When it comes to gear needed for running, the list is pretty short. Thankfully. Great shoes are certainly at the top of that list, but a close second for me has got to be socks. I’ve only been running a fairly short time now, but I’ve come to appreciate a good sock. Even my favorite shoe can feel new again with a pair of fabulous socks. They’re certainly worth their weight in gold for me.
I thought I’d ask a few fellow red-faced runners to share about their favorite socks. Here’s what they have to say:
Cindy from Once Upon a Loaf likes DeFeet.
“Favorite socks? DEFEET. I wear these in diff styles almost exclusively. LOVE LOVE LOVE them and they last 10+ years of heavy wear. I kid you not.”
(I have some of these myself and totally agree with Cindy. I like low profile, but hate socks that slide down into the shoe. DeFeet’s little tabbed ones are a perfect combination for me.)
Kristen from Dine & Dish enjoys the Notes to Self.
“I love the Notes to Self running socks. Laura Schmidt is the owner and she has gone through great lengths to have each of the various styles tested by runners of all levels. The socks are comfortable, don’t move around when you are running, and they have motivational words on them that you see when you are lacing up your shoes to give you that extra dose of positive energy! Plus, I love supporting small businesses…every time I put a pair of Notes to Self socks on, I immediately feel good!”
Bridget from Bake at 350 recommends Nike Dri-Fit Low Cut Tab Socks.
“While I like cushy socks for piddling around the house, I love these socks for running because they feel like I’m wearing nothing at all. The Dri-Fit keeps them, well, dry…if any of us ever had sweaty feet, which we don’t, right?”
Dara the Cookin Canuck likes SmartWool.
“Smartwool are some of my favorite socks, particularly the slightly thicker ones for wintertime.”
And here are a few of my current favorites that help make my feet happier to run:
Ah … Thorlos. They’ve always been a favorite of both me and my husband. I particularly like these two styles:
This pair from Brooks have been a comfy pair since I began running last fall.
Just last week bought a pack of these from Target. A nice price for some decent socks.
Of course the list above offers only a few opinions. We’d like to hear from you too? Do you have a favorite running sock that you’d hate to get red faced without? Do share!
Keep on truckin’!
~ Amy
(Amy blogs at She Wears Many Hats and appreciates a good sock.)
.jpg)
Great post, Amy! I really need to get myself some Notes to Self socks
And winter socks too- looking into the Smart Wool ones for sure.
Very interesting. I guess I have never given my running socks too much thought. I am however anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Wonder Woman ones
Wow! Who knew that there were so many fun socks?
Until you have a bad pair of socks when you are running, you don’t appreciate a really great pair of socks! I love my Notes to Self! Such fun options out there!
Socks are so important! Thanks for sharing Amy!
This is a great post, Amy! Once you find those perfect socks…the ones that don’t slip down or rub in funny places…you’ll never go back. These are all great recommendations.
I love my Motion socks (from Tradehome Shoes). But really my starting criteria is the added arch support! Great post, I love the Notes to self ones
I love socks.
I don’t have a specific brand I like just as long as the material is a blend. I used to run in 100% cotton socks and I got really bad blisters. Switching socks definitely helped!
Socks are clearly a very personal preference! I’m all about the cheapies at Target, myself
This is certainly an area of running I haven’t given much focus. Thanks for the post, I’m definitely gonna be looking into picking up some good socks.
I really liked the sock recommendations! I never thought about socks making a difference. Can there also be a post about compression vs non-compression? Pants, tops, whatever…I have compression pants and top, that I like. But I am just starting out and would like to know what more experienced runners prefer! Maybe a post “What I could not run without…” Just ideas, I am new to running and could use all the info I could get! And I definitely over-analyze everything
Speaking of socks, where can we get those awesome wonder woman socks? We should all wear them on September 8th and 9th, that would be really cool! Just a suggestion.
Maybe y’all could sell them on this site, with some of the proceeds going towards a charity or something like that. Just a suggestion.
We all ordered them online, but I will say…not so great for running in the heat. Those socks are not made to breathe. Just to look pretty!
I like the No nonsense ones I get at the grocery store. But I like the ones that have a little cuff on the top. if not they ride down when I run and I am only wearing a half of a sock by the time I am done. Would love to pick up the socks to match the group but then I would have to wear shorts… not sure I want to do that. LOL.
Great post, Amy! This is a comprehensive guide for the sock shopper. I’m suddenly lemming some new ones…maybe I can add some back-up brands for my DeFeets? I’m game!!
Yay for Champion socks! Target + Champion is pretty much my go-to for workout wear!
I found caped wonder woman socks at 80stees.com and totally want to get them for race day. But I agree with Robin and would totally buy socks from RFR!
http://www.80stees.com/products/Wonder-Woman-Caped-Knee-High-Socks.asp
Great post. Ordered some SmartWool socks today. Have some KentWool and they are great!
Robin
I recently purchased the Nike Performance No-Show Socks from Kohls. I love them. Not only are they cushy but they are also moisture wicking. However, I may have to splurge on a pair of those Notes to Self. Clever idea. Wouldn’t it be cute if they designed some for RFR5K!
Great post, Amy! I love any kind of thicker sock that is a “dry wick” kind of sock. Socks can really make a great big difference in how your feet feel during a run. I say, splurge on socks… and shoes too!
I love Bridgedale Womens Lo socks. I like that there is a little padding on the sides of the foot, the heel, and especially like it on the top of the foot where you tie your shoes.
So excited to read this. Just ordered a pair of notes to self socks. My mother in law is also taking them to Korea as gifts. Can’t wait to get them and feel good helping a small business!