Onlineshoes.com has thousands upon thousands of shoes to meet your every need, so it’s only natural that we have plenty of socks to fill up all those shoes. The problem is that a lot of people do not know very much about socks, and then just buy the cheapest white socks that they can find. Well, I’m here to tell you, there is a reason to spend some decent money on socks. You just bought yourself a $150 pair of running shoes. Why wouldn’t you spend some good money, too, on socks? If all you put between your feet and those nice new shoes is the cheapest sock out there, you are guaranteed blisters.
There are many different kinds of socks out there, so which is the right pair for you? I cannot say that there is a single pair of sock that is the best. It all varies on the activity, how comfortable you are with the density of the sock and then, of course, you want a sock that looks good.
The main thing that runners and hikers are looking for in a sock is moisture management and a great fit. Soggy, loose socks are the leading causes of blisters. Most running/hiking socks these days are made with some, if not all, synthetic fibers such as CoolMax® to help wick away moisture, while strategically placed Lycra® keeps the socks snug on your foot. Check out the Thorlo Experia collection, an extremely lightweight and cool sock on the foot. They have CoolMax® to keep your feet dry, but they also have pads in the ball and the heel to protect against impact shock. With Thorlo you get the best of both worlds: They are lightweight but cushioned.
Some running socks are made in such a way that you can see exactly what they are doing to help you as a runner (or hiker). Take the Feetures! Ultra Light Cushion Collection. They come in a variety of heights from a no-show to crew height and are quite comfortable. As you can see these socks have what they call a “power band” around the arch to keep them in place on your foot and give you a little support. These socks also feature Feetures! The Perfect Toe™, a seam-free technology that eliminates the discomfort and irritation caused by traditional toe seams. A toe seam is not necessarily something that one usually thinks about. But if you’re out on a long run and that toe seem starts to rub against the top of your shoe, you become aware real fast!
Another development in socks is the anatomically engineered left and right sock. Take a quick peek down at your feet, you’ll notice that they look a little different. That big toe is not in the same place on your left foot as it is on your right foot. So we now have socks like the ASICS® Kayano® II sock that are specifically built to fit each one of your feet and even have a L or a R printed on them, so you know which one goes where.
Or you can take it to the extreme with the Injinji Mini-Crew sock. Notice the toes. This is a sock that clings to your foot (in a good way) and keeps your toes from rubbing together. They call this their AIS: technology™ (Anatomical Interface System). AIS: technology™ separates your toes with a thin, anti-friction membrane that is lightweight and breathable while encouraging healthy circulation and preventing blisters. Plus you freak people out in the locker room once you take your shoes off!
I haven’t mentioned Merino Wool yet, and if you are in the sock business, or even not, you have probably heard about Merino Wool and particularly about SmartWool. SmartWool, like many socks that feature wool, are made with Merino wool that is itch-free (as opposed to the itchy wool of years past). Contrary to what you think about wool, it keeps you cool when it’s hot and, of course, keeps you warm when it’s cold. Plus it’s antimicrobial, breathable and naturally renewable. Mixed with some synthetics for shape and durability, it’s a pretty good fabric to wrap around your sweaty feet.
Whatever socks you choose, spend a little more money than you may have in the past and, in turn, you will get better quality, a lot more wear and tons of comfort (plus fewer blisters!) for all that you choose to do in them.
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