Running socks, the unsung heroes of running, are often overlooked and underestimated. But don't make that mistake! Whether on the trail or the road, your socks play a crucial role. Despite being seen as a minor detail, running socks are incredibly significant.
Running with carefully chosen expensive shoes but unsuitable socks is like driving a sports car without pressing the accelerator. It restricts your pleasure, limits your potential, and your equipment's potential.
Here are 10 expert tips for choosing the best running socks tailored to your feet, level, and playing field!
TIP 1: PLAY FOR SURVIVAL
Your running socks should fit perfectly, conforming to the shape of your feet with distinct anatomical construction for the left and right foot. It ensures comfort and a snug yet not overly tight fit when you first try them on, providing essential support.
TIP 2: THE SOCK THAT BREATHES
A good running sock is a sock that breathes!
Indeed, you must be uncompromising about the thermoregulation capacities of the model you choose. Your socks must effectively evacuate perspiration to prevent the humid air from becoming blocked and causing your foot to macerate.
Otherwise, you can get a blister. And the longer and more intense the outings, the higher the risk.
So, we might repeat ourselves, but the breathability of your sock must be one of your key criteria when making your choice!
TIP 3: THE RIGHT THICKNESS
Even if you put the emphasis on breathability, the thickness of your socks greatly influences the thermoregulation of your feet:
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 and 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!
TIP 4: TRAIL OR ROAD? NOT THE SAME TERRAIN, NOT THE SAME SOCK!
You must choose socks adapted to your level - whether running for leisure or competition - and select them according to the terrain you run on.
When hiking on trails with uneven and damp paths and uncertain support, you will be looking for a compromise between protection and breathability.
To avoid sprains, ensure optimal foot support at the ankle. Additionally, reinforce the metatarsals and heel to accommodate the specific stride.
On the other hand, you will be more inclined to lean more towards dynamism and comfort in road running.
TIP 5: STEM HEIGHT, NOT JUST FOR PRESTIGE!
Another criterion to consider depending on your playing field: the height of your socks!
Prioritize high socks on the trail to protect the malleoli from blows and scratches caused by small pebbles or resinous roadside stones.
High socks minimise the risk of sprains by maintaining the ankle.
A low shank is recommended for your urban football for more comfort and a greater feeling of freedom.
TIP 6: ONE SOCK PER SEASON!
Running socks are unlike pizzas: they don't do all 4 seasons.
First, it is necessary to adapt the criteria of thickness and breathability of the model to the weather conditions.
And secondly, your socks’ lifespan is limited to between 600 and 800 km, depending on use., so, alternating between several pairs can extend their life.
TIP 7: 0 SEAM. AS IT SHOULD BE!
Avoiding unnecessary and, above all, poorly placed seams is fundamental!
The more seams are visible and present, the more friction points there are with your feet and higher the risk of friction.
In short, the fewer seams your running socks have, the better it is for your comfort and performance!
TIP 8: REINFORCEMENTS, YES! BUT NOT EVERYWHERE!
Reinforcements are good. They even are indispensable on certain areas of the foot, but they are like recovery beer after a race: drink with moderation!
These reinforced areas are generally found in the forefoot, to protect the toes; under the heel; under the arch of the foot; and, on the top of the foot, towards the lacing point. Nevertheless, these reinforcement areas are inevitably thicker and can therefore generate more friction which leads to pain if they are badly placed.
TIP 9: THE CHOICE OF SOCKS, A SIZEABLE PROBLEM!
To choose the right size for your running socks, you need to be aware of two things:
- that your feet tend to swell with effort, over the course of kilometres.
- that even if the socks are of superior quality, they will irremediably shrink by a few millimetres with each wash.
Nevertheless, it's all a question of balance, because if your socks are too big, they will crease and cause pain or rubbing.
Therefore, it's a good idea to choose a model with a narrow range of sizes for optimum fit. If you wear size 42, choose a 42-43 instead of a 41-42 or 41-44 model.
WHY CHOOSE SIDAS SOCKS?
The new SIDAS running socks, launched in autumn 2020 after several years of research, meet all the criteria above.
Whether it is our Trail range or our Road Running range, they prove to be real gems of technology and precision.
Here are the 5 reasons why you should choose them:
- They are the result of long and actual research. As foot experts for more than 40 years, we have developed our products following the analysis of a database containing nearly 400,000 pairs of feet.
- Our socks are designed to interact perfectly with your shoes but also with your insoles. Because we are convinced that comfort and performance in running are the result of a triptych: the synergy between your shoes, your insoles and your socks.
- Skinlife technology, with its airy knit, offers your feet optimal thermoregulation. It means that it allows maximum evacuation of perspiration to avoid unpleasant odours and the risk of blisters.
- We have broken down our range into 7 sizes, for the most precise "fit" possible.
- Finally, the in and out construction has been used to eliminate seams that could generate friction and therefore pain when pressed.