TEAM Red, White & Blue Training

So, I have spent the last couple of weeks telling you how important the right clothing and shoes are to running. You are probably thinking "What else could I possibly need, clothing-wise, to run?!?". The answer is socks! When you are running 26.2 miles, you want your feet to be treated right and to be as comfortable as possible. I have heard from several runners what a huge difference the right socks can make. Cotton socks don't wick moisture away from the foot, allowing blisters to develop. Materials such as Merino wool, poly-blend, nylon and spandex keep feet dry and cool. Some even include silver as an antimicrobial to prevent odor!

Height
-Low-cut, no show socks are good for hot weather, but don't go too low - this may cause the inside of the show to rub against your heel
-Higher socks provide some ankle support and can prevent small rocks from getting into your shoes

Weight
-Thin socks are also good for hot weather
-Thicker socks with cushioning in the heel or ball of the foot can provide extra padding and comfort on long runs
-Some socks are built with two thin layers to prevent blisters

Other random info
-Buy gender-specific socks - men's socks can be too big on women
-Some socks come with pressure bands to prevent the sock from moving
-Compression socks are also available to promote blood flow though the leg (these are often knee height)
-Socks with individual toe separators are available for warmth and blister prevention

It will be a little bit of trial and error with socks. But, like shoes, once you find a pair that is comfortable and doesn't give you blisters, you will be filling your sock drawer with as many pairs as it will hold!

Brands to try: DeFeet, Nike, Pearl Izumi, WrightSock, Injinji, Thorlo, Drymax, Smartwool


Next week -sun protection.
Happy running!

Jennifer