Are socks really that important?

By Brittany Katz

Short answer: YES.

Many of the foot issues we run into at a running shoe store can be helped or fixed by having the right socks. Remember: cotton is rotten. Wearing a cotton sock inside your shoe to be active in is like sweating inside of a heavy, cotton hoodie sweatshirt. It doesn’t breathe, it holds the moisture in, and it feels gross. Polyester socks will keep your skin dry even when you’re sweating. We carry three brands of socks. Be sure to ask me Asher, Austin, or Brennan our favorite brand next time you’re in because everyone has their own go-to sock!

Feetures

Engineered with anatomical design and Targeted Compression, providing a Custom-Like Fit and reduced risk of blisters. We carry three thicknesses: Ultra Light, Light Cushion, and Max Cushion. Ultra Light is a super breathable sock that takes up minimal room inside the shoe. Light Cushion is our best seller, and has a great combo of cushion and breathability. Max Cushion is oh-so-soft! It will literally make your shoe feel softer!

Here are some other highlights of Feetures socks:

• Targeted Compression and anatomical design provide an unmatched Custom-Like Fit.

• Anatomical design enhances fit, delivering maximum comfort and protection by eliminating blisters.

• The Perfect Toe®. (No irritating toe seam.)

• No Show Tab height sits below the ankle for maximum versatility

• 95% Nylon 5% Spandex

Swiftwick

The Aspire series from Swiftwick is our favorite, and the best-seller from Swiftwick. We carry the Zero and One heights, which are both ankle socks. The ASPIRE™ is engineered with firm compression and a thin profile for a responsive feel. Firm compression supports every contour of the foot to reduce fatigue during endurance activities. Built to provide maximum breathability with signature fibers that wick-moisture, keeping your feet cool, dry, and blister-free. The Aspire sock is 55% Nylon / 40% Olefin / 5% Spandex.

Swiftwick is a Tennessee brand, based in Brentwood, TN. The coolest thing about Swiftwick socks is that this international brand makes all of their running socks at the Renfroe sock factory in Bradley County! I had the privilege to tour the facility a few years ago and met the handful of workers who inspect and package every single Swiftwick sock in the USA! 

Balega

We love the Balega Hidden Comfort socks, which have a soft, relaxed fit. The Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Socks offer supremely comfortable cushion and performance mile after mile. Delivering the ultimate protection and impact resistance, Hidden Comfort No Show Socks are composed of extra-fine yarn to provide plush protective cushion without adding bulk.

Key Features of the Balega Hidden Comfort Sock:

• Delivers ultimate protection and impact resistance with a plush, dense cushioned running sock design and a 200 needle-count fabric.

• Keeps feet cool and dry with Balega’s proprietary Drynamix® moisture wicking fibers, plus specially constructed, reinforced microfiber mesh ventilation panels.

• Maximizes comfort with hand-linked, seamless, reinforced toe and high heel tab that helps prevent the sock from slipping into your shoe.

• Extra-deep heel pocket ensures the perfect fit. Each sock is hand-inspected for quality insurance at their factory in South Africa.
  

The most important thing to remember about socks is that thickness, compression, and height are all preferences, but a polyester blend sock is absolutely necessary when sweating! Ditch your cotton socks and invest in some high quality, trusted brands that we can vouch for. We have try-on pairs of all of these socks in the store so you can actually try the socks on with your running shoes before you buy.