Running socks

Why your choice of running sock is so important

Socks for running are almost as essential to a runner's performance as a good pair of shoes. Selecting the wrong pair of socks can lead to sweaty feet and discomfort during running. Here is our introduction to why running socks are so important to you as a runner.

Running socks: an introduction
Here at runbritain.com we advise that you put as much thought into selecting your running socks as you do your shoes. Why is this? Well, there are several reasons - including the fact that wearing the correct socks can help to prevent you from getting injured.

In terms of their technology, running socks have come a long way in the past few years, and several exciting improvements have occurred, but manufacturers have had difficulties communicating these developments to athletes. A lot of runners still buy a pair of poor quality low-cost cotton socks rather than a decent pair, and then wonder to themselves why their feet are getting injured.

The primary development which started the process of chance has been that of blister-resistant technology. Although it's not guaranteed to make a persistent foot problem vanish completely, using two layers of fabric has fundamentally changed the way many runners regard the running sock market.

The idea behind the 'two layers' concept is that the double layers absorb friction and wick away moisture at the same time, thus dramatically reducing the cause of blistering. As the fabrics have become better, these friction-absorbing and wicking qualities have improved over time and resulted in enhancement to performance. Many runners won't think about running long distance races or training sessions in anything else, but many also regard these running socks as gimmicky and overpriced.

Another improvement in running socks is cushioning - and this is often the reason why some athletes pay more for their socks than others. The amount of padding differs according to each brand, but the purpose is the same for all of them; they provide runners with a greater amount of protection in the areas of the feet that are most likely to suffer negative effects due to running. The cushioning is mainly around the toe and heel areas, and this helps to dissipate the pressure that is usually focused on these points.

And what about the statement that a decent pair of running socks will aid injury prevention?
As well as good cushioning, there are other issues to consider. Firstly, some socks will have an extra thread woven into them from top to bottom, which act like bandages to protect the runner's joints. Secondly, some socks contain pressure sensors, which can prevent the runner from deviating from their natural motion - which can be common towards the end of a training run and be the cause of injury.

If you are still not completely convinced, there are another couple of recent developments worth thinking about. The first is the manufacture of socks that are specific for men and women, and the second is the creation of left- or right-foot specific socks... although that's another story altogether!