The running sock? The poor child of running, the bad pupil! You know, the one who is neglected at the back of the class, the 'one' who is forgotten! Big mistake!
Whether on the trail or on the road, the role played by your socks is fundamental. Considered a small detail, running socks are actually very important.
Running with very carefully chosen, expensive, shoes, but with unsuitable socks, is like driving a sports car without ever pressing the accelerator... It restricts your pleasure. Limiting one's potential and that of one's equipment.
So here are our expert tips for choosing the best running socks, perfectly adapted to your feet and your terrain!
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FIT
Your running socks need to fit perfectly, i.e. they need to fit the shape of your feet, with a specific anatomical construction for the left foot and another for the right. This "fit" translates into a feeling of comfort, the impression of being wrapped up without being too tight, from when you first try them on. This is what we call support, and it is essential!
THE SOCK THAT BREATHES
A good running sock is a sock that breathes! Indeed, you must be uncompromising about the thermo regulation capacities of the model you choose. Your socks must evacuate perspiration very effectively to prevent the humid air from becoming blocked and causing your foot to macerate. Otherwise, it's a blister for sure, with an exponential increase in risk the longer and more intense the outings. Besides, we prefer to repeat ourselves because this point is crucial: the breathability of your sock must be one of your key criteria when making your choice!
THE RIGHT THICKNESS
Even if you put the emphasis on breathability, there is one feature that greatly influences the thermo regulation of your feet: the thickness of your socks. The thinner your socks are, the more breathable they are and the more natural they feel in terms of stride. The thicker they are, the more comfortable and protective they are. The thickness of your socks should therefore be adapted to your level, but also to your desires. For quick sessions, with feet that sweat because they are sorely tested, opt for finesse! For gentler outings, at a gentle pace, opt for a thicker sock!
TRAIL OR ROAD? NOT THE SAME TERRAIN, NOT THE SAME SOCK!
If your socks have to be adapted to your level (leisure or competition), you must also select them according to the ground you run on. On trails, on uneven, sometimes damp paths with uncertain support, you will be looking for a compromise between protection and breathability. With optimal support for the foot at the ankle to avoid the risk of sprains, as well as reinforcements under the metatarsals and the heel to accompany the specific stride on the way up and down. In road running, on the other hand, you will be more inclined to choose lean more towards dynamism and comfort.
STEM HEIGHT, NOT JUST FOR PRESTIGE!
Another criterion to take into account depending on your playing field: the height of your socks! High in Trail to protect the malleoli from blows and scratches caused by small pebbles or resinous roadside stones. Also high to minimise the risk of sprains by maintaining the ankle.
WHAT OUR RUNNERS THINK!
Our Community Brand Ambassador Rich Gill (IG.@rich.trails) has put our Trail Protect socks and Calf Sleeves to the test...
" I’ve been keen to learn how compression running socks really do help during longer runs and I wore the Ultra Run calf sleeves and was really impressed how comfortable they were. But, more importantly, how they supported my calves during and post run. They stabilise the gastrocnemius and aided recovery. I covered 18 miles yesterday and my calves would normally be sore today, THEY ARE NOT!!! "