How to choose running socks?

Running shoes are the most important running equipment, I agree. So besides running shoes, which equipment is important and easily overlooked is Running Socks. A pair of comfortable running socks that you often ignore its existence, while an uncomfortable pair of running socks can affect your performance at best, or even cause injuries, such as blisters. You may attribute the reason to the inappropriate running shoes, but it is very likely that it is the problem ofrunning socks.

So what factors should be considered when buying running socks?

1. How are running socks different from other socks?

Running socks have some specific characteristics that make them better than ordinary socks.

Purpose

Running socks are designed to keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable, and they also need to have good wear resistance. They have specific anti-blister properties and are designed to allow you to run for a long time without hurting or causing blisters on your feet.

Materials

They are made of synthetic materials or a blend of synthetic wool and merino wool.

This combination is designed to keep your feet dry by wicking away moisture and allowing air to circulate through the socks, allowing your feet to breathe and stay cool.

Seams

Running socks usually have seamless toes or flat seams to prevent chafing. They are designed in a way that does not create hot spots on the feet, so blisters are much less likely to occur.

Anatomical design

Unlike everyday socks, many running socks are usually designed with specific left and right socks. This anatomical design is intended to provide a contoured fit and eliminate hot spots that can cause blisters.

What the wrong socks do?

Wearing the wrong socks can affect your running performance.

First of all, choosing socks that don't fit or are not suitable for the type of activities you will be doing can cause you extreme discomfort.

No one wants to stop every few minutes on the trail to pull up their socks or pull them out of their shoes.

On top of that, wearing the wrong socks can cause harm! Blisters, ingrown toenails, infections, and even more serious problems like bursitis.

When you think about this, can you see why it is important to make the effort to choose the right running socks?

2. Tips for buying running socks
Planning to buy new running socks? Here are our top tips to make sure you get the right product for you!

Avoid Cotton

Cotton is extremely absorbent, but this means your feet will stay damp and your chances of chafing will be higher.

It’s well known that cotton socks can cause blisters. They’re also not very breathable! So your feet will be hot, damp, and prone to blisters.

Choose a blend

Blended socks are the best choice for running socks. Materials like spandex, polyester, or acrylic are stretchy, comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and are generally lightweight and breathable.

The other fabric should be a natural fiber like merino wool or mohair. They’re generally great at temperature regulation and moisture wicking.

Check the seams

The toe seam can be your worst enemy. If it rubs against your toes while you run, blisters are sure to occur!

Your best bet is a seamless sock, but if you can’t find one, then make sure the existing seams aren’t placed in a way that will cause chafing.

Look for a tighter midfoot weave

A tighter weave in the midfoot helps prevent the sock from sliding out of the shoe. Some people may find a tighter midfoot weave uncomfortable, so this should be left to your discretion.

Decide on your preferred thickness

You should already have a good idea of ​​the thickness of socks you prefer. If you already know that thick socks are uncomfortable for you, don't go for thick socks. That's why our next tip is important!

Thickness also varies with the season, choose thinner in the summer and thicker in the winter.

Try on your running shoes

When buying running socks, try them on with the shoes you will be running in. They will feel great when you are wearing casual shoes, but may feel slightly different in running shoes.

Compression

Many running socks are designed with mild compression. This helps stimulate blood flow to the feet, reducing fatigue and increasing recovery time.

Generally speaking, knee-high socks offer good compression. But smaller socks may also have compression properties, usually in the midfoot.

Waterproof

Usually socks won't be completely waterproof, but they should have some water resistance to keep your feet as dry as possible. Many of them have sweat-wicking properties to keep your feet dry when you sweat.

In some specific scenarios, such as snow running, skiing, and mountaineering, waterproof socks are a good choice, such as the CMAX running socks, of course, the price will be higher.

3. The length of sports socks
According to the FZ/T73037-2019 "Knitted Sports Socks" standard, sports socks can be divided into boat socks (ankle-below sports socks), short tubes, middle tubes, and long tubes.

Boat socks (Invisible Socks): sports socks with the opening below the ankle, suitable for summer

Short tubes: sports socks with the opening below the calf, suitable for spring and summer

Mid-tube: sports socks with the opening below the knee, winter and cross-country running are the best choices for mid-tube.

Long tube: sports socks with the opening above the knee.

Short tubes and middle tubes are the most popular choices for runners.

4. CMAX running socks
CMAX has newly launched a multifunctional sports socks, which is not expensive. Socks are consumables of running equipment, and the consumption rate is definitely faster than running shoes, so they will choose cost-effectiveness.

Blended material, 63% nylon, 11% polyester, 15% spandex, 11% cotton. It is elastic and slightly compressed. It fits well. The Lycra fabric ensures strong rebound and is not easy to deform. Coolmax technology ensures breathability, sweat-wicking and dryness.
Seams: The seams are flat and you can't see them without careful observation. The inner layer is a towel bottom, which is comfortable.
Thickness: 70D, medium, suitable for spring, autumn and winter, not suitable for summer, it will be thicker, and also suitable for cross-country running. When running a 40-kilometer dragon pattern in Beijing at -10 degrees, it was competent and didn't feel cold on my feet.

Wear resistance:

In the past week, I have been running in the same pair of socks, running 98 kilometers, including a 40-kilometer long distance.