20 replies to this topic

[running sweetlee]

I would love some feedback on the socks that you all wear. I wear coolmax socks that you get from Target and K-Mart and they suit me fine for the distances that I run, up to 10km. As I increase long run in preparation for 1/2 marathon, I hoping they will still be suitable. My friend that is running with me has had to change to the Nike seamless socks because she started having problems with the coolmax.

So, which socks do you wear?

Edited by running sweetlee, 15 June 2008 - 04:50 PM.

[serena]

Hi sweetlee, I wear whatever's in the drawer usually, although i did just lash out and get some you-beaut socks from my sport shop. I have chucked out the packet but they were called Thorlo or similar. I ran my long run in them yesterday and they were great, but I couldn't say they were greater than the cheap ones. I will be making sure they are clean for the marathon though. Just in case.
SJ

[Mick]

running sweetlee, on Jun 15 2008, 04:48 PM, said:

I wear coolmax socks that you get from Target and K-Mart ...

I think the Target coolmax are good if you don't have any rubbing issues. They are thin and let your feet breath well. I don't think they offer a lot of protection against rubbing on a seam, etc though. I worry that if I don't get them alligned just right that the thicker bit that protects my little toe will be in the wrong spot.

So for a marathon I'm a little undecided on whether to go for the thinner coolmax that will probably keep my feet dry, or go for something thicker that will probably give more blister protection, but feet will probably be damp.

PS A friend today who had the really short socks that don't come above the top of your shoes was complaining that the timing chip was "rub rub rub", so you might want to consider not going for these if wearing a chip. On the coolmax the chip can go on top of your sock and I didn't feel it at all.

Mick

[Jordan Mitchell]

I wear the Injinji Toe Socks Click here!

The Ultra and Marathon runners swear by them and I can't wear anything else now. They let your feet work naturally and keep you really dry and cool.

running sweetlee, on Jun 15 2008, 04:48 PM, said:

I would love some feedback on the socks that you all wear. I wear coolmax socks that you get from Target and K-Mart and they suit me fine for the distances that I run, up to 10km. As I increase long run in preparation for 1/2 marathon, I hoping they will still be suitable. My friend that is running with me has had to change to the Nike seamless socks because she started having problems with the coolmax.

So, which socks do you wear?

[axe69]

Wright Socks (website) rock! I bought mine while living in Canada, and have not put any holes in them yet (I'm notorious for that). Not sure if you can pick any up in Oz, so someone feel free to post if they know where. They are a double-layered sock. I have the basic ("Running") which does not have any cushioning, but they have a wide range.

[BenT]

I use Ironman picked up in the Edgecliff center her in Sydney.

They worked fine for the Half Marathon. I bought them after getting blisters on my inner foot and never looked back.

[AlunDavies]

Hi SeLiNa (one of our new CR's who's asked the question elswhere)

Just thought I'd drop you a line re: socks but I didn't want to post on the thread and have all these heroes mixed up in the great sock debate!!

Anyway, I find the Injinji socks very effective on the trail I've run five ultras over the last 12 months or so and have had no problems with them. I use them because I get a good 'feel' for the ground with them as the ones I use are relatively thin. They also stop dust and grit getting between your toes which can cause all sorts of problems. If yo are the type who is prone to blisters between your toes, then they are a must I think. As I said, I have other reasons for wearing them but at $30 a pop they're an expensive piece of kit but I think worth it depeniding on your needs.

On the road, and here's the contrast, I wear K-Mart coolmax socks! I do plenty of road work and have run two marathons this year including Gold Coast on Sunday and have had nothing but comfort as far as my feet are concerend (they're pretty padded but I think I owe that to some of my training too!). The bonus is they're only about $9 for two pairs.

Horses for courses I think, but that's my tuppence worth.

You'll have a wealth of opinion on CR over this sort of thing and it's well worth checking out ther threads on kit and accessories further down the forums, but in the end, like most kit, it's a case of trial and error and finding what works for you.

Hope this is a help

Welcome to Cool Running and well done on your achievment on Sunday. Hope to catch up at some event in he future.

Cheers

Taff

[Melruns]

Thorlo (I'm not in any way associated with the product)! I've only used the thick ones (I believe there are thin ones too) up to HM and even though they are thick on the soles they are really comfortable even when sweating. My husband has always preferred thinner socks with his rather high arched feet. I recently got a Thorlo eBay bargain and to my lasting disappointment, he is now a convert and I have to share my 6 pairs. 30 bucks in the shops here, last forever, much cheaper on eBay. ($68 delivered, still smiling about them).

[SeLiNa]

Hey Taff,

Thanks for the info. I've been wearing the Lightfeet socks from Athlete's Foot as the staff told me they were just the best socks ever. And they've been fine, I can't complain.

For possible blister prevention though I may look at the Injinji ones (where on earth did that name come from!!) And the K Mart Coolmax socks deserve a try too I think! Can't hurt to keep trying different ones.

My usual problem is my feet are tooo small - if the socks have individual toes I will need kiddies sizes!

So thanks for all the input guys! I'm going shopping tomorrow now! Yeeeha!

(Am I strange that 'running' shopping excites me more than any other shopping?!?!?) lol

[Colsy]

I still survive in my El Cheapo $2 socks that I get from Gepps Cross markets or Adelaide Central Market. I also just pick-up whatever bargain socks I find around the place. My feet are happiest in socks with a high cotton content, be they expensive or cheap.

I may invest in some Thorlos soon to see what everyone is talking about.

[sunny1]

Here in South Australia there seems to be a phenomonononae where, in a shopping centre of local size, a couple of people set up a stall selling scalves, slippers, socks, socks and socks. Usually the socks are out for $5 for 3 pairs, and they are white, just over the ankle, with some colour and the word 'sport' written on the thickish bottom. These are footwear of my choice, and a delight to run in!

Disclaimer: I have run in Thorlos in the past.

[besty]

Hi Guys,

It would be helpful if people list the distances they run when rating their socks. I only say this because a sock that works for someone running 10 km may not be ideal for someone running 30 km or longer.

I bought a pair of Injinji socks last week and had my first run (21 km) in them yesterday. They felt good initially, but i was a bit surprised at how warm my feet were after only a few kms. The air temperature was roughly 17c, so not hot by any means. I'm a bit disappointed considering they cost $30.

I'll be looking for something else to try i think.

[Colsy]

sunny1, on Jul 11 2008, 08:28 PM, said:

Here in South Australia there seems to be a phenomonononae where, in a shopping centre of local size, a couple of people set up a stall selling scalves, slippers, socks, socks and socks. Usually the socks are out for $5 for 3 pairs, and they are white, just over the ankle, with some colour and the word 'sport' written on the thickish bottom. These are footwear of my choice, and a delight to run in!

Disclaimer: I have run in Thorlos in the past.

These are the very same socks that I wear Sunny1. Every time I walk past one of these places i grab a couple of pairs. I think they are great, just the right amount of padding and $2 a pair. Hee Hee.

besty, on Jul 20 2008, 07:42 PM, said:

Hi Guys,

It would be helpful if people list the distances they run when rating their socks. I only say this because a sock that works for someone running 10 km may not be ideal for someone running 30 km or longer.

I bought a pair of Injinji socks last week and had my first run (21 km) in them yesterday. They felt good initially, but i was a bit surprised at how warm my feet were after only a few kms. The air temperature was roughly 17c, so not hot by any means. I'm a bit disappointed considering they cost $30.

I'll be looking for something else to try i think.

Besty, dont pay that much for socks, buy them online for 1/3 of the price.

Edited by Colsy, 20 July 2008 - 08:56 PM.

[flick]

Gone off the thorlos somewhat since I started wearing orthotics. Also find thorlos can get a bit hot over 15 km.

Quite like some "structured" socks from Nike and Adidas. These are just as expensive as Thorlos unless you get them online. At the moment I have two pairs of Adidas that I am fairly addicted to. Got them at the Bourke St Mall shop.

I am a bit pyscho about socks, washing them inside out, not putting them in the dryer, etc, etc, whereas I will chuck the silk blouse in the washing machine without thinking twice about it.

Hubby runs in the ultra cheap, ultra thin Target/Kmart brand only replacing them every 5 or so years. He does have very high arches and doesn't run much more than 8 kms an outing these days having had major reconstructive surgery on both feet. Actually come to think of it he was on crutches when I met him, I wonder if he wishes he was able to run away that night!!

However when he does the OxFam events he usually would go for thick Thorlos (changing them every couple of hours) or equivalent.

[Dangerous]

I started off in Thorlos, but moved to Asics Kayano Socks a while back. They are designed to fit the foot (anatonically correct) and even have a L and R on them, so you know what foot to put the sock on...

I have never had any blisters, rubbing or anything - they are very comfortable and last for ages.

They are pricey - about $30 locally, but you can pick them up overseas cheaper. But well worth the price.

[cjr]

A few years ago I bought some Thorlo rip-offs from Aldi, for around $2 a pair, and they are still going strong and are my favorite socks (I go through socks quickly). In fact, I prefer them to Thorlos as they are not as thick. Unfortunately I have never seen them again since - if I ever do I will be sure to buy up their whole stock!

[MissPinkyInSydney]

Asics running socks for me. Not sure what style or anything....they are just short ones that come to the top of your runners and cost about $5 a pair. My distance is up to a half marathon and I pronate. I also have big ugly bunions on my feet but I love these socks!! They don't "move" at all and I get no rubbing or excess heat.

[besty]

Colsy, on Jul 20 2008, 08:55 PM, said:

These are the very same socks that I wear Sunny1. Every time I walk past one of these places i grab a couple of pairs. I think they are great, just the right amount of padding and $2 a pair. Hee Hee.



Besty, dont pay that much for socks, buy them online for 1/3 of the price.

I know, just wanted to try a pair before i bought 5 or 6 pairs online from the U.S. Glad i did because i don't like them.

[Jo73]

I just did the Kokoda Challenge (96k non-stop) in a pair of Injinji socks (the merino outdoor ones) doubled with a pair of normal socks over the top and I didn't get a single blister. And I wore the same socks from start to finish. God bless Injinji socks.

[Ned]

I have blisters from running a half in soaking wet shoes and socks last weekend. As well in the hot and humid weather I am finding my blisters are not disappearing (didn't have this problem last year as I wasn't running nearly as much). I had tried Injinji before on their own but found I got cramps in my arches, but this week I have worn them and a thin pair of other socks over the top. Super comfortable and have allowed me to keep running without making the blisters worse. I will be definitely usng them for all my long runs and lead up to Trailwalker and FM.

Edited by Ned, 21 July 2008 - 08:18 PM.

[hillclimb]

My favourite socks at the moment is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS, the ones with the thin blue stripe down the middle. I also have a pair of Asics Kayanos socks but prefer the Brooks as they are slightly thicker and is much more comfortable. With these socks I experienced no blisters for runs up to half marathon distances. The same cannot be said for the Kayanos which have now been relegated to training socks.

I haven't had the chance to test the Adrenaline GTS out at marathons as I tend to rely on my tried and trusted Thorlos which has worked in limiting blisters but they get too hot at the later stages of a marathon, so these socks may make the difference.