a false economy to buy them instead of a running-specific pair of socks.
Development of running sock technology
Running socks differ from your standard pair of sports socks. The principal development that started the change process was that of blister-resistant technology. Although by no means guaranteed to rid the runner of a persistent race curse, the use of two layers of fabric fundamentally changed the way some runners perceived the sock market.
Double layers would absorb friction, whilst at the same time wicking away moisture, so dramatically reducing the very cause of blisters.
The idea behind this concept was that double layers would absorb friction, whilst at the same time wicking away moisture, so dramatically reducing the very cause of blisters. With the constant improvement in the fabrics, these qualities have been enhanced over time with resultant improvements in performance. Many runners would not consider running long distance events in anything else, but some still regard them as overpriced gimmicks.
Cushioning is another improvement in modern socks, and is often the main reason why some runners invest more in a pair of socks than others. The level of padding can differ by brand, but the principle is the same in all of them; they give the runner more protection in those areas of the foot that take the most pounding. Principally the cushioning is around the heel and in the toe area, which has the effect of dissipating the pressure normally associated with these points.
What about running socks and other injury prevention?
In addition to the positive effects of good cushioning, there are two other issues to cover. Firstly, some have an additional thread woven into the sock from top to bottom, which operates like a bandage to protect the joints. Secondly there is the use of pressure sensors. These prevent deviation from natural motions, so common towards the end of a run and the cause of so many injuries.
And if you’re still not convinced, there are several other recent developments worth noting. One is the creation of specific socks for men and women, plus the production of socks designed specifically for the left or right foot. There’s also the whole subject of compression socks …but that’s a whole other story and it is dealt with in a separate article.