What’s the Talk About Socks?

Each brand offers something a little different: try Balega for an ultra-plush sock, Feetures for targeted arch compression, Injinji for enhanced blister protection (in the form of a toe sock!), and Swiftwick for all-over compression and moisture wicking.

Recently in the store, there have been many questions regarding socks. These questions have consisted of “What is the point of special socks?” “What makes a sock so special?” “How will this benefit my athletics?” etc. These are all great questions to ask, and I have enjoyed these conversations over the last few weeks. If you are similarly curious, I encourage you to come in to discuss and try on the different types of socks.

Running socks or specialized socks are not just to be made as a sale item. There are many great benefits of wearing specialized socks. Each sock is made for a purpose and with a different goal to achieve. You can buy a normal cotton sock, which is still great for a variety of purposes, but lacks a lot of the benefits that more specialized socks contain. Cotton retains moisture which can cause significant discomfort when used in the context of activity. Cotton socks are also usually made on the thicker side and tend to feel a little heavy (and smelly!) by the end of the day. The difference between cotton socks and specialty socks is that many specialty socks consist of different material blends that are moisture-wicking, and include targeted firm compression towards the arch of the foot, a more shaped fit; some socks even have special blister protection. While we are on our feet all day working, running, grocery shopping — or whatever it may be that we do consistently — having a good-fitting sock really makes a difference in how much fatigue you may have in your feet.

It may sound or seem crazy that a sock can have so many benefits, but it is all true. Just like finding a good-fitting shoe, it can make a huge difference in your walking and the health of your joints. Socks are important just like our shoes! When you add the two together it makes a great recipe for success in getting through a long day on your feet better.

Some of the benefits of wearing a specialty sock include:

• Specialized Firm Compression

• Reduces Level of Fatigue

• Reduces Inflammation

• Provides extra cushion

• Adds more arch support

• Blister/Friction protection

• Moisture-wicking technology (preventing smell) and blisters

With the benefits of the socks, when it comes down to athletic performance, standing for twelve-hour shifts, or just running errands around town. A sock can help give you the extra step you need, in preventing fatigue and adding more support.

At Terra, we sell many different brands of socks including Feetures, Swiftwick, Balega, and Injini. Each of these brands has many different styles to choose from and different feelings on foot. Whether you are looking for firm arch compression, something more snug, or a moisture-wicking sock for a long run, a specialty sock may be a beneficial option!

Want to see he REAL Terra Running Co.?? Terra Boys Episode 1

Asher and Brennan take over the show and take you behind the scenes.... sort of.

Sock Spotlight: Swiftwick

While we stand behind the quality of all the socks we carry at Terra, ask each member of our team their favorite sock, and you'll get a different answer. Come at the right time and you might overhear Brittany making fun of Asher for wearing tie-dye socks or me for dressing like I'm about to mow my front lawn in the 70s.

My favorite brand we carry is Swiftwick. They're based out of Franklin, TN, but they produce many of their socks right here in Cleveland! All their socks are made in the USA, and they emphasize sustainable production.

Aspire Four in Grey/Stripe

The main reason I love Swiftwick is their versatility! They have multiple styles with different purposes. The Aspire line is lightweight and fitted; the Pursuit line, built for trails, is made from merino wool; and the Maxus line has extra padding for long efforts.

And to make things easy, they label their different sock heights by numbers referring to the inches the sock rises above the ankle. The Zero is a no-show, the One is low-cut, the Two quarter, and so on, all the way up to Twelve, a full calf compression sock! The Four is my favorite height, fitting like a mini crew sock. It works for the trail, the road, biking, and any other sport. I wear the Pursuit in cold weather, and the Aspire in warm weather.

As far as performance, I am yet to find any sock that wicks sweat as well as Swiftwick! They use a special fiber called olefin, which is highly breathable and durable. I have socks from Swiftwick that are eight years old and show no sign of wearing out soon.

Come to Terra and check out our selection! We have multiple cuff heights, including some Great Smoky Mountain themed crew socks.

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.