Let's Talk About Sox...(part 2)

Getting the proper fit is simple. Start with matching your foot size to the sock.

Quick tip: many socks use sock size on labels. Mediums are 9-11, large 10-13. Those numbers refer to the sock size not a foot size.

You want the socks to be fitted but not overly tight. Your heel should fit nicely in the heel of the sock. Any good running sock will have an articulated heel. If you feel any pulling on the toes try the next size up. If you are between sizes go with the smaller size. If you get toe blisters and you are on the small side of the recommended foot size, try the next size down.
If the seam bugs you wear the sock inside out.

Many of the new socks come in 4 or 5 sizes. This let's you get a great fit. The older styles usually just do 2 sizes.

Another trend is feet specific (right and left) socks. The idea is your feet need support and cushioning on opposite sides of the sock for each foot. Asics and Brooks have gone as far as designing the socks based on your biomechanical needs. For a neutral foot, a nice cushion sock with evenly distributed cushioning. For stability, more support around the arch and more cushioning by the ball of the foot. Motion control socks? Yep, They are more supportive in the arch and are made straighter to match that flatter foot shape.

The oddities...

Injinji socks have individual toes. Just like the socks you wore as a kid. The have a very good fit around the foot and are made of Coolmax. The toe thing takes getting used to but they are very helpful if you get blisters between your toes. When you run (especially on trails) you can feel your toes working.

Oxysocks are the high tube looking socks you see racers using. The idea is they compress around the calves and allow better blood flow. This helps get oxygen to the muscles and remove the bad stuff. The most famous proponent of this type of sock is Paula Radcliff (women's marathon world reord holder), though she is not sponsored by Oxysock. Many people like to wear them after runs for the recovery help. I wore them around the store and my calves did feel less fatigued. I just couldn't go run in them. I just can't go out with socks up to my knees! This is one case where vanity wins. I did give them to one of the employees and he ran in them and liked them.

New Balance has made a new sock that has built in ankle support. They claim they are as supportive as neoprene or cloth sleeves. I think they are much more supportive. They also provide a little arch support. They are made of (everyone repeat after me) Coolmax. I wear them on longer runs and really like them. I still prefer my Balegas day in and day out, but there is a place for these in my sock drawer.

Wrightsock (and many others) make double layer socks. If you are having blister problems, having the second layer helps reduce the friction. Guess what they are made of! I'll let you know on a later post. Many people absolutely swear by these. The key is getting both layers lined up properly. Otherwise they never feel right.

Yes I know there are other oddities out there. If you have one you like let me know. I am always interested in new stuff.