You don’t have to wear running socks if your running shoe is engineered to support your foot very snugly and will wick away moisture, but it’s not recommended. You also need to consider the distance that you are going to run. Socks protect your feet from friction, and ultimately, provide your foot with a second skin.
Running is very hard on your feet, and runners commonly suffer from blisters, heat spots, callous, and damage to their toenails. When moisture is trapped in your feet, or when your socks do not wick away moisture effectively, your skin will be more susceptible to chafing and developing fungal infections.
Regular Socks Are Not Designed For Wear & Tear
Choosing the right sock is as essential as choosing the right running shoe. Athletic socks are designed to withstand a lot more wear and tear, than regular socks. You should not wear regular socks when you are running.
They are too thick and you are quite likely to damage the socks too. Athletic socks are highly engineered. They have reinforced toe areas, heel areas, and have arch supports or power bands. They are made using special knits that are much stronger than regular knits. The stitching and design of the ‘heel gore’ of running socks, can be a Y or W.
Running Socks Wick Away Water
Running socks are designed to keep your feet dry. You can choose between natural fibers, synthetics or a blended knit. Cotton socks will absorb too much water and are not a good choice. Wool, bamboo, and coconut fibers are a good choice.
They are eco-friendly socks, which are made from yarns that have been highly processed. No need to panic! The wool won’t make you itchy – it’s highly processed and smooth. Synthetic fibers are hydrophobic and repel water.
There are socks made from blends of polyester, Spandex, and Lycra. These do a good job but are derived from petroleum based products, which are from non-renewable energy sources.
Water Management & Thermoregulation
Running shoes, ones that are more expensive, are designed to help keep your feet cool. They can be made from special breathable fabrics which increase air circulation around your feet. If you are purchasing new running shoes, it is important to try them on with socks on!
The fit of your shoe is very important, as is the fit of your sock. Ill fitting shoes and socks will lead to chafing and blisters. Your running shoes and socks need to work together.
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Iron Man Socks Or Trail Running Socks
Are you planning to compete in a high endurance sports event or going trail running in the mountains, with your buddies? Your running socks will also have to be high endurance running socks. These are specifically designed with special heel tabs, for example, to stop them slipping.
Ultimately, they are a second skin on your feet, but they are even more highly engineered, than regular running socks. Trail running sock are running socks that are ‘ crew’ height and will protect your legs, as you run along the trails, and through long grass.
Compression Running Socks
Compression running socks are designed to support the muscles and veins in your feet and calves. Compression socks are recommended if you suffer from cramps in your calves. Similarly, if you suffer from varicose veins, then compression socks will assist your leg circulation.
Compression socks are also worn during long flights to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and to offer veins extra support. If your muscles are easily fatigued than compression socks are also recommended.
Technical Design & Cold Weather Socks
Running socks are designed to be a second skin. The sport of running means that your feet are constantly in motion, and making contact with the ground – via your running shoes. What this means is that they are pushing off a surface, and you are transferring energy in your muscles, into kinetic energy, and propelling your body forward.
Your feet have thicker skin to protect them, but the impact to your feet, and socks means that they – your socks – need to be constructed in a certain way so that they don’t move. Running socks do not have seams, and the yarn is processed in a sophisticated way to be both strong, and comfortable.
There are running socks designed specifically for cold weather. The weave of the sock will be denser. Depending on the weather, and particular climate that you live in, you will need to choose the appropriate density – not thickness – of your socks.
Running Without Socks Is Bad For Your Running Shoes
Running socks will wick away, and naturally, absorb some of the moisture that is generated when you run. If you do not wear socks then your sweat will go straight into your shoe and soak into the fabric. While washing socks is fairly straightforward, washing your trainers is less so. They will develop a bad odor very quickly if you do not wear socks.
Similarly, putting clean feet into dirty trainers is not the best choice, from a health perspective. Moisture in damp trainers is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. (Similarly, you should never train with damp socks. They must be 100% dry when you wear them.)
Take Care Of Your Socks And They Will Take Care Of You
You need to follow the particular care instructions of your running socks. While they may be highly engineered you need to wash and dry them at the appropriate temperatures, or yes, they can shrink.
Check first, before throwing them into the washing machine, or tumble dryer. Athlete’s Foot is a series problem which can be avoided by using the correct socks and by using an antibacterial powder. Running socks will help protect your feet from chafing, blisters, hot spots, skin diseases and from developing calluses.
Choose a running sock that is best suited to your climate and the type of running you are planning to do. Rock on – with the right sock.
Wow, I didn’t realize that there were so many different types of running socks ! When it comes to running shoes there are particular shoes for particular runners and I’m actually thinking more along the lines of amateur runners, and heavy runners in particular. Could you recommend a sock which heavier runners could/should wear. Maybe one with an extra cushioning?! Heavier folk need as much cushioning as they can get both from their shoe and from their socks.
Thank you for all the valuable information you have given in your organised, well-structured site.
Thank you, Roy.
Yes, I think that people had to try one pair of this socks and
then it doesn’t go back. Like I say
sometimes, you need to look and the whole picture!
I can recommend the type of socks you are asking in your comment. Have a look at the Balega
socks you can see here:
https://sportssend.com/the-bal…
The toe and heel are reinforced. The mesh construction creates ventilation and it has plush cushioning at the sole for comfort. It comes in a huge variety of different colors to suit every runner’s taste and a good range of sizes for men and women.
I will never forget the first time I tried a running sock vs. a regular sock! Before I used running socks, I would get blisters on my feet from the socks rubbing! The athletic sock fits so well and so snug that I don’t ever have issues!
You are right, good socks are just as important as the right pair of running shoes!
Thank you, Abby.
Yes, I think it´s the point. People need to test once and after they had to try it, they don´t go back.
Some of us have tried the sockless approach since their are seamless running shoes on the market that are mentioned to be worn without socks. That said, sweat is still the enamy of the shoe and skin.
Hi, Carl and thank you.
I think it is one of the good things that there are so many ways to get both a comfortable feeling and performance when you run today. On the same time, it is crucial to know what you should avoid and why.
For example, I have stress that, in this site, that you should not use cotton socks when you run. Running socks and running shoes are a combo. But. Running barefoot is a fascinating idea and great for the people who like it. But you need to have the right shoes for it. For example, the shoes in this article could be useful for running without socks.
And like you say, sweat is not good for shoes and skins.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
I appreciated it when you shared that it is important to wear socks since they will absorb some of the moisture that is generated when you run. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is planning to go on running every evening so she can lose weight in a healthy way. I will suggest to her getting high-quality socks from a reliable supplier.
Hi Taylor Hicken, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Here is an article I believe your friend could be interesting to see. It is a sample of some excellent running compression socks for both women and men.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.