Why you should consider running socks that prevent blisters
It’s true, running socks that prevent blisters might not be at the forefront of your mind when you start out.
However, a problem many people face when they start running is not getting out of breath or sore muscles…
…it is experiencing the delights of blisters on their feet.
It often stops them from pushing themselves to improve their pace or to run that extra kilometer.
I know this was an issue for me in the early days.
It almost got to the stage where I contemplated giving up on running altogether.
However, I was lucky enough to have spoken to a running club mate of mine.
One day after a run, he noticed my awkward walk and instantly realized that I was suffering from blisters.
The answer can be as simple as a new pair of socks
He explained to me that the solution was as simple as a new pair of socks.
He told me of his first encounter with running socks.
It was a few days after his fifteenth birthday and he had just come home from a 5km run.
As he slowly limped into his room and took his socks off, his elder brother saw the blister on the ball of his left foot.
My mate tells me his brother immediately started rummaging through his cupboard and pulled out a pair of socks.
These particular black and red socks had odd marks on the heel, near the balls of the feet and around the toes.
His brother reminded him that the blisters were caused by rubbing and that having a pair of proper running socks would work wonders.
Following the chat, my mate stumped up the cash and told me he had never looked back.
The investment in a pair of specially designed blister prevention socks really did do the trick for him.
Despite being just a pair of socks, they completely changed his way of running.
Suddenly he was able to enjoy running without having to endure blisters anymore.
Once I heard this simple approach to rid my feet of blisters, I decided to buy a few pairs of my own.
And the first thing I noticed was there are loads of them, so which were the best ones?
Well, of course, we are all different, but if you are considering investing in a pair of specialist running socks yourself, here are some of my findings:
What To Consider When Buying Running Socks
Thickness
This is the number one feature you should look at before buying any pair of running socks.
If you are looking for running socks that prevent blisters you should be looking for the extra padding of thicker socks.
Thin socks on the other hand are preferred by more experienced runners as they are lighter and have a better road feel.
Compression
The main aim of some running socks is to compress your muscles and improve blood circulation.
This has the effect of reducing tiredness, and boost recovery time.
Obviously, this, in turn, allows you to run further, and for longer.
Visibility
Lastly, something you might not necessarily consider when choosing your socks.
Certain running socks come in fluorescent colours or with reflective bands.
These can benefit you if you are like me and like running early in the morning or after sunset.
Any increases in visibility while running in the dark is a good thing.
The Advantage of Specialist Running Socks
Moving on, I’m sure you might be wondering how a simple pair of socks can make such a big impact.
The answer is pretty simple.
Running socks are designed specifically for the rigours of running.
Material – Running socks are made of materials that allow your feet to breathe.
Many will also help with the issues of less than pleasant smelling feet as they are anti-bacterial.
Protection – As mentioned, the extra padding on the heel, balls of the feet and around the toes will help protect you from blisters.
Arch and ankle support – the best socks will support your arches while also gripping your ankle to give extra support.
Dedicated socks for each foot – One of the things you will find about specialist running socks is that they are designed for your left and right foot separately.
Thus making sure the fit is as good as it can be.
All of this ensures your run is going to be as comfortable as it can be.
So if you think that specialist running socks could help you…
(Whether it be to resolve problems with blisters, or just to improve run comfort)
…I have compiled a list of some of the best-rated socks below:
Before you continue, I wanted to let you know I will potentially make a small commission from any purchases you make via the links on this page, it helps pay for the upkeep of the site amongst other things.
Some of the best rated running socks available
Feetures – High Performance Cushion – No Show Tab – Athletic Running Socks for Men and Women
These cushioned socks are designed with extra protection in high impact zones.
Which means as well as being running socks that prevent blisters they are also good if you are carrying a few extra pounds.
Another (literally) cool aspect of the sock, is that they come with a mesh construction that provides extra beathability for your feet.
Combined with the silver bacteria killing fibres that are included in the material, will ensure your feet stay remarkably smell free.
I find it difficult to find anyone who has a bad word to say about these socks, and therefore don’t really have any ‘cons’ of ownership.
Check Out The Full Details HERE
Snocks ® Men’s & Women’s Breathable Running Socks (4 x Pair) Compression + Protection Against Bubbles
Another pair of socks that focus on fit to prevent the nastiness of blisters during your runs.
It also contains what it calls ‘surface ventilation channels’, which is just another way of saying they are breathable. Keeping feet as fresh as possible.
A nice touch with this particular make is that if they get a hole within the first 6 months, you can get a completely new pair.
As with the previous pair of socks mentioned, runners seem to love ther Snock socks and don’t have a bad word to say about them.
Check Out The Full Details HERE
DANISH ENDURANCE Running Socks for Long Distances 3 Pack
These socks come with the usual elements you might expect in a good pair of specialist anti-blister running socks.
You get the extra cushioning in the key areas (i.e. heel and toe).
You also get the breathability and sweat wicking capabilities you really need to keep your feet seet on a long run.
The manufacturer even claims that that the sock was created in conjunction with a Danish olympic runner.
It should be stated though, that although there is a lot of love from wearers of this sock, their are a few dissenting voices.
A small number of runners (and it is only a small number) have suggested the ‘blister prevention’ capabilities of the sock is not as good as suggested.
Check Out The Full Details HERE
BERING Men’s Performance Athletic Ankle Running Socks
These socks are a bit more of an ‘all-rounder than the other choices. Meaning any time you will be on your feet for any length of time, these are a good option.
They don’t have the specific blister preventing capabilities, but they are still highly thought of by the vast majority of runners who wear them.
There is still good cushioning, and employs the moisture wicking, odour preventing aspects of all the best running socks.
They really seem to excel in their comfort, and their durability according to a lot of feedback I’ve been provided from wearers.
Check Out The Full Details HERE
1000 Mile Compression Socks
I saved this for the end of the list because it is slightly different.
These are compression socks more than specifically antiblister socks.
What this does mean though is that they help blood flow to tired muscles and prevent lactic acid build up.
All this adds up to not only better running performance, but also helps with recovery.
Just about the only negative, I could find for these socks was due to durability.
A small number of wearers (and again it was only small) did report that they lost their elasticity after a couple of wears.
Check Out The Full Details HERE
In conclusion, if you after a pair of running socks that prevent blisters, there are a good few out there.
Yes, they might be slightly more expensive than a pair of your usual terry toweling sock. But stacked against this though is how they can help get maximum enjoyment out of your runs…
…including preventing the blight of the dreaded blister, they are well worth it!
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