Best Running Socks for Women
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Being a runner, your feet are the most precious assets that need to be pampered and cherished. There may be a lot of different brands of socks available to you but not all are specially designed for running.
Since you want to protect your feet as much as you can, you need the right kind of running socks that are not only comfortable but also blister resistant. If you are having a hard time deciding which socks to buy, you can always refer to this article for inspiration.
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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Running Socks for Women
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Best Rated Running Socks for Women Reviewed
Now that you’re a bit more aware of the different types of socks and important features of a running sock, it’s time to select the best items available. If you are not sure where to start, check out our list of the top running socks that women have found to have value for their money.
- Moisture management technology
- Hand-linked seamless toe
- Heel tab
- Reinforced heel and toe
- Counterfeits are common
- Moisture management technology
- Hand-linked seamless toe
- Heel tab
- Reinforced heel and toe
- Counterfeits are common
- DryNamix and mohair fiber
- Moisture management technology
- Blister protection
- Seamless toe
- Heel tab
- Counterfeits are common
- Some say the fit is a bit weird
- DryNamix and mohair fiber
- Moisture management technology
- Blister protection
- Seamless toe
- Heel tab
- Counterfeits are common
- Some say the fit is a bit weird
- LON® fiber
- Moisture management technology
- Blister protection
- Comfortable and durable
- Adding under the ball and heel
- Only white color
- Not many variations
- LON® fiber
- Moisture management technology
- Blister protection
- Comfortable and durable
- Adding under the ball and heel
- Only white color
- Not many variations
- Coolmax Xtralife fiber
- Unique 5-toe design
- Seamless toe
- Mesh top
- Heel tab
- Slightly on thicker side of socks
- Coolmax Xtralife fiber
- Unique 5-toe design
- Seamless toe
- Mesh top
- Heel tab
- Slightly on thicker side of socks
- Superior material
- Climalite construction
- Perfect no-slip grip for most
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Arch support
- Some have found size issues
- Some complain about the fitting
- Superior material
- Climalite construction
- Perfect no-slip grip for most
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Arch support
- Some have found size issues
- Some complain about the fitting
- Superior quality material
- Synthetic blend
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Advance no-slip heel
- Advance arch support
- Half terry style
- Lack color variation
- Few incidence of skin allergy
- Superior quality material
- Synthetic blend
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Advance no-slip heel
- Advance arch support
- Half terry style
- Lack color variation
- Few incidence of skin allergy
- Synthetic material
- Moisture-wicking material
- Lightweight
- Knee high with padded calf
- Compression benefits
- Durability maybe an issue
- Limited colors
- Synthetic material
- Moisture-wicking material
- Lightweight
- Knee high with padded calf
- Compression benefits
- Durability maybe an issue
- Limited colors
- Superior quality material
- Synthetic blend
- Anti-microbial fabric
- Body mapped mesh zones
- Heel tab
- Lack color variation
- Price is not budget friendly
- Superior quality material
- Synthetic blend
- Anti-microbial fabric
- Body mapped mesh zones
- Heel tab
- Lack color variation
- Price is not budget friendly
Types of Running Socks
When it comes to buying a pair of running socks, we are often unaware of the different variations available and just randomly select options based on the appearance. The different styles and designs have a different purpose to serve. For our better understanding, we can divide these variations in two categories namely compression vs normal sock and length variation.
Compression vs. Normal Running Sock
The compression socks are manufactured under strict medical and technical specifications. These socks provide graduated compression that is claimed to help in previous injuries, prevent future injuries and enhance running performance. On the other hand, normal running socks do not provide this level of protection but is still able to improve performance as compared to casual cotton socks.
Length Variation (Crew/knee high/no-show sock)
There are almost six different lengths for socks. The most common length used for running is the ankle length, also called the low-cut or no-show socks. The second most common length is knee high. Usually, compression running socks have this length to provide support for calf muscles. After these two lengths, people also prefer crew length running socks that are approximately 6-8 inches high.
A Quick Buying Guide
Since we want you to find the best socks for yourself we have gathered some important information and formulated a mini buying guide just for your convenience.
Selecting the Right Material
When it comes to buying running apparel the most important thing you should consider is its material.
- Natural Material – 100% natural materials such as cotton absorb moisture. When used inside a shoe they get saturated with sweat. This ability to retain sweat makes socks made with natural material harmful when used during intensive workouts.
- Synthetic Material – The alternative for the natural material is the synthetic material such as polyester. Some brands have even researched and introduce many proprietary fibers that have a maximum moisture-wicking ability such as THOR.LON®.
Other Features
After you have selected the material, there are some other features that will make a sock relatively more comfortable than other options.
- Seamless Toe – Running socks are meant to be worn for an intensive workout thus they need to have a knit that is feet friendly. By feet friendly we simply mean a seamless construction or a flat knit seam that prevents abrasion and chafing.
- Mesh Construction – The running socks usually have a mesh construction for ventilation and proper air circulation. Some socks include mesh inserts at a varying distance while some have entire mesh top construction.
- Under Sole Cushioning – Your sole is especially prone to blisters and injuries while running. Hence, extra cushioning under sole allows added protection and comfort.
- Arch Support – This ensures that socks will have a snug fit and will not slip while you are running.
- Heel Tab – Ankle socks usually have an additional portion of fabric that protects the Achilles and upper heel. This tab also ensures that the sock does not slip while you are running.
Final Thoughts
Let’s recap some important information we have discussed. Firstly, the most trending socks are usually no-show socks. Secondly, while buying running socks appearance is not what matters. In fact, the features that matter the most are the fabric material. Other important features are sole cushioning, knit style, mesh panels, no-slip grip, anchor support etc. Not all socks have all these features.
Sources
https://www.sockgeek.com/pages/chart-glossary
https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2014/07/know-your-tech-adidas-climalite
https://unsimplystitched.com/blogs/news/types-of-socks-for-men-and-women-based-on-length
http://www.businessinsider.com/best-running-socks/#the-best-running-socks-overall-1
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/socks.html