When you think about trail running, the first thing you think of is making sure that you have a pair of excellent running shoes on. While shoes are a big importance of running, you will also want to make sure that you have the right running sock on. Far too many people just grab any old sock that will not work well and leave your feet wet and feeling nasty.
Choosing The Right Materials
There are right materials and wrong materials when it comes to running socks. You will want to avoid cotton socks. They are comfortable, but at the end of a hot run, you will find that they are extremely wet. When you have wet socks, it can cause you to develop blisters which may hamper your running times. A great choice for running socks is Merino wool. This fiber sock can wick away moisture, regulate temperature, and remove odors. Another option is a blend of spandex, polyester, and nylon.
Cushioning and Height
The cushioning of your sock can help each run feel a bit better because it is absorbing some of the impact. Extra cushioning can also take up some of the room in your shoe. For example, if you have a pair of running shoes that are a bit loose, you can wear thicker socks.
The height of your sock is a personal choice. If you are going to be running on a trail where you may be in grass or in thick brush, you may want to opt for a taller sock to keep these things from getting onto your skin. Many people opt for a no-show length, but it makes little difference in the sock’s performance.
Here are our top ten runner sock picks:
1. Swiftwick Pursuit Ultralight
This sock uses an all-season merino wool. These socks feel nice and cool when it is warm, and when it is cold outside, they feel warm. These socks are always soft and dry. The Swiftwick sock has enough cushioning for comfort and can fit into racing flats or in your daily trainers.
2. Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance
This rugged sock is perfect for people who love to go on long trail runs. The materials in this sock include elastane, nylon, and merino wool. This materials blend offers you softer padding while being able to keep you dry throughout running. These socks are perfect for everyday use in all seasons.
3. Smartwool PhD Run Light Elite Micro
When you first take a look at this sock, you may think that it will keep your feet hot and sweaty, but that is simply not true. This sock can wick all the sweat away from your skin very quickly. It is created out of a blend of spandex, nylon, and merino wool. The wool content in this sock is at 52 percent, which makes it cut down on any smell. These socks are plush without taking up too much room in the shoe.
4. Asics Cushioned Low Cut
These socks come in a multipack which is great when you want to have a good many comfortable socks to choose from. They are very affordable and durable. They are made with polyester and have a small amount of spandex and nylon in them. They have breathable mesh paneling to ensure that moisture is wicked away from your feet. It also has arch compression features that can help you to avoid issues with your arches.
5. Balega Silver
If you want to make sure that your feet do not stink, you should try these socks by Balega. Your running shoes are a breeding ground for many different kinds of bacteria. Wearing these socks will help to get rid of that bacteria to ensure that your feet do not stink. These socks have a breathable top panel to ensure that your feet stay dry. They also have a thick underfoot cushioning to aid in your comfort.
6. Darn Tough Run Ultra-Light Cushion
If you are looking for a durable, lightweight sock, this is the sock for you. It is created with wool and is very soft. It has a light arch support that wraps around your arch for some compression. Many runners recommend these socks as they have had them for over a year without any signs of wear and tear.
7. On Running High
These socks offer you a stylish alternative with premium socks. These socks are created with an elastane blended fabric. They have mesh panels that hold warmth in the winter and keep you cool in the summer. The mesh panel also helps to wick moisture away to help prevent your feet from being wet and decreasing the chance of any blisters. The seam on these socks lay flat, so you will not have any irritation.
8. Feetures Elite
These socks are awesome for runners. They have a left and right foot and are made seamlessly. If you want to avoid irritating seams and baggy toes, these are the socks for you. The sock is made with Tencel fibers to create a 200 needle thread count. The baric does feel slick, and it has deep heel pockets. These socks also feature a snug wrap around the arch which will help the sock stay in place while you are running. It will also give you some arch support which will help you to avoid issues with your arches.
9. Rockay Accelerate
This brand has quickly become very popular in the world or running. Rockay is dedicated to using only the best eco-friendly materials. This sock is created with 100 percent recycled plastics that are gotten from the ocean. It is treated with an anti-odor polygiene to help to minimize the smell. The best thing about the sock is that you can wear it multiple times between washes without it stinking. This will help you to use less energy and water. It is a thin sock, but it has a weave that provides support along the arch. It has a good elastic ring just below the ankle to ensure that the sock stays in place.
10. Swiftwick Flite XT Five
These Swiftwick flite XT five socks are great if you want to have a great performance running sock. They have triple threads and are made by a blend of nylon, polyester, spandex, and olefin. This helps to keep the socks compressing your feet comfortably while wicking away any moisture. They also have cushions throughout that are placed to where they do not feel bulky. The socks also give your ankles a bit of compression to help prevent ankle rolls during running.
If you are a trail runner looking for a great sock, try one of these out today. They will help keep your feet comfortable and moisture-free during your runs.
