If the base isn't right, the rest doesn't stand a chance. The same goes for your running outfit. And part of those essentials are running/walking socks.
Because if you don't choose the right pair, you'll always run the risk of sore feet and blisters, no matter what shoes you wear.
What makes the best running socks depends on several factors. The type of training, the environment, the weahter, and your personal preferences all play an important role. We've listed a few brands and models for you.
Different running socks and their features
Stance
Reinforced socks that last
In general, all Stance socks feature the same technologies and benefits, resulting in a high-quality brand.
One of these features is the InfiKnit technology: reinforcements at the heel and toes - the areas where socks tend to wear out the fastest. This ensures that the socks last longer.
Then there's the FreshTek technology, which keeps your feet fresh and dry during your workouts. It's an antimicrobial, ,moisture-wicking treatment that eliminates odors and wicks sweat away from your feet.
Drymax
Water-repellent socks for wet hikes
The Drymax Speedgoat is a technical sock made up of two layers. The first layer, which sits directly against your foot, containt a water-repellent fiber called Drymax. This fiber ensures that your foot stays dry even in wet conditions. The second layer, the outer layer, contains a water-absorbing fiber. The combination of these two layers means that only a very limited amount of water reaches to foot, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
"I put it to the test and went out a few times in wet conditions: cross-country skiing, running in the rain, and so on", says Ben, Runners' lab advisor and sock specialist. "The rougher feel of the outer layer says nothing about the comfort inside the sock. Inside, there's a pleasantly soft cushioning that's just right for me. It also fits snugly and stays perfectly in place around my feet."
"And when it comes to puddles? They weren't safe for me and my Drymax socks", Ben continues. "Even when water gets in to the shoe, the sock stays nicely in place, so your foot doesn't slide around. I also didn't have any suction or squishy feeling after stepping out of the puddle. Once home, the shoe and insole were completely soaked, but surprisingly, my foot was almost completely dry", concludes Ben.
Drymax in summary:
- Ideal for running or walking in wet conditions
- Technical two-layer construction
- Keeps your feet dry, even when there's plenty of water in your shoes
- Snug fit that stays perfectly in place
Smartwool
Socks made from Merino wool
"Merino wool has long been one of my favorite materials, not only for socks, but also for clothing in general", begins Ben.
Smartwool socks are made of about 50% Merino wool. This material, in addition to its antibacterial and thermoregulating qualities, also has a moisture-absorbing function. Compared to synthetic socks, Merino wool can absorb more moisture.
"I often reach for a pair of Smartwool socks during my runs or trail sessions", says Ben. "They feel really comfortable on my feet and fit nicely without being too tight. Personally, I've never had blisters or soreness from the socks. During a river crossing ,the socks did absorb water quickly, and it took a few hundred meters before that soggy feeling disappeared. The socks also felt cooler for a while afterward, and my feet were a bit damp, which of course isn't surprising when you've just run straight through a river.
Smartwool in summary:
- Ideal for easy long runs or long activities such as walking.
- Merino wool for temperature regulation
- Antibacterial and moisture-absorbing properties
- Snug fit without feeling too tight
Falke (trail)
Smooth, thin socks
The Falke Trail socks are synthetic and made primarily of polyamide - a fiber known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties.
"As soon as I put the socks on, I noticed how much smoother and thinner they feel compared to other models. They fit well, with a bit of extra tension around the ankle. They're also very lightweight and have a pleasantly soft feel. That soft material also helps prevent blisters", tells Ben.
"While running, I did notice some movement inside the shoe due to the sock's smooth texture, especially when it got wet. As a result, my feet felt a bit damp when I took them off", Ben concludes.
Falke Trail in summary:
- Ideal for shorter runs or interval training
- Polyamide for a moisture-wicking effect
- Smoother and thinner than other socks
- Snuf git around the ankle
Injinji (Trail)
The socks with separate toes
Injinji socks stand out not only because of their materials, but also because of their unique look. They're made partly from Coolmax, a moisture-wicking and breathable polyester fiber. In addition, each toe is separated, creating a double layer between the toes, which helps prevent friction and blisters.
"The Trail version of Injinji socks is a bit thicker, which took some getting used to", says sock expert Ben. "There's quite a bit of fabric between your toes. Still, the socks feel very soft and comfortable."
"if you think the individual toes might cause irritation, I can definitely dispel that. Once you start running, you forget your toes are separated. It feels completely natural for me", says Ben.
"The socks fit a bit looser around the foot, but it doesn't slip down. It also absorbs moisutre well, and even when wet, it stays in place. I was pleasantly surprised by the breathability, especially in summer conditions. It's a bit thicker than other socks I wear, but definitely not the warmest, which is good for running", Ben concludes.
Injinji Trail in summary:
- Ideal for easy long runs or longer activities such as walking, especially in summer
- Prevents friction between the toes thanks to the individual toe design
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Slightly thicker than a standard sock, but not warmer
- Looser fit that stays in place
These are of course just recommendations, based on our onw experiences. It's important to try the socks yourself, so you can discover what feels most comfortable for you.
Would you like personalized advice, based on your own running experience and goals? Get in touch with our Runners' lab advisors online via the Live WHatsApp, or visit one of our Runners' lab stores.
Back to basics - a good base is key
The base is made up of more than just your running socks. Think of your sports underwear (boxers and slips), a good sports bra and a comfortable baselayer. What the right choice is, we explain in our other blogs.
If the base isn't right, the rest doesn't stand a chance. The same goes for your running outfit. And part of those essentials are running/walking socks.
Because if you don't choose the right pair, you'll always run the risk of sore feet and blisters, no matter what shoes you wear.
What makes the best running socks depends on several factors. The type of training, the environment, the weahter, and your personal preferences all play an important role. We've listed a few brands and models for you.
Different running socks and their features
Stance
Reinforced socks that last
In general, all Stance socks feature the same technologies and benefits, resulting in a high-quality brand.
One of these features is the InfiKnit technology: reinforcements at the heel and toes - the areas where socks tend to wear out the fastest. This ensures that the socks last longer.
Then there's the FreshTek technology, which keeps your feet fresh and dry during your workouts. It's an antimicrobial, ,moisture-wicking treatment that eliminates odors and wicks sweat away from your feet.
Drymax
Water-repellent socks for wet hikes
The Drymax Speedgoat is a technical sock made up of two layers. The first layer, which sits directly against your foot, containt a water-repellent fiber called Drymax. This fiber ensures that your foot stays dry even in wet conditions. The second layer, the outer layer, contains a water-absorbing fiber. The combination of these two layers means that only a very limited amount of water reaches to foot, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
"I put it to the test and went out a few times in wet conditions: cross-country skiing, running in the rain, and so on", says Ben, Runners' lab advisor and sock specialist. "The rougher feel of the outer layer says nothing about the comfort inside the sock. Inside, there's a pleasantly soft cushioning that's just right for me. It also fits snugly and stays perfectly in place around my feet."
"And when it comes to puddles? They weren't safe for me and my Drymax socks", Ben continues. "Even when water gets in to the shoe, the sock stays nicely in place, so your foot doesn't slide around. I also didn't have any suction or squishy feeling after stepping out of the puddle. Once home, the shoe and insole were completely soaked, but surprisingly, my foot was almost completely dry", concludes Ben.
Drymax in summary:
- Ideal for running or walking in wet conditions
- Technical two-layer construction
- Keeps your feet dry, even when there's plenty of water in your shoes
- Snug fit that stays perfectly in place
Smartwool
Socks made from Merino wool
"Merino wool has long been one of my favorite materials, not only for socks, but also for clothing in general", begins Ben.
Smartwool socks are made of about 50% Merino wool. This material, in addition to its antibacterial and thermoregulating qualities, also has a moisture-absorbing function. Compared to synthetic socks, Merino wool can absorb more moisture.
"I often reach for a pair of Smartwool socks during my runs or trail sessions", says Ben. "They feel really comfortable on my feet and fit nicely without being too tight. Personally, I've never had blisters or soreness from the socks. During a river crossing ,the socks did absorb water quickly, and it took a few hundred meters before that soggy feeling disappeared. The socks also felt cooler for a while afterward, and my feet were a bit damp, which of course isn't surprising when you've just run straight through a river.
Smartwool in summary:
- Ideal for easy long runs or long activities such as walking.
- Merino wool for temperature regulation
- Antibacterial and moisture-absorbing properties
- Snug fit without feeling too tight
Falke (trail)
Smooth, thin socks
The Falke Trail socks are synthetic and made primarily of polyamide - a fiber known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties.
"As soon as I put the socks on, I noticed how much smoother and thinner they feel compared to other models. They fit well, with a bit of extra tension around the ankle. They're also very lightweight and have a pleasantly soft feel. That soft material also helps prevent blisters", tells Ben.
"While running, I did notice some movement inside the shoe due to the sock's smooth texture, especially when it got wet. As a result, my feet felt a bit damp when I took them off", Ben concludes.
Falke Trail in summary:
- Ideal for shorter runs or interval training
- Polyamide for a moisture-wicking effect
- Smoother and thinner than other socks
- Snuf git around the ankle
Injinji (Trail)
The socks with separate toes
Injinji socks stand out not only because of their materials, but also because of their unique look. They're made partly from Coolmax, a moisture-wicking and breathable polyester fiber. In addition, each toe is separated, creating a double layer between the toes, which helps prevent friction and blisters.
"The Trail version of Injinji socks is a bit thicker, which took some getting used to", says sock expert Ben. "There's quite a bit of fabric between your toes. Still, the socks feel very soft and comfortable."
"if you think the individual toes might cause irritation, I can definitely dispel that. Once you start running, you forget your toes are separated. It feels completely natural for me", says Ben.
"The socks fit a bit looser around the foot, but it doesn't slip down. It also absorbs moisutre well, and even when wet, it stays in place. I was pleasantly surprised by the breathability, especially in summer conditions. It's a bit thicker than other socks I wear, but definitely not the warmest, which is good for running", Ben concludes.
Injinji Trail in summary:
- Ideal for easy long runs or longer activities such as walking, especially in summer
- Prevents friction between the toes thanks to the individual toe design
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Slightly thicker than a standard sock, but not warmer
- Looser fit that stays in place
These are of course just recommendations, based on our onw experiences. It's important to try the socks yourself, so you can discover what feels most comfortable for you.
Would you like personalized advice, based on your own running experience and goals? Get in touch with our Runners' lab advisors online via the Live WHatsApp, or visit one of our Runners' lab stores.
Back to basics - a good base is key
The base is made up of more than just your running socks. Think of your sports underwear (boxers and slips), a good sports bra and a comfortable baselayer. What the right choice is, we explain in our other blogs.