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Our staff at The Strategist happens to be a lot of runners, so this week we're getting serious (literally), testing tons of running gear, and interviewing experts to bring you the information you need for runners of all kinds.welcome to running week.
Wearing the right running socks can help prevent common running problems like blisters, sweaty feet, and cold toes. To do this, you should avoid cotton and instead choose socks made from synthetic materials or merino wool. They have to be a “distraction,” according to Team Lang Lang coach Elaina Raponi. “For me, shoes have to be so comfortable that you don't even know you're wearing them,” she says. To find the best pair, I spoke to Raponi and seven other experienced runners about their favorites. Below you'll find socks for everyday running, compression socks for long distance runs, sweat-wicking socks, and more.
Feetures socks are a perennial favorite among the contributors, staff, and runners we've talked to over the years because they're moisture-wicking, cushioned, chafe-resistant, and durable. Strategist contributor Stephen John said the sock's mesh panels allow for heat release and ventilation, helping to keep your feet drier and cooler during and after your run. He also pointed out that each sock is specifically designed for either the left or right foot, providing just the right amount of additional support and compression. Sabrina White, an ultra-marathon runner and member of the Creek Club, says these shoes have been her go-to for years. Unlike other socks I've worn, I've never gotten any blisters while wearing these and they don't slip. These absorb sweat, but if you want something a little lighter, strategist writer Brenley Goertzen says the Elite He Ultra Her Light will keep your feet cool and dry, even on triple-digit days. states that it can be kept. Like the Elite Max, it has enough cushioning to prevent chafing and provide arch support.
Running socks can be expensive, but attorney Victoria Ochoa, who has been running for a little over a decade, recommended this eight-pack, which costs just $2 a pair. After years of wearing her K. Bell socks with Haynes, she noticed that her socks were getting thinner and the impact during her runs was increasing. She went to Amazon and found these that were highly rated and reasonably priced. “I noticed how my feet felt different when I wore them, and how much shock my feet absorbed,” she says, adding that the shoes have a good amount of compression. It's thick enough that it won't cause blisters (which she's prone to) on the sides of her feet. She also likes to wear it when walking around town because she doesn't feel any pain.
Compression around the ankle and arch stabilizes the foot, reducing pain and risk of injury. CEP is known for its compression socks for athletics, and the brand is recommended by both Goertzen and his newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang Strategist, especially for long distance runs. Goertzen notes that her foot is pronated, so the extra support would be helpful. This pair is especially lightweight (25% lighter than the brand's short socks) and made from sweat-wicking material, making it highly breathable over long distances.
Lululemon's MacroPillow Tab socks are designed with breathable mesh to keep your feet dry and cool during your run. Fitness trainer James Sterling said that's why the shoe is the most recommended pair for summer long distance running. They stay in place and securely attached to your feet, preventing blisters from forming on your feet. Robert Hester, founder of 542 Performance Nutrition, also likes the fit of the MacroPillow Tab. The shoes were extremely comfortable, even during a 47km ultramarathon he ran in March. “They were so good that he bought five pairs recently during a sale,” he says.
These socks from Denmark Endurance are almost half the price of Lululemon. Tim Schmotzer, who has been running for 20 years, found the shoes online when he wanted to get back into running during the coronavirus shutdown and has since purchased them three more times in different colors. did. He likes that it has light compression and stays in place on him to prevent heel blisters and wicks away sweat. (Thanks to that last point, the socks have become his go-to socks not only when running, but also at his job as a restaurant server.) He's gearing up for his 2022 Austin Half Marathon. I trained in them and ran in them, so I do the same thing in races. The Cleveland Half Marathon is coming up.
Raponi said she loves Lululemon's Power Stride socks for all kinds of workouts and runs. This is because unlike other socks she's used, such as socks that are taller than ankle-cut ones, the pull tabs prevent blisters on her feet. “Whether it's an easy 5K run, a 30K long run, or a marathon, I've never had any bleeding while running in these socks,” she says. She also likes that it's thick but breathable. There is padding on the bottom of her heel and lightweight material placed on the top front of her foot. And perhaps more importantly, she doesn't notice them when she's running. There are no pressure-prone seams under the toes, at the back of her ankles or heels.
Bandit, a Brooklyn-based running apparel brand, makes quarter-length socks that are cushioned and durable. Strategist writer Jeremy Lerosa has run about 1,100 miles in his two pairs, and he's found that they're perfect in areas where other running socks tend to develop holes or wear out from constant use: heels, toes, and heels. He said there is a reinforcing panel near the ball of the foot. his feet. He uses these for track training, long runs, and easy jogs.
Bombas running socks are about half the price of Bandit's and are my personal favorite. I never get any blisters while running in these, unlike when I wear thin Hanes socks. I think this is due to the thick cushioning. The additional cushioning also seems to help with shock absorption and support. Wolfgang likes this shoe for daily running, not only for its cushioning, but also for its good weight and midfoot compression band for a soft, hug-like feel. Both Wolfgang and I rotate between the ankle-length version and his quarter-length version.
If you're running in frigid temperatures, your best bet is to wear merino wool socks, which will keep your toes warm without overheating your feet. Smartwool socks are a recurring topic of discussion among runners we spoke to, including 75-year-old marathoner Chow Smith. Not only will it keep her feet warm and dry, but they won't develop any blisters. These were the socks she chose for the Antarctic Marathon. Raponi, who is based in Ontario, Canada, also likes Smartwool for layering socks on sub-zero outdoor runs. Her preference is for a crew length that goes all the way to the hem of her leggings, and she says the pants she's been using for four years are still holding up.
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