Happy Feet

Happy Feet






My favorite pair of socks that I own is these obnoxious pink and grey stripped, fuzzy socks. They are warm and soft and my toes are never cold in them. They are easy to find since they are always available at target in any obnoxious color you can think of, and cheap at $5 a pair. However, they are not good for just any activity. Although I would love to go running in my knee high fuzzy pink socks they are inappropriate for that activity. Hence my research into running socks, specify long distance running socks.

This is what I learned. Everyone has an opinion, and none are the same. Almost all articles on running socks are written by companies that want to sell you their running socks. Runners World had an article with the top 10 running socks listed, but nowhere in the article did it say “These socks! Buy these Socks”. This lead me to the conclusions that socks, like shoes are a very subjective piece of training equipment, so how do you find yours.

First off, NEVER WEAR 100% Cotton. That is a big no no, they are bad for your feet and your shoes. After that there are a lot of options. Good technical running socks are made from either synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon or Coolmax or a blend of natural fibers (wool and cotton) and synthetics. I personally find that I like the wool blend socks, especially for the S3 challenge or other trail running. They provide the warmth I need to stop my toes from freezing.

Now for fit. Socks that are too big bunch up in your shoes and can cause painful blisters. Socks that are too tight do not give your toes room to move around. Your toes will soon make holes in these socks to give themselves more room, and who remembers how to darn a sock, which means those socks will have to go in the garbage. If you wear a narrow shoe and wear a thinker sock your shoes are too tight. If you wear a wider shoe and wear thin compressions socks you will have too much room and will move all around inside your shoes. All of which causes blisters and foot pain, which for a runner is the worst injury to have. I struggle with bunions and foot pain on a regular basis so I have found that I like a sock that is well cushioned in the fore foot and heel but fits tight through the arch with lots of support.

So here is the 411. Not all socks are created equal, fit is the most important. Don’t buy the pack of 6 socks until you’ve run in a pair and know that they are going to work. The most expensive socks are not the best socks for everyone so do your research before you drop $25 on a new pair. Most reputable running socks will run you $10-15 a pair. Finally follow these rules when you go looking.

1. Stay away from 100 percent cotton socks. Instead, choose socks with a blend a blend of synthetic fibers.


2. Be on the alert for toe seams. ...


3. Decide whether you prefer thin or thicker socks.


4. Look for socks that have a tighter weave in the midfoot area. ...


5. Fit the socks to your shoes.


6. Don't skimp

Happy feet make for happy runs. Good luck with the S3 challenge in September, I am cheering for your feet. Ghouston@mvhospital.net