29 replies to this topic

[RunnerInPink]

Ladies & gents what socks have you tried and found best to run in that don't give you blisters after long runs?

[Ellie80]

i like wrightsocks myself. $10 a pair in the US, $30 a pair here...

[Rico]

Thorlos for me, though it's a long time since I tried anything else.

[nando]

This thread might be worth looking at.

[tim]

Injinji.

240km race, one pair of socks, no blister problems.

[Bellthorpe]

I get them from Target for about $4. Never had a blister.

[Old chook]

Drymax socks. Not available in Australia. A favourite of US ultrarunners. They guarantee they will keep your feet drier* and more comfortable than any other sock# or give you your money back.

*We got a quarter of our months rainfall on the day of last run and they didn't keep my feet dry but they do mean from sweat.

#I suppose to prove this, you should wear the competing sock on the other foot. I haven't tried this yet, because so far they feel better than Thorlos, coolmax's and wrightsocks.

[Davo83]

socks from big W, Kmart etc $12 for 4 - 6, never had a problem, although my longest run has only been around 22km so not a great review.

I can understand that socks may play a part for ultra and marathon runners, but have people actually tried "normal" socks before buying running specific ones or not??
And if so do they change the socks because its cheaper then changing shoes or something else??

cheers

Dave

[tetley]

Any socks that fit reasonably snugly and don't have excess material hanging around the side of my foot near the little toe.

[tim]

Davo83, on Jun 27 2009, 09:54 AM, said:

I can understand that socks may play a part for ultra and marathon runners, but have people actually tried "normal" socks before buying running specific ones or not??
And if so do they change the socks because its cheaper then changing shoes or something else??

cheers

Dave

I started with Thorlos but they were just too thick and once wet they take forever to dry. I went to Kmart coolmax but I noticed in long runs my sole would start to crease and then that would turn into a nasty blister. Then i tried injinji and I have been really happy with them.

I only use injinji for long runs and races since I do not have problem feet regarding blisters. My normal training week i go with thin bonds socks I get in Woolies. I have run marathons without socks but no socks make my shoes smell soooo bad.

I have read that electolyte imbalance can contribute to blisters. I know dehydration can make your nipples rub more and bleed so I guess it is not just about what you wear

But as for ideal socks - they would be thin, wick moisture away, have no seams and fit properly.

[lavenderlilly]

Big W packet of 10 for $9.95

[wombatoutofhell]

Target coolmax about $15 for 3 pair. I also like All Day Socks Crosstrainers-also from Target. Thorlos are fine but a little thick. I think I'm the only person in CR who doesn't like Ininji's-I've worn them twice for long runs and blistered both times. I also like the Nike running socks that are about $25 a pair from the shops but $12 at the factory outlet.

[kathmandu]

wombatoutofhell, on Jun 27 2009, 03:40 PM, said:

I think I'm the only person in CR who doesn't like Ininji's-I've worn them twice for long runs and blistered both times.

seems to be the case with everything running related - we all differ. only thing thats constant is that everyone eventually finds their own way thru trial and error.

im an injinji fan.

[Rico]

I'm obsessive about shoe and sock comfort because when I do long runs the skin on my feet is the first thing to go. That (and other chafing) stops me before lack of energy or sore leg muscles do. So I tried a lot of options and will continue to do so, but for now seem to do best in (thick) thorlos. Haven't tried ininjis. I sometimes wear target socks for short runs in tighter fitting shoes, but the soles of my feet suffered when I tried them on longer runs.

[pygmydwarf]

I like the little Nike thin coolmax socks. Only need them for racing as I can wear anything fairly thin for training in, ever Rios. I bought some Thorlos but hated them. Too think & I get more blisters with them. Guess it's horses for courses. Best to find out what works for you.
I also give my socks and shoes a generous dose of baby powder. That usually does it for me.

Sorry, this is Southy, not pgmydwarf. I just realised that I'm on my daughters computer and coolrunning thinks I am the pigmydwarf.

Edited by pygmydwarf, 28 June 2009 - 03:51 PM.

[Koala1]

wombatoutofhell, on Jun 27 2009, 05:40 PM, said:

I think I'm the only person in CR who doesn't like Ininji's-I've worn them twice for long runs and blistered both times.

WOOH - The first couple of times I ran in the Injinjis I didn't like them either - they didn't seem to work for me, so I left them for a while and then went back to them many months later. Now I love them and think they are the best! I have found that they seem to get much better after several washes and they are now my sock of choice on the long trails.

I use the target cool max socks for short runs.

[Stem]

I picked up some Balega socks in the US last year. Liked them so much had to order more online.(Couldn't find them over here. If anyone knows a place to buy them in Sydney, I'd love to know)

[McKnickers]

hi - I've got a $15 pair of Adidas socks from Rebel sport which have been great...also the cool max ones from target...generally you need ones without seams...plenty of air and bob's your uncle!

[TFive]

I'm taking the crap Thorlos socks that cost $36 and gave me a huge blood blister yesterday after W2G back to Rebel Sport and demanding a refund .... think I'll wash them first.

[Anne Victor]

wombatoutofhell, on Jun 27 2009, 02:40 AM, said:

I think I'm the only person in CR who doesn't like Ininji's-I've worn them twice for long runs and blistered both times.

WOOH - oh no you're not. I have tried to persevere with Injinji socks and they are the only socks that have ever caused me blisters. For me, it's Target Coolmax socks from 5km to marathon.

[tim]

I have a feeling that feet are all different and so are the socks that work for each of us. Some crazy people even run without socks.

if you have blister issues i would try different brands and it you still have issues then there is taping. For many ultra runners it is a pre race nighttime ritual.

[RunnerInPink]

hmm looks like its going to be trial and error.

went for a long run a couple of weekends ago and got home to blisters on my little toes - was wearing Bond socks. I'm going to try the coolmax socks for the GCM and see how I go.

Has anyone tried the blister spray by any chance - any good??

[southy]

try a generous dose of baby powder in both the socks & shoes. A lot less expensive.

[tim]

this stuff is good and it is an Aussie Coolrunner site.

[wazza]

I have used a liberal application of vaseline around the toes before putting on my socks to control blisters on long runs - works well in all weather conditions

[TRAVY]

I find Thorlos good . But at $ 30 they should be.

[rodthehornet]

I keep on looking at the title of the thread:

Socks that don't run...

I want socks that do run. Matter of fact I want socks that run fast.

Just a thought.

[serena]

After reading earlier comments on this thread I sent off for some injinji socks and my feet think they have died and gone to heaven. They are absolutely wonderful!

[crazygirl]

I love Hilly Twin Skin Socklets. Never had a blister, its the double layer of soft material that does it for my toes Not cheap but last pretty well.

But never found them over here in Australia.


Does anyone know of a " Hilly" stockist in Oz. Otherwise I shall continue to get them from the UK.

Edited by crazygirl, 10 July 2009 - 10:49 AM.

[judo]

I always thought that Thorlos were overated, however i just purchased a pair of thorlo experia. I have worn these socks for long runs and speedwork for no blisters . They are much thinner than the old thorlos but have added padding under the ball and heel. Definately worth a try.

Judo