Should I Wear Socks When Running?

Runners make different choices regarding what they wear when they are running. Some runners will wear socks, and some runners won’t, but I will now try and answer the question should I wear socks when running.

Should I Wear Socks When Running?

I believe you should wear socks when running, but it is an individual choice as some runners prefer not to wear them. I like to wear socks as if your feet start to sweat; at least the socks will absorb the sweat, but if your feet sweat with no socks, it will more than lightly lead to blisters on your toes. If a runner is going for a short run, it may be okay not to wear socks, but if running, any long-distance, I believe socks are required.

Advantages of Running Socks

Running socks have many benefits, including

– reducing blisters

– wick moisture

– keep your feet comfortable

– proper support

– keep the inside of your runners cleaner and fresher

Disadvantages of Running Socks

The disadvantages of running socks are:

– cooler feet in the summer heat

– it possibly makes you run faster as some sprinters think it makes them run faster

– better shoe fit as sometimes socks, dependent on their thickness, make our shoes feel tighter.

Different Types Of Running Socks

If we decide to wear socks, there are various running socks: trainer socks, compression socks, arch support, anklet, anti-blister socks, seamless socks, water-resistant socks, and knee-high socks. We also need to decide what material the sock is made from.

Trainer socks

Trainer socks just come up to the top of your shoe. They come in a variety of the below socks as well. I am not a great fan of trainer socks when I run as I feel they slip down into the runner, making your foot uncomfortable.

Compression socks

Compression socks are probably the most popular running socks, and these socks are elastic socks designed to be worn up to the knee. These super strong socks squeeze around the calf, compressing the veins on the surface of the leg, along with your leg’s muscles and arteries. These stop the blood and fluid pooling in our legs.

The compression socks apply pressure to your lower legs, which helps maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. In addition, the compression is the tightest around your ankle, which eases up as the socks go higher up your leg.

Arch Support Socks

These socks have a band around the arch providing extra support. Arch support socks help the pain of plantar fasciitis by providing shock absorption to the arches of the feet. In addition, these socks offer a stabilizing surface for your feet to lessen the impact burden on your feet as you stand and walk.

Anklet Socks

Anklet socks are short running socks that just come above your ankle. They are great for running in the summer when it is hot. These socks can be made from various materials, but if you need them for running, you should only buy nylon or polyester. Anklet socks can have anti-blister, arch support, seamless, and water-resistant variations. They are the go-to sock for most runners.

Anti Blister Socks

Anti-blister socks help to protect our feet against blisters. They contain 2 layers of material where the outer layer will only rub off the inside layer of fabric. This, in turn, prevents friction on our feet, resulting in blister-free feet, as blisters are caused by moisture and friction.

Seamless Socks

Seamless socks are socks that have no seams. These socks are great for running when a sock has no seam and will prevent blisters as there is no chaffing from the seams. It is also essential that these socks are either nylon or polyester.

Water-Resistant Socks

Water-resistant socks are socks that are resistant to water. Waterproof socks have three layers, a knit exterior sock, a waterproof membrane, and a knit interior sock. The outside and inside layers are thick to protect the waterproof membrane, making these socks too thick for running. They are pretty warm as well. If your feet get too hot inside the sock, your foot will start to sweat, but the sweat can’t go anywhere, so you get wet feet anyway. When feet are wet, you have a bigger chance of getting blisters.

Knee-High Socks

Knee-high socks come up as far as your knee. These socks will also come in different variations of the above socks. These socks are mainly compression socks to support the calf muscles. Knee-high socks will keep your legs warm during the winter, but the opposite occurs in the summer. They are more suited to trail running as they protect your legs from cuts and scratches as you run. However, they are very hard to wear when it is very hot as your legs are overheating the whole time.

Final Thoughts

I have now considered whether I should wear socks and the advantages and disadvantages of running socks. I have given my opinion on the fact that I think that runners should wear when running. If we decide to wear socks, I have looked at the various types available, from compression socks, anklet socks, trainer socks, anti-blister socks, water-resistant socks, seamless socks, and knee-high socks.

Please give your opinion in the comments on whether I should wear socks when running and which is your favorite type of socks.