Running Socks.: Hello All, As I am now starting... - Couch to 5K

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Running Socks.

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate
38 Replies

Hello All,

As I am now starting to run for longer, I thought it would be a good idea to upgrade footwear….being my socks. Up to now I've done my running in my value 5 pack of Slazenger sport socks from SD, and would like to get/own some real runners socks.

So folks what recommendations are there? or are they a gimmick and all socks are pretty much the same?

Looking on a few forums Aldi & Lidl brands get much appraisal likewise do More Mile. If possible would like to purchase from SweatShop as I have a credit note to be used.

Thanks

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saul01 profile image
saul01
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38 Replies
Steve_L profile image
Steve_LGraduate

They do make a difference, especially as you start to run for longer. Just go into Sweatshop and ask their advice!

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasGraduate

I absolutely love my running socks. Left and right foot shapes have transformed my runs - no more material bunching up under my tootsies, and those thicker bands where the shoes rub are excellent. Without mentioning the better hold they have on your feet. Go for it! Mine are from Décathlon, they're brill.

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Hi Saul, my experience is that, yes, socks that are marketed for running tend to have more padding (perhaps more accurate to say: thicker) in the ball and heel area. The ones that I prefer (big pile of 'running' socks, so which ones do I select today?) have marked L and R feet and more cushioning in the 'right' areas.

I cannot honestly say that I favour a particular brand. However the biggest tip I can give is: avoid black or white socks. When you're getting your kit ready and your socks are unpaired in the airing cupboard, you don't want to be looking for black or white socks. I've just bought two pairs of $14 ASICs running socks, basically black but with large fluorescent green panels: easy to find.

Final tip - I've always found that if I buy socks to match my shoe-size, they are too short (especially after several washes). So I always go up a shoe-size. I am size 8, but buy the 9-11.5 sizes.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasGraduate in reply to MarkyD

At last, someone else who puts their socks on direct from the clean laundry without folding them into pairs first. :D

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to mfamilias

Me too!

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

Not sure I understand the concept of a 'pair of socks'. Don't get me wrong, they have to match, but it is like me and my twin brother: they look the same but you'll never find them adjacent to one another.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Pairs of socks are my nemesis. Hubby only wears black socks but they are all different; I refuse to spend hours faffing around playing Columbo to find out who is whose 'twin'. I want hubby to wear snazzy running socks.

Old_trout profile image
Old_troutGraduate in reply to MarkyD

That when you discover how many shades of black there are!

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to Old_trout

Apparently there are 50 shades of grey.

Old_trout profile image
Old_troutGraduate in reply to MarkyD

So there are!! 😂😂😂

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to MarkyD

I like your thinking about the colours, personally I find black & white socks boring anyway.

So far all the socks that I have looked at are sized 8.5-10.5 which sit in between my official shoe size of 9.

simonwilliamstutor profile image
simonwilliamstutorGraduate

More Mile New York Running Socks! I have six pairs... and they're black and white!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I like Aldi and Lidl running socks; the Lidl ones I've enjoyed more longevity with I have to say. The inexpensive SD Karrimor ones are ok in winter but I find them too hot as they're quite thick. I do have some wonderful Marathon socks from SD though and I recommend those. They are £9.99 but I've had mine since Nov 2013 and they are still looking good (not just reserved for marathons LOL)

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to misswobble

That's handy as SD and sweatshop are the same, so will look into the Karrimor ones as well.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Should always use running socks in running shoes, they have padded panels which prevent friction blisters...also keep big toenail trimmed as this can wear through the top of the shoe..

Paul46-ipswich profile image
Paul46-ipswichGraduate

My Mrs bought me some from primark , really padded on the bottoms and I've not had any problems with them.

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate

I bought all my running socks from Sports Direct, they feel cushioned in all the right places and provide real comfort, I never wear ordinary socks now, running socks are luxury! Mine have even been soaked and muddy but once they are washed in the machine, as good as new!!

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to JoolieB1

Did you go for the Karrimor's?

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply to saul01

Hi Saul

I love my karrimor socks. Always slip on lovely and feel very comfy. They do come up quite small though.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

I can recommend Nike socks as mine are all still good although they've been washed hundreds of times. But I also bought a pair of Asics a few months ago and they are so comfortable as soon as I put them on and are probably my favourites now. Don't buy cheap socks. I did it once and the second time I put them on there was a hole already in the toe!

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

Hi IP, nice to hear from you. Is your Garmin behaving itself now?

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Hi MarkyD. Yes it has been, which is more than can be said for my leg! I'm on the IC at the moment and going stir crazy. Seeing a physio tomorrow so hopefully a miracle will be performed.

(Sorry for hijacking your thread Saul)

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to Irishprincess

No worries.

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

Always expect miracles. You may get an understanding on what is going on with your leg. So the March HM training is on hold then? I really hope that you get the go-ahead to run to support Alzheimer's and in memory of your Dad.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to MarkyD

God I hope so. Yep, I can't run at all at the mo so training is on hold. I'd be gutted if I couldn't make the race but there's plenty of time so I'm hoping and keeping everything crossed. Thank you for your kind words MarkyD.

dagshar profile image
dagsharGraduate

My new favourite ones for the winter are smartwool ones; I got their phd run socks in a prize draw at an event and they are nice and warm without being too bulky. the other ones I like are 2XU compression socks, not cheap unfortunately, so I only have the pair I got when taking out a magazine subscription. Other than that I have some karrimor, some from decathlon and some from Aldi.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

Another vote for Nike socks here. They've lasted really well - I've replaced my shoes 3 times but still using the same socks!

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate

I've got a pair of bridgedale merino running socks and they're awesome, but pricey. Otherwise whatever's cheap in TK Maxx.

I don't specially notice the difference until about 5 miles in, or if I get really wet. Then I REALLY notice the difference.

Oh, and if it's a long one I also put lanacane anti-friction stuff between my toes. No blisters so far!

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

Thank you, I completely forgot about TK Maxx, will have to pop in and have a look.

Not running that long just yet, fingers crossed by summer it will be a different matter.

ElsieW profile image
ElsieWGraduate

Hi Saul,

I've been using cheapy socks from Sports Direct but I think after my vascular issues I'm going to try some compression socks.......not the most attractive but I think they'll help!

Elsie xxx

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate in reply to ElsieW

Hi Elsie

That's what I'm on at the moment, thought I would treat myself to some posh ones.

I was under the impression that compression gear is worn after the exercise, which then allows for better recovery.

ElsieW profile image
ElsieWGraduate in reply to saul01

Ah okay will read up about that then!

I would like some posh ones!!!! :-)

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate

Anyone have any experience with "Hilly" brand of socks?

PastyMan profile image
PastyManGraduate

I've got 2 pairs of Hilly Twin skin and keep them for best :-) they are also brilliant at preventing blisters on long hill walks used as an "under sock". Expensive though.

Terrorrun profile image
TerrorrunGraduate

Hi, I have some Hilly Twin Skins which I brought after getting blisters with runs over 5k. They are brilliant, but for me I can only use them in Winter. They almost stopped a run in the Summer as I felt as if my feet were being cooked - and I usually have freezing feet. I also vote for Nike running socks, at any time of year. I avoid white if I can though as all mine have mud stains on !

saul01 profile image
saul01Graduate

Right plan of action, Saturday will head off to shopping centre, TK Maxx, Nike Outlet, Decathlon, and Sports Direct (all within walking distance), hopefully will pick up something from there.

If not trip to my local sweatshop (no not a shoddy factory in some asian country) and have a gander there.

rmnsuk profile image
rmnsukGraduate

I use SD compressions socks especially for longer runs, and I have various shorter ones (crew), including Nike. All good, but then the converse trainer liners were OK too. TK Maxx is freat but often don't have what you are looking for.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

I got my compression socks from Decathlon, love 'em !

I also got my running socks from there too. I have been very lucky in that I have never had any blisters at all. Had everything else but no blisters . Ha ha , Im joking ! :-) xxx

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