SOCKS - A comprehensive guide to happy feet.

Hello and welcome back to the blog. This topic has been on my mind for quite some time. There is a book by David Lynch called “To Catch The Big Fish” and in that he explains how ideas are floating around looking for hosts. If an idea lands on you and isn’t brought to life it simply finds a new person to bring it to life. I blew it and since thinking of it I have read two other posts about socks. But hey, I still feel like I have something to say about them. So hopefully you can have a nice time and enjoy the run or whatever situation you find yourself in more with the right socks.

My sock drawer is stocked and if added up would seem ridiculous. I’m not specific about length of socks, I reckon each one has its place in the rotation. Although, the mid length seems to be a bit of a black sheep. Socks can make or break your kit in not only running but life. I will share a few pairs in my drawer and give some honest feedback on each. 

District Vision - performance cordura crew sockThis is the sock I reach for most often. It feels good to have a couple peace signs on your legs so the local dogs know you are not looking for trouble. They have a little compression around the arch which feels nice and are constructed with a material from Japan called Cordura. Everyone knows Japanese people do things the best and this fabric is a testament to that.These socks stay up, last a long time and are fairly priced at $30 USD. They have more cotton than nylon so they breathe well in a hot climate like Bali.

Satisfy - Merino Toe SocksThey might seem a bit kooky for most, however once you slide your toes into their own private sleeping bags it will all make sense. I would say this sock works best with a wider toe box (Norda )  to really get the full effect. They are constructed with merino wool from Japan ( Japanese sheep are obviously cooler ) . These really help prevent blisters and having your toes smushed together on longer trail runs while the natural material helps prevent overheating. Good conversation starter and quite fun if you want to just pick up things with your toes. Bit expensive at 60 Euros, but you will wish you bought 2 pairs.

Near Earth - Race Day Sock / Distance Sock

They only make socks. 2 pairs that’s basically it. These ones are German Engineered like your Porsche. So you know they gonna be fast and meticulously designed. I love the minimal designs. Black or white with a little touch of red. Simple. The race day socks have minimal seams so there are no pressure points and are designed with your expensive race day shoes in mind. Don’t be slippin’ no saggy old gym socks you got for Christmas 3 years ago into your new carbons okay? Get these and you will be happy for a long time. Priced at 390k and 450k they aren’t the cheapest but a great bang for your buck. 

Shyu - Training Sock

Pronounced SHOO it’s a combination of shoe and you. I really don’t care about that whole marketing scheme or the rest of it really. The product is worth mentioning because it fits well and lasts. They market all their socks to match your super shoes perfectly. So if thats yer thing then these are for you. The training sock comes in a 3 pack for just under 800K which seems like a reasonable deal.

Injinji - Trail mid weight crewThese guys built their whole brand off toe socks. If you have 10 toes then you just might like what they have to offer. While their offering is the opposite of some brands listed above they do kind of make something for everyone. Design wise you can have grey or you can have pizza in space.Either way the coolmax blend keeps these things dry and comfy all day. With low, mid and taller options offer a different experience to the Satisfy socks, but at 17 USD they are well worth it. 

Rapha - Pro Team

At last you can be on the pro team. Just kidding but these socks are great. Cycling socks translate well to a run sock because we are both looking for the same thing. A cuff that stays up and does not sag , minimal seams to reduce pressure points and something that isn’t too hot. BOOM. Comes in a few simple color ways or an extra long if you need that. $25 USD gets you a pair. Thank me later.

Fingers Crossed - Aero SockIf you shave your legs and don’t match that with the most aerodynamic sock known to man you are just lying to yourself buddy. They built an incredible brand off socks and have refined their offering over the past 10 + years. Lots of great little details and clever yet respectable graphic offerings if you like that kind of thing. All class, great product, go have a look. Im sure you could spend 30 euros on something worse. 

Satisfy - Merino CrewIf you want that same cool Japanese sheep vibration mentioned above but in a sock your wife wont cringe at then these are your ticket. They are ridiculously soft to the touch, seem a little thick but regulate heat very well. Come in some clean earth tone colors and would hold their own on a cozy night by the fire if you find yourself in a winter wonderland. 50 euros is the most affordable way to understand why Satisfy is leading the way.

While there were a few others to mention these ones will do for now. Invest in some good socks and you will be grateful. Blisters can be avoided, as can swamp foot and your feet falling asleep. I have my own rule that if I buy new shoes I need new socks. You wouldn’t put your old seats in your new car would ya?

Enough from me, hope to catch you for a run, coffee and extensive conversation on overlooked parts of your kit soon.