Are Socks Essential for Running?
Wearing socks for running, yes or no?
We should always wear socks when running or playing other sports
While there are people for everything, it is totally advisable to always wear socks or running socks when playing sports, even in hot conditions.
When talking about the equipment we need to run in the best conditions and avoid possible injuries, we always pay special attention to shoes, pants, or shirts. And we tend to forget another equally important accessory that doesn't get the attention it deserves: running socks.
We use socks every day for all kinds of situations and they are really economical compared to other sports equipment. Being affordable doesn't mean they are not important and that we shouldn't give them the attention they deserve.
Any expert runner will not hesitate to acknowledge the tremendous importance of socks for running and any other sport that requires athletic footwear. They are an essential garment to prevent possible chafing, blisters, or wounds that may appear on our feet during our training.
– The best socks are those you don't notice you're wearing –
Any coach can say that they are always surprised to see runners, especially beginners, who spend a lot of money on shoes and sportswear. But when they look at their ankles, they realize that they are wearing the same cotton socks they use every day.
It's a big mistake that no runner should make, as it will complicate their training, ending up with sweat-soaked feet and uncomfortable blisters.
How to choose technical running socks
Socks are very important for running, but they must be technical socks suitable for running.
To avoid ruining your training sessions, they must have technical characteristics that allow you to run without causing chafing on your feet.
Sports socks differ from those we wear daily in that they have characteristics such as:
• They are made of technical fabrics (viscose, polyamide, polyester, elastane...)
• Cotton is not in their composition or there is very little
• They are very breathable to allow sweat to escape
• They are seamless fabrics to prevent chafing
• They have reinforcements to protect the toe and ankle areas
• They offer the greatest comfort to our feet
• Some have properties to prevent odor accumulation
– The price of running socks is not a reason not to wear them –
Keep in mind that we are talking about a technical garment that you can find at a price between 7 and 20 euros... So we don't think money can be an excuse not to wear them.
Breathability is key
With each step we take, friction is generated between the foot, the sock, and the inside of the shoes. This generates humidity and heat that accumulates inside our shoes. And when that cannot be expelled from the shoes, it will lead to the appearance of blisters and wounds on the feet.
Running socks are an essential garment during your training and races. They are the best ally to enjoy maximum comfort for your feet. It should not be forgotten what material the sock is made of. And if you're thinking of running directly without socks, you should know that this won't be much help either.
Therefore, it is absolutely essential to get quality running socks that offer you the greatest comfort and prevent the classic discomforts that can ruin your training or race.
In fact, if they weren't so important, major sports brands like Adidas, Lurbel, Nike, or Reebok, among others, wouldn't put so much effort into developing specific socks for running.
– The technical properties of running socks are lost with use –
So we should keep in mind that depending on our amount of training and competitions, we should replace our socks every one or two years. Of course, if we only use them once a week, they will last much longer.
The variety of specific running socks is innumerable, with all kinds of models that adjust to the needs and tastes of runners.
Depending on each person, one can choose between ankle socks, mid-calf socks, thermal socks, or compression socks that cover the entire calf and reach up to the knee.
Compression socks and stockings
When talking about running socks, we must make a special mention of compression socks and stockings, which are increasingly used by all types of runners.
These socks and stockings do not improve performance on their own, but they do offer a series of benefits that will make us feel more confident during our training and afterward, during recovery.
It is proven that compression socks and stockings:
• Increase oxygen supply to our feet
• Reduce the amount of lactic acid
• Prevent possible cramps
• Reduce muscle fatigue
• Reduce recovery times after each training session
So they will allow us to train in perfect conditions the next day.
All of this is achieved through their two major advantages: reducing muscle oscillation and increasing venous return.
Other uses for running socks
You don't have to go running to buy running socks.
If you're going for a walk, even in the city, it will also be good to wear them.
For trekking, whether urban or in the mountains, running and trail running socks are also ideal.
And they will be great for healthcare workers, hospitality staff, mail carriers, etc., who have professions that involve a lot of walking or standing.
· You might be interested in: Top 8 Trail Running Shoes – Be Urban Running Blog
· You might be interested in: Which Brooks Running shoe to buy? – Be Urban Running Blog
