Best Running Socks for Women
| May 24, 2011 | Posted by Sarah under Running Gear Guides, Socks |
So, now you have these awesome running shoes, but let me guess, you’re still wearing the same old everyday socks instead of running socks. Let me tell you something: the incorrect socks can make the best running shoe ineffective and uncomfortable. This is why the third most important piece of running gear for women, after a good pair of running shoes and a great sports bra are running socks.
Why You Should Invest in Running Socks
Most everyday socks are 100% cotton, and cotton holds moisture. Since feet sweat more than any other body part while running, by the end of your run with cotton socks your feet will be soaked. The moisture then creates the perfect environment for rubbing, blisters, and odor-causing bacteria. You know how when your feet are cold, your whole body is cold? The moisture also prevents your feet from cooling and in a similar way causes your body to feel overheated.
These same socks, after a few runs and a trips through the washing machine will lose their shape and elasticity. As they do so they will slip down into your shoe, forcing you to stop your run to fix the problem. If you do not stop, the bunching that occurs in your shoe will cause blisters and bruises. Additionally, if the tube of the sock does not fit snugly around your foot, gaps will form again creating rubbing and bruises. Not fun.
The Best Running Socks
The best running socks will be made of sweat-wicking materials such as CoolMax, Expelit, or Wickit, or a combination of nylon, polyester, hemp, and other materials synthetic and natural materials. They will fit perfectly, offering support and flexibility for your foot where you need it. If you have high arches and underpronate you may prefer a sock that has extra support in the arches.
Now, even with these requirements the field of women’s running socks will not be narrowed all that much. It is up to you to decide which type of running sock is most comfortable for you. They come ankle height, low cut, quarter-length, and crew-length. Be careful if you go for ankle-length socks to get socks with ample heel coverage. There are thick running socks and thin running socks. Wool running socks and compression socks. None of these are the best running socks, but one of them may be the best running socks for you.
For me these Wrightsock coolmesh double layer socks
are best. I have trouble with blisters and they’ve worked like a charm. At $10 a pop they do get a little expensive but they are so worth it. My feet are starting to look like a human’s again instead of a deformed troll.
Running Socks Care
Once you get your running socks, you’ll want to care for your investment to prolong its life as long as possible. Wash them after each use by turning them inside out and throwing them in the washing machine on a warm or cold cycle. Do not use bleach, but use a mild liquid detergent instead. Do not hand wash them either. This may seem like a better option but the sock will wear out more quickly with wringing.
Line-dry your running socks or dry them in the dryer on low. Too much heat will begin to break down the fibers and elastic in your socks.
Whatever you do, do not run without socks. You’re just asking for blisters if you do this, or worse, a serious injury. Running socks that specifically fit your foot will give you an extra lift and help the miles go by more quickly and less painfully.