Best Socks to Wear for Track and Field
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Keep Sweat At Bay With The 5 Best Running Socks In 2021
More often than not, people tend to buy top-of-the-line running shoes but overlook the importance of buying the best socks for their athletic needs. Little do they know, wearing old worn-out socks under their expensive branded runners is just like wearing a pair of smelly undies beneath your new pair of crisp blue jeans: just not right. Yes, it's true, wearing a good pair of running socks is just as important as a comfortable pair of shoes. Socks that are specifically made for running are carefully manufactured with just the right material to minimize moisture buildup and the formation of blisters in your feet to keep you comfortable throughout your stride. Although running socks may seem to be more expensive than generic ones, in the long run, their durability helps you save money while keeping your feet happy. It's time to dive into 5 of the best running socks in 2021.
Featured image courtesy of iStock
Leading Running Socks of 2021 Reviewed in Detail
Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Running Socks – Best Overall
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- Keeps your feet dry by wicking sweat
- No stinking smell from the socks
- The use of mesh maintains the airflow
- Prevents your feet from developing sores and blisters
Say hello to your new running socks. The unique and sporty design of Rockay Accelerate Running Socks allows a firm grip on the ground. Combining polyester and organic merino wool plays an absorptive barrier against the sweat released in the challenging workout. Moreover, the eco-friendly material captures the stinking smell from your feet. The premium quality stitching and fabric keep your socks free from shrinking and tearing even after many washes. Bottom line: you will be free from the worries of consulting a dermatologist for feet blisters once you have paid for these unisex running socks.
PAPLUS Ankle Compression Sock – Runner Up
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- Perfect for sports/physical activity
- Maintains optimal blood flow
- Provides cushion to your entire feet
- Lightweight and frictionless material prevents abrasions and sores on feet
Are you a runner who is looking for something classy to wear under your blue jeans? Well! Palpus Ankle socks are not designed only for workouts. Never hesitate when putting on these socks while going out for college classes or parties.
These socks can gently compress the feet muscles, keeping the blood pressure in a normal range to ensure you don't experience any discomfort while wearing these socks, even after wearing them for a prolonged period of time.
Saucony Men's Multi-pack Socks – Honorable Mention
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- Use of innovative fabric for proper air ventilation
- Keeps your ankles safe from injury
- Anti-odor material that quickly absorbs sweat
- Can be used for sports or casual wear
Fed up with washing your old cotton socks by hand due to the fear of them tearing up in the washing machine? Not anymore, as Saucony Socks are the perfect running socks that can be machine washed without any fear of compromising their material quality! The manufacturer has used anti-odor technology that helps keep your socks smelling fresh for longer.
You can move freely when wearing these socks, either while running on the treadmill or stretching your feet for yoga. The cushioning feature prevents the sensitive joints of your feet from sustaining any internal injury. Do you feel irritated while wearing full-length socks? Not from now because these running socks are short in length and, hence, remain hidden in the shoes.
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- Available at a wallet-friendly price
- Keeps the skin on your feet free from microbial attacks
- Seamless design reduces friction while working out
- Short length feels comfortable due to more breathability
Are you looking for economical running socks? The Balega Running Socks are perfect for you with their ergonomic design that feels very comfortable to wear. Considering that people prefer to wear socks that are shorter in length, these socks don't rise above your ankles. Even still, these socks provide ample protection to your feet.
A sweaty and damp environment is perfect for dermal fungi to grow and cause skin diseases. It will surely cost you some doctor's fee, and you won't be able to go to the gym for a couple of days either! To avoid such complications, the company has used premium anti-microbial, sweat-wicking, and odor-capturing material to create these socks so you get to enjoy working out without worrying about any fungi growing in your feet.
Eallco Women's Ankle Socks
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- You can wear them in any season
- Easy to wash fabric
- No fear of shrinking
- Protective cushion all around the feet
Most companies are manufacturing male running socks. But Eallco is not neglecting females in manufacturing athletic socks for yoga and gym. To offer impeccable protection to women's feet, the company has placed a protective cushion lining in the socks to make your feet comfortable and happy. This company has used premium quality fabric that can wick moisture very quickly, keeping your feet cool and dry even after intense workout sessions.
Feetures Running Socks
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Key Features
- Moisture-wicking material
- Seamless toe
- Lycra power bands
- Unisex design
These Feetures Running Socks are durable and cushioned which makes them perfect for various sports and activities. They are also great for both men and women. They are made with superior construction and sturdy lycra power bands that fit snugly around your foot for added support, eliminating blisters. In addition, these running socks come with no-show tabs that protect your foot from your trainer's heel cup. They also have a seamless toe that stops irritation.
These socks are also made with moisture-wicking fibers that will keep your feet dry and cool. Feetures also give you a lifetime guarantee on their socks, showing confidence in their quality.
How to Choose Your Ideal Socks for Running - A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of socks we have shared with you at all! Here we are sharing important tips to help you select the best running socks for all your athletic needs. When you go sock buying, you will come across many features that brands claim their socks embody – breathability, sweat-wicking, cushiony, compression, and much more. You will even encounter running socks with different lengths and thicknesses. Have no worries, because after reading this guide you will get a good idea about what to look out for when you shop for running socks.
Why Do You Need Running Socks?
Wearing just any pair of old socks isn't going to do any good to your feet even if you wear the most expensive pair of shoes. If you are a regular runner or an athlete, it is imperative that you invest in good running socks because this will help keep your feet healthy and you can remain active for longer periods of time. As we all know our feet tend to sweat when we run or do any other form of exercise. Plain old cotton socks do not have the ability to absorb sweat, therefore, your feet will remain damp and keep rubbing against the rough material. This will eventually cause blisters and calluses to appear on your feet, causing you great discomfort and pain. On the other hand, if you wear good quality running socks, your feet will stay dry for longer.
Prominent Features Of Good Running Socks:
The running socks in our list above all possess great features that someone needs to look out for when shopping for running socks. These are features that differentiate the best running socks from the ordinary ones:
Cushioning
Different brands of running socks provide various levels of cushioning through padding inserted at the heel and toe, as well as underfoot. This cushioning prevents blisters from forming due to friction.
Sweat Absorbing Material
When feet become damp with sweat, friction between them and the shoes can cause blisters and callouses over time. To prevent this, it is better to avoid cotton socks and buy running socks made specifically with sweat absorbing materials such as merino wool, polyester, and wool blends.
Ventilation
Ventilation is incorporated in good running socks using mesh technology in areas that are not prone to wearing easily. This allows the socks to breathe and remain dry.
Compression
You will find many running socks that offer different levels of compression. Compression not only helps keep the sock in place but also improves blood circulation as you work out.
Arch Support
Are you someone with plantar fasciitis or flat feet? Running socks with arch support greatly add cushioning to your socks to help prevent tiring of the feet easily, and can also help relieve foot pain.
Seamless
Running socks that have minimal to no seams reduce the friction caused between the skin of the feet and the seams, hence decreasing the chances of developing sores and blisters on the feet.
Two-layered
Some running socks offer two layers of sweat-absorbing material. This allows the two layers to rub against each other while running, instead of friction being caused between the skin and the sock material. This reduces the chances of scratching your feet and creating blisters.
How Much Do Good Running Socks Cost?
Running socks are indeed pricier than your average cotton socks. Regardless, if you are a runner or an athlete and want to ensure the good health of your feet, investing in a pair of good running socks will help save on your doctor's bills and the expense of frequently buying low-quality easily destructible socks over and over again. The price of running socks completely depends on the brand, quality, length, thickness, and many other factors.
Men's Vs Women's Running Socks
Most good brands will offer their running socks in different men's and women's sizes, according to their country of manufacture. These gender-specific sizes should only be used as a placeholder for athletes. Always choose the size that fits your feet most snugly and is comfortable in the long run.
People Also Asked
How long do running socks last?
The quality of sports socks tends to diminish over time because of deteriorating structure caused by a loss of threading. To ensure that you get a comfortable running experience every time, you must replace your athletic socks as soon as you feel that they are losing their shape or cushioning. You should replace them every 3 to 6 months, depending on their condition.
Do running socks need to be thick to be effective?
You can choose whether you want to use thicker socks or thinner ones depending on what season you are going to wear them. When the hotter season arrives, you may want to wear the thinner version of sports socks since they will be lighter in weight. However, if your feet are prone to blisters, you may want to select a pair of thicker running socks. On the other hand, if the weather is cooler, you definitely want to choose a thicker pair of socks to keep your feet warm.
Should you avoid cotton socks for running?
Cotton socks are the worst choice for people who are regular runners or athletes. Our feet have 250,000 sweat glands, which means it is impossible to stop them from releasing sweat. Cotton has the ability to absorb and hold on to liquids and moisture. So, if you wear cotton socks, your sweat won't get wicked away and your feet will remain wet throughout your workout. Over time, damp feet become the ideal location for bacterial growth causing bad odor and other unwanted foot conditions. So it is always better to buy running socks that are made of merino wool, polyester, and other wool blends.
What are the different lengths of running socks?
Normally, running socks come in four different lengths. It totally depends on personal choice which ones you buy. If you feel restricted by wearing longer running socks, you have the option of wearing ones that are shorter in length like crew length ones, anklets, or socklets. However, if you are someone who sweats more than the average person, knee-length running socks ensure the sweat doesn't trickle down from your thighs to your feet. Nonetheless, they all serve the same basic purpose: make your workout a comfortable one while protecting your feet from harm.
Socklet
These running socks sit right above the line of your shoe.
Anklet
Just like regular anklet socks, the anklet running socks go up to your ankles.
Crew length
Your calves will be covered along with your feet with these socks.
Knee Length
If you wish to wear longer socks, these are the best running socks for you, they will come up to your knees.
Olivia has seen every up and down that a runner can, and knows how important the right training and the right equipment can be. She loves to share the outdoors with her golden retriever, Rocky, traveling through trails both on and off the beaten path. Olivia will often be providing her reviews from where ever she is at the time: the track, the road, or the woods.
Best Socks to Wear for Track and Field
Source: https://www.si.com/review/running-sock/
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