Running Sucks or Running Socks

With races finally back on the agenda many of you are probably reviewing your shoe rotation right now. And while the latest pair of carbon tech running shoes might very well shave off a good few seconds from that 10K PB (for those of you based in Sweden we can highly recommend the upcoming Hässelbyloppet on October 3 for that purpose) or even minutes from that Marathon (the Stockholm edition which usually takes place in early June is scheduled for October 9 this year) or trail race (Lidingöloppet 30K, where our friend Linus Hultegård won last year takes place September 25 – see the journal post about Linus Hultegård for further reading, we would suggest that you give your running socks some thought as well. If you don’t you’re likely to experience that, well… running sucks (we’re planning to elaborate on that in our next journal feature where we talk to our friend Joacim Lantz of Ockelbomaffian about injuries).

Running Sucks or Running Socks

Tried and tested

At Running Is Dead we have tested countless running socks throughout the years. In training sessions as well as in a ton of races. In this process we have come across some good ones (that’s the ones you don’t need to think about once they’re on your feet) and some really lousy ones (that’s the ones that can ruin your race) and from our experience we have deduced that what makes a great pair of running socks is a combination of three key features; breathability, fit and durability.

Holy trinity of greatness

In order to attain the above mentioned holy trinity of greatness you need running socks that are neither too thick (you’ll be sweating bullets) nor too thin (there won’t be enough material to absorb your sweat effectively), neither ankle short (they have a tendency to slide down the heel) nor knee long (they have a tendency to create chafing around the knee pit). The fit should be snug (to prevent them from bulking up in your shoes) but not overly tight (compression socks might be great for some runners but we believe most runners don’t need them and they have a habit of tearing at the seams if you’re not cautious when you pull them on).

Essential interfaces

By following the above steps when selecting your running socks you will most likely end up with a pair that you hardly notice when they’re on your feet. This doesn’t mean that you should forget about them though. Instead, think of your socks as essential interfaces between your feet and your shoes. This approach should encourage you to treat them well, meaning that you should make sure that you have several pairs in your rotation, that you wash them regularly and that you maintain your toenails (if you don’t they have a nasty habit of wreaking havoc with not only your socks but also those record-breaking running shoes you just bought). If you follow these easy steps they will last you for miles and miles.