When it comes to running gear, many people's first reaction is running shoes. Runners are obsessed with every detail of their shoes, researching cushioning, support, midsoles, uppers, and more to ensure every step is comfortable. But many of them randomly choose a pair of socks between their carefully chosen running shoes and feet, and these unremarkable socks may cause agony during running.
Long-term friction can lead to blisters or abrasions on the feet, and a suitable no-slip running sock is like a good pair of running shoes, not only providing a comfortable running experience but also reducing the occurrence of blisters, abrasions, and other conditions.
Just like choosing clothes when we exercise, refuse pure cotton material. When you run a short distance, you might not notice anything unusual. But when the distance becomes longer or the weather becomes hot or humid, you will find that cotton socks absorb sweat and are prone to blisters, and the humid environment is very conducive to breeding bacteria.
Most no-slip running socks nowadays use synthetic fibers such as spandex, polyester, and others. These materials keep your feet relatively dry and comfortable. Of course, synthetic fibers are not the only choice. Some long-distance no-slip running socks are composed of beautiful wool (natural fibers). They have a good effect on regulating foot temperature, perspiration, odor, and so on.
The thickness of non-slip running socks can play three roles:
Make each step of running softer. This is easy to understand. The thicker the socks, the greater the cushioning effect, which can reduce the pressure on the feet and knees. This is similar to the role played by the midsole of running shoes.
Reduce the occurrence of blisters. Some non-slip running socks have a thickened design in areas prone to blisters, such as the forefoot or heel.
Fill the extra space inside the shoe. The ideal state of a pair of running shoes is to be tightly "attached" to your feet, which is commonly known as a heel fit. So we generally choose the most suitable size and tie the shoelaces tightly before running to maximize the effectiveness of the running shoes.
In most cases, the length of the socks can be freely chosen according to your running shoes or pants. However, it should be noted that some running shoes (such as off-road shoes) have high ankles, and the length of the socks should be correspondingly higher (preferably higher than the ankle a certain length), otherwise, the exposed skin is easy to be rubbed by the shoes. In off-road running, because of the complex road environment, long socks help to keep sand and other things away from the skin, preventing scratches or abrasions from plants.
Some compression no-slip running socks also have a redesigned design for specific positions. The compression sport sock technology enhances the wrapping of the feet to ensure that the socks do not move during running. At the same time, it also thickens and reinforces areas prone to blisters, such as the sole and heel, greatly reducing the probability of blister formation.
