Running Socks, do they matter?

[@jeffcar6848]

Thanks for giving me kudos on my run today on Strava. Really made my days, thanks.

[@Jack-xc8uj]

Thanks Jeff for given me kudos today I can’t believe I found your comment good luck at practice today

[@xristanlouisbuning445]

I get starstruck when Seth gives me em kudos too. Lol.

[@lexington476]

I like Swiftwick, the local running stores that carried them, and I really like them. They're pretty much now my go-to sock now for running and cycling.

[@danielpimblett7356]

QD: Stance!! I believe part of running good and feeling good is being able to look good ;) all of the "FEEL 360 TRAIN / RUN" are super nice to run in they feel amazing and also have the coolest designs! I love running in mid-high ankle socks that just match my shoes and whatever else I'm wearing, I know a lot of people don't think it makes a difference but when I think I look good I run good that's just it!! a big part of it is having that special pair of shoes or that vest that makes you feel fast!! not only is it important to dress for the kind of work out you're doing but to dress so YOU feel good! Running is so individual and self-expressive! so when im out on the run I want to make my mark with every step and if that means having a stylish pair of socks that also perform on then so be it!! keep up the vid Seth!!! x

[@bruhmndm3051]

YES! I highly agree with you! Mostly it's the mentality part of us doing the job. When we look good and professional, we do tend to lean towards that way

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Balega Silver and hidden comfort and hidden dry. Silver a bit thicker best in winter. Hidden comfort best for all around. Hidden dry is very thin and great for summer. I never get blisters in any balega and very comfortable

[@davebrown1100]

Me either, had them years and no issues. Will be trying some injinji ones tho

[@bcockton]

i have used injinji for years. Took a while to get use to, but they are so comfortable. Never had a blister or hot spot ever.

[@johnnymstoddard]

QD: Injinji bc they have virtually neutralized the risk of blisters

[@NZDERO1]

💯 Percent mate, they're so good right! Definitely my go to.

[@lindleyberkow5964]

I had to switch from swift wick to injinji to prevent blisters in my 2nd toe once I started running farther then 6 miles. Cants wear anything else now.

[@johnnymstoddard]

@@lindleyberkow5964 agreed. I seriously can't think of wearing any other sock

[@texasmh4973]

QD: #1 factor with socks for me is NO blisters/hot spots. I use Balega Ultra lights for tempo/race day efforts and Balega Hidden Comfort for my EZ day runs. Recently started wearing Xoskin compression sleeves on long runs that actually create a cooling effect. This is a great topic and very interested to try some of the other brands you highlighted.

[@johnk.1461]

QD:compressport its my favorite ! really good build quality and the little bubbles under the sock are really good for extra cushion for Long 2-3 hours trail runs !

[@roryj5045]

Favorite socks-Injini toe socks, I have morton's neroma, so it is nice to keep the toes as unconstricted as possible.

[@alyxandrasherwood1176]

I train in Balegas and road race in Feetures. I also have a pair of Darn Tough and Smart Wool socks in rotation when I need a different texture or thickness. injinjii socks sound good in principle, but I already need wide shoes so anything additional between my toes is distracting. The most surprising sock brand I have found was Brooks - very deep heel pockets so they fit great, but they pick up EVERYTHING.

[@ebscoHOSTpub]

I like Darn Tough. I work in logging boots and their lifetime guarantee is amazing. I am a huge believer that if your feet feel good and look good, then YOU look good. Pamper your feet people!

[@CoreySenderson]

QD: Smartwool or injinjii

[@vincentvenieris2185]

Feetures, they gave them away, after the PWC Half Marathon. 2018. I was hooked after that!

[@jehspotlight]

Yes love feetures!

[@mfin0446]

Yes, I'm a fan of Feetures as well. They have all kinds of thicknesses as well from Ultra Thin to Thicker socks. I prefer the Ultra Thin. I run in them exclusively.

[@HowardJungrun]

QD : Thorlo thick crew running socks last many years! I like the thick bottom cushion. Run and walk very comfortably.

[@ashliecourtney8065]

Yesssssss!

[@NameMeDan1]

I have been enjoying my Brooks running socks. They are comfy and keep my feet feeling good.

[@bd56430]

I really enjoy those injinji toe socks. I understand they might not be for everyone, but for me they've really helped with blisters between my toes that I used to struggle with on longer runs/workouts.

[@Sevkick]

Steigen is hands down the best sock if youre blister/hot spot prone especially for road running/cycling. Its the only sock i wear now. They are slick in the beginning but grip better the more you wear them. Durability is great too. I have yet to wear a hole in them over 2 years of use

[@ckokomo808]

I’ve been rocking the injinji socks for a few years. There’s a few kinds with different thickness that I use for trail running. The toe sock is kinda weird but they have helped wick sweat away from my individual toes preventing blisters and rubbing. In winter, at least when I lived somewhere where it was REALLY cold (15 and below), to shifted to Balegas. Kinda like running with mittens va gloves, the individual toe parts don’t keep the heat in as well. I love the support of the sock along with the cushion.

[@davidmartini2757]

QD. Seth Steigen is an Australian company. They are my go to summer road running sock because they are not as thick and I like the designs they have (little bit of “flash”). My race day road race is x-socks. They have support through arch and ankle and have a specific right and left sock so are comfortable for racing.

[@backyard1015]

My favorite sock is Balega because of the comfort and support in the arch.

[@sdean8723]

Feetures high performance cushion are the only socks I will run in for the rest of my life. Strong statement I know. That’s how great they are

[@davidschmill8250]

QD: I really like Balega's Blister Resist line of socks; I like the Achilles tendon cushion tab on the back and the high cushion level

[@trevorcross7751]

QD: My favorite long run sock is a lightweight thin Nike sock because i live in Florida and my feet get hot my favorite race sock is the Balega Hidden comfort because it’s very cushioned and feels the best very soft and for my track workouts and or interval training I use Nike quarter height socks because they look cool and who does like to look cool when going fast

[@nathanlangfitt]

QD: Feetures Merino 10. They're just so comfortable, and they hold up for a long time.

[@arlandirkson6024]

QD: I've had great luck with Bolega this summer and fall so far. Like how soft and cushiony they are, and the temperature control is very effective. Been using their short length on the road and ankle length on trails, but will get some crew for this winter.

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Great Vlog! Compressport are my go-to compression socks and (paired with Injinji) sleeves for ultras. For recovery, however, strongly recommend OS1st - hospital-grade compression for maximum relief.

[@Elidogz]

Injinjis always . It helps separate my toes for splay & prevent from blisters also & i wear diffrent ones for the terrain that im running .other socks make my toes feel cramped together . Injinjis +hokas ❤️

[@michelleharnett1351]

Smartwool PHD ankle socks - woolly enough for frosty mornings (we don't get snow), haven;t tried them in summer yet but have been okay in the New Zealand spring so far and they don;t slip around in my Hokas.

[@marielledevaal6029]

Injinji socks are the best!!! For trail, compression, race, training for absolutely everything!

[@lukeh5943]

QD: I actually don’t really have one I just always wear Nike socks or just the regular socks I have on

[@George-nx4bp]

Same

[@jundeng9707]

I use a type of sock, by feature, for my plantar fasciitis when I am wearing spikes for a xc meet and when I am running in shoes that do not have the insoles that help with plantar fasciitis

[@JonsConsciousLife]

I currently have 2 sets (of a few pairs each) of running socks. Saucony socks I have are a bit thicker with a nice little strip of compression around the mid-foot. The others, “Elite” (some store brand? Can’t remember), are a very thin sock, but have a small amount of extra around the arch and with a little compression around the mid foot as well. Both are really good and durable, and I choose with pair depending on temperature.

[@destroybo2000]

I honestly just like regular high Nike socks. I never get blisters

[@cliftonmadden1992]

QD: Trail - Smartwool b/c they do not loose loft when wet. I can run through a stream and not worry about blisters. I wear them all year; they make summer and winter weights. For Road, I do not really have a favorite but the Nike socks, which are very reasonably priced (pack of 3 for $10-$12), are very good. I also have Smartwool, Belaga and Bombas road running socks.

[@jgvids2242]

CEP Compression.. Amazing Quality. I lost a shoe in the first lap (I got flat-tired) in the mile at the Arcadia Invitational and the sock didn’t even rip!

[@dudeinthecrowd]

I m writing this comment before watching the video. I have been running at an amateur level for around 6 years now. I never bought and used special running socks. I wear normal socks every day for running as well. My approach is as simple as ABC - a pair of socks I put on is 1-1,5 USD. No problems at all with wearing those ones.

[@ianbritton7534]

Got to agree, Compressport have been my 2020 sock of choice. With a mention for Stance in the Winter. Plus shoe company socks are pants.

[@ricodelavega4511]

QD: tommy John ankle high socks. I like them because they're not too thick and padded where it needs to be, under the toes and heel, and because they're frequently sold as Marshalls/tj maxx for cheaps. You also find Stance socks at these discount stores, all the other brands you mention, never seen them there.

[@Tony-lk1bh]

Under armour has some great padded socks that are great for people that want added support instead of super thin running socks. I use the ua phenom.

[@JeremyGiese]

Hi Personally I like performance basketball socks for running.(Nikes & Stance) they offer alittle more padding and still get arch “squeeze” drawback would be very hot for longer runs or if the shoe is narrow...the socks fills up space so can feel suffocating.

[@kylahedwards2300]

QD: Stance Crew - Cool designs and last forever!!!! Good for road and trail!!

[@bradwigs75]

QD: My favorite running sock company is Smartwool, however Feetures is one of my favorites as well. Yes, I wear Smartwool for the winter. But they have low cut socks as well I like to wear on summer runs. Low cut Feetures are my favorite for workouts and racing fast.

[@lambo7403]

Dude I love this channel!! 👊🏻

[@amadotanguma573]

Injinji primarily in 60 and below weather. Compressport (thin) in warmer weather.

[@dustinsanford6045]

I was gifted and then quickly bought another pair of smartwool PhD ankle socks in 2015. I'm still running in them. A month ago I got a pair of pearl izumi socks from Ross for $6 and they might be my new favorite. Wishing I would have bought them all

[@Martha-fluterunner]

Compression sleeves to recommend: Rockay is a premium Danish brand of compression sleeves and socks of all types (including wool), super high quality, lifetime guarantee, many products made from recycled materials. To me, well worth paying more for the calf sleeves I purchased. I recommend the natural color option which is called Ecowhite, but it’s really a gray-silver shade with black highlights. It’s even nicer and softer than the albeit fun colors. At least it goes with everything, too and the fit was a little less intense which I preferred as well. Their customer service is also superb. I made friends with the nice gal from Finland in the process ;)

[@irritablearchitect]

QD: Feetures. Merino wool, comfortable and well made...in the US too.

[@Wesz808]

QD: Compress Sport socks for running and long distance hiking. Never had blisters, don't get stuff in my socks and so on. For short distances I really don't care that much. As long as it fits tight and isn't too tick. Have some Stance socks that keep well for a long time.

[@ianadams1654]

QD: I exclusively run in Feetures for warm weather. To me they work in every shoe I've worn them with, they don't slide around and I've never had any problems with blisters. Any time I try another brand, Balega being one I've had, I feel like they are often a lot more slick in my shoes and I end up never wearing them and sticking to the Feetures

[@christinemetcalfe298]

I love Injinji socks. I love that my toes have room to splay and I have never had to worry about blisters. My second favorite is probably is probably Stance Feel 360. Crazy comfy in any weather. Can't forget Pro Compression for recovery!

[@JohnBKerkhoven]

Just bought a pair of Injinji long toe socks for my trail-running and a pair for my GF as well. They perform really well I think. Bought them for the winter season, since they are a little bit thicker. The toes work fine as well.

[@LoneRiderz]

Yes... Nice socks are probably more important to me than fancy shorts or running tops. They don't necessarily have to be expensive but I found those that are left and right specific to be more comfortable.

[@onemanzu]

Balega, specifically the silver antimicrobial socks. They’re soft, warm, fit the foot very well and wick away moisture really well during looooong hot runs.

[@ReimerKeith]

I like Fitsok - good quality socks made in North Carolina.

[@davidgross7972]

QD: I like Wright Socks for long trail runs or races. They are a double layer so can be warmer in summer but really work to prevent blisters. They make thin ones for summer and medium to thick for winter. For regular training runs I usually just wear the cheap bulk pack or CopperToe ankle socks.

[@motorcityjudy]

Thirty48 performance compression. I can't even remember how I found them but it's all I wear currently. I think I'm going to try a couple of the ones you mention, though. I also love Bombas. I can't do anything too cushiony-my feet slide around.

[@bennybrenneman2336]

QD: my favorite running sock would be injinji, because they allow my toes to splay and be free. It is the only sock that I wear now because I’ve gotten so comfortable with them. FYI, they do take some time to get use to.

[@hopesteadplanting8468]

Balega is my favorite sock for running/triathlon. I like the support in the arch. The design of the cuff is high enough that it doesn’t rub my ankle. However, they are still very low cut.

[@ryandixon9212]

Just grabbed a pair of the nz Stigen socks, looks pretty sweet so hopefully good for the upcoming summer 🇳🇿

[@tombargerstock3419]

My favorite socks are Smartwool, for general training for both road and trail. For racing, Xoskins have become my choice.

[@30m3]

My go to are Smartwool. Seriously amazing socks. They make my running/hiking shoes feel 5 x more comfortable. They just keep my feet feeling comfy. I live in relatively cold climate though.

[@BamainMn]

My racing sock is the Drymax but the one with the blue heel and toe.

[@korbancominsky5736]

Injinji because on my long runs if I wear normal socks I get blisters in between my toes and with the toe socks I don’t get blisters anymore.

[@reneegale9167]

You saved my toes - I have tried everything to keep from getting sore toes where sometimes my toenails even fall off. Heard about those Solomon grip socks in this video, bought a pair and they work awesome....if they should get holes, small price to pay for me in replacement cost, worth it to not have super sore toes.

[@ksrowland]

I have been doing my own sock testing and have picked up a ton of different brands in the search for the best liteweight, breathable, blister free road running summer socks. Balega, Injinji, Feetures, coolmax, darn tough were all pretty good but top three have been Steigen, Swiftwick Aspire One and the top pick so far goes to Drymax Run HyperThin Mini Crew Socks. You have given me a couple new ones to try. Thanks

[@geertjanvanaalten]

Thanks for the video Seth Qd: Longrun Injinji because of blisters. Race day Falke RU4 because of breathability All other Odlo because of durability.

[@johnnygarr6]

I wear any old socks but I would like to try some purpose built ones.

[@225yello]

QD: Swiftwick is my go to sock for running in the the hot and humid south.

[@225yello]

@Joshua Estrada Swiftwick Perforamce Zero, they are thin and dry quicker than any of the Stance, Feetures or Injini socks that I own.

[@constancehenderson8883]

Still way too new to running to have a strong opinion but Im loving my Saucony Infernos for my road runs. No slippage and the toe seem is flawlessly flat and unnoticeable.

[@DMcC123]

In 2019 I bought a bunch of Injinji socks to avoid getting blisters. Courtney Dauwalter wears them for 100 milers, so I thought they must be good. Over time, on the days I wore "regular" socks (mostly Defeet) I realized that they were actually more comfortable and caused me fewer issues on long runs. So in 2020 I haven't pulled out the Injinji's very often.

[@NicolasVerschoren]

QD: Surprised that no one mentioned Falke. Seth if you want total grip within your shoe, I highly recommend the Falke 4 Grip. Stance I like for eveyday training, as well as Kalenji (from Decathlon, I know, but don't judge unless you've tried). Also love 2XU Vectr for compression socks.

[@shawfield]

Twin skin socks makes most sense for anti blisters on hot days when water gets splashed on the feet at drink stations. But I'd rather wear no socks for road races, with a good covering of Vaseline on the feet for anti blisters. So much more comfortable

[@geert7177]

Smartwool for trekking Stance and darn tough for running Herzog and CEP for compression

[@jonathanvedia5443]

For racing or long distance i use Wrightsock. Its double layer and anti blister. Other than that i use Hanes

[@oskie501]

Balega Silver is my favorite but I also have Feetures and Saucony and like their feel and fit too.

[@IVfluids1]

I've tried Wrightsock, Wigwam, Balega. My first 16 weeks marathon training schedule in those socks and the marathon itself left me with losing a toenail, black & blue toe nails, multiple toe tip blisters. I resorted to taping up the tips of my toes for my next marathon training schedule with white medical tape over foamy type tape. That pretty much took care of my issues, but at the expense of about half hour prep just to do a long run. So, it made sense to try Injinji as i was wrapping my toes up individually in a sock instead. I have very rarely gotten a blister after using those socks. I went through last years marathon schedule with no hardly a blister and no black & blue nails; the marathon I had one blister. I went through this whole last marathon training schedule with no blisters or black & blue toenails; I did get one black & blue toenail from this last marathon, but i chalk that up to harder effort and rolling hills. I am sold on Injinji.

[@nizam_mr]

Im getting good result with Decathlon Kiprun 5finger socks for road running 👍. 0 blisters It has some compression at certain area too, although a lil thicc

[@StefanWbkk]

I wear finger socks on my long runs. They are very comfortable. Your toes don't feel squashed. Just a bit of a pain to put them on before the run as you have to wiggle your toes a lot to make them fit

[@florianhermans8412]

QD: I really like the Stox Energy Socks compression socks. It’s a company based in the Netherlands, they have both running and recovery socks.

[@GTE_Channel]

I like them as well

[@jono2154]

Versus socks and Valke in South Africa are pretty good. Good quality socks with decent support. Also very breathable.

[@Reggy9]

CEP, Balega, UYN, Incylence, Falke, X-socks are my favorites. Greetings from Europe.

[@kymmyxable]

Drymax link here please and smartwhool winter sock 😅 MOJO as well please

[@Judesster]

QD: my favorite sock company for running is Stance. They are stylish, durable and comfortable. With that said, I haven’t compared it to any other company so I don’t know if my choice counts. I don’t trail run but for hiking I use Darn Tough. The other company I hear a lot of good things about is called Feetures.

[@pr0stAta]

QD: I never thought about running socks a few years back, bought the cheapest ones from Puma or any kind of retailer like Aldi, Target etc and always ended up having some blisters here and there. Tried the injinjis and never went back. Their thin socks are amazing for summer and their thick ultra socks are great for winter or trail running. Everytime I put them on it feels strange but then 1 min into the run, they feel like a second skin

[@respect386]

I had the same opinion about major running companies until I got some ASICS socks recently and really liked them. But def willing to check these other companies out!

[@PhillipSinclair]

I tend to prefer sox that are soft and medium thickness. I like the softness and still get most of my cushioning from my shoes. Usually some kind of polyester blend, but anything that's soft to the touch.

[@parleekingy]

for a long wet road race or training run , Balega blister resist are my go to. somehow the skin on the feet doesn't get that damp and start to soften

[@thomasmacaggg1137]

I race in Nike basketball socks. Idk why, but they feel good to me and the thicker sock gives good cusion

[@SoutheastSam3]

QD: Injini (slow to put on but worth it) for racing and wider fitting shoes, Swiftwick for the compression (and local to TN), Darn Tough for trails and hiking.

[@Martha-fluterunner]

Smartwool PhD Run ultralight, DarnTough (made in the USA), Balega. Balega because of the soft fabric and supportive fit; Smartwool and Darn Tough being merino wool which have qualities already discussed here. Fox River sounds intriguing as another merino option (never heard of it till now!). I attributed the single time I ever had a blister on a toe to not having my shoe locked in around my foot enough on the one marathon I did (2019, lots of downhill) but it may have been the Lululemon socks I wore-probably not the best choice for that situation.The socks I use in training and racing will always be dictated by which shoes I’m wearing-due to how roomy or snug that pair of shoes is, just for starters. And that’s an ever-evolving set up of options.

[@tanjamuller3664]

QOD: Balega! They are soft comfortable and warm ! Also protects your foot from blisters, absolutely love'em all year long !!!

[@traildawg4242]

QD: for road - Swiftwick ( Thin) and Balega (cushion & support) For trails - DryMax & Smartwool socks

[@1519Spring]

Favorite sock brand is Darn Tough. Good product and a lifetime guarantee that they honor. Huge variety of sock models for running, office, skiing, etc.

[@aaronscott2256]

QD: I’ve been wearing nothing but Injinji for the last 2 years. No blisters since I started using them. Love the mini crew length for daily runs, and the crew length for trail runs My wife loves her Balega’s

[@briangrissom3203]

QD: Injiji! For ultras, they can’t be beat. I always had issues with blisters over the 30 mile mark in long runs, but after switching socks to injiji...haven’t had one since:)

[@kimrackemann9804]

Injinis - best sock ever. I wear them all the time running or non-running

[@richardhkirkando]

QD: I've tried lots but I keep coming back to point6, which I see as kind of a less expensive but well constructed version of smartwool. I use the ultra light ones in spring/summer/fall, never had any trouble with slipping, blisters, getting too hot or too wet, etc. In the winter I use ski socks, don't have a particular brand, but the thick knee-height ones allow me to wear shorts even when it gets pretty cold.

[@chrisphelps7473]

QOTD: Favorite running sock company is Xoskin, bar none. Their Xotoes toe socks for trail running are so comfortable and can be worn multiple times without washing (and actually not be gross, which is hard to do for running socks). Even more importantly, I’ve had zero blisters wearing Xotoes. Used to get blisters regularly in other socks, but Xoskin fixed this for me.

[@andyhagan6466]

Higher State. UK company. Very inexpensive but love them and funky color combination options🧦🧦🧦

[@bboy6surme]

Lately i like to run sockless for shorter faster runs 5-10k at treshold or race pace, feels more natural and more barefoot, my feet melts together with the shoe . Anyone else can relate?