Running sock recommendations
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Flynn | Jan 17 2024, 8:09pm | Does anyone have any recommendations for a very good running/hiking sock that would help with blisters. I’ve used the 1000 mile sock in the past and found them good but not brilliant and I’ve been reading about injinji socks but they don’t seem to be available in Ireland. Thanks in advance for any advice. |
| Warren Swords | Jan 17 2024, 8:32pm | I've been using socks from Decathlon for last few years. Perform better than any of the big brands. The merino wool socks are good for winter hills too. |
| Sara Mohan | Jan 17 2024, 8:38pm | Darn tough socks are also very good |
| Alistair Hodgett | Jan 17 2024, 9:05pm | Finally a question re: kit I have an opinion on! Compressport socks have worked for me to prevent blisters. Little fabric 'dots' that protect the usual areas for blisters and good breathability is their magic trick apparently. They are also hard wearing. |
| Andy Keeling | Jan 17 2024, 9:08pm | Got some 1000 mile socks recently from 53 degrees N. Well worth the money. |
| Andy Keeling | Jan 17 2024, 9:17pm | The single layer 1000 mile ones that is. I've heard the dual layer ones aren't great. |
| John Murphy74 | Jan 17 2024, 10:32pm | Warren, the decathlon socks are fantastic as you said. NO blister issues and cheap as chips too.! |
| Andrew Hanney | Jan 18 2024, 12:02am | Laura I was looking for cheap running socks a few months ago and I tried these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C9CBB64M?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details They were so good I bought a second batch. Now, I will say I usually run with socks inside out to have less chance of blisters. Well happy with them. |
| Deirdre O Gorman | Jan 18 2024, 9:09am | Hi Laura, I've found the Injinji socks absolutely brilliant; great at preventing blisters, very comfortable and can tolerate high mileage. I haven't been able to find an Irish supplier but I get mine from runningwarehouse.eu or bergfreunde.eu |
| Alan Kennedy | Jan 18 2024, 9:24am | I would also recommend Toe socks for anyone that has friction issues between toes. I thought they were a gimmick but saw them first time at Brockagh race last year and then tried them and I no long have that issue now. From either Injinji or Hilly. |
| Eamonn Hodge | Jan 18 2024, 10:22am | I'd recommend Steigen socks for road running and trail running. They're thin but snug. I find them brilliant. https://steigen.ie/product/running-socks/ Normally 14 euro or so. Amphibian King sell them. |
| Eric Llaurado Ortiz | Jan 18 2024, 10:33am | If your blisters are in your toes, Injinji socks 100x100, nothing beats them. If your blisters are in any other place I would say X-Bionic socks. They all are a bit expensive. |
| Rob Tobin | Jan 18 2024, 10:33am | The main characteristics I look out for are the sock's weight and the support/tension it provides along the foot. I find I have far fewer blisters when I run in heavy socks with supporting bands/panels or dots along the foot. I've worn 1000 Mile double layer socks running both on roads and trails for years and have had very few blisters while wearing them. I find them excellent and they are my preferred socks both for training and for races. My experience of Decathlon socks has been mixed. I've tried 3 different styles from the Kalenji line. I'd lots of blisters wearing 2 lighter styles and have retired those to indoor duties, but I still run in my heavier Kalenji socks on occasion. I recently picked up some inov-8 anklets in two different styles at reduced prices. I've only been out running in them a few times as it's not really the time of year for running in ankle socks, but I've had no issues with blisters as yet. |
| Warren Swords | Jan 18 2024, 10:47am | It is important to say that calf socks/sleeves have no place in IMRA. Leave them to the the triathletes along with their sun visors and IM tattoos. |
| Paul Flynn | Jan 18 2024, 11:17am | If the blisters are on the toes, toe-socks definitely help in my experience. I like the Hilly brand toe-socks but i think they only come in ankle length and I know some people prefer longer socks. |
| Alan Kennedy | Jan 18 2024, 1:02pm | (Note to self) - leave new compression socks at home for race on Sunday :-0 |
| Eoin Kelly | Jan 18 2024, 1:18pm | I'll second the Steigen Socks suggestion. They are extremely comfortable and very stretchy when new. They get progressively tighter over a few hundred washes as they lose some of the elasticity. I got two pairs of Irish flag ones before the marathon in 2019 as they were buy one get one free and i thought i would try them. They are still on the go, albeit a bit more snug than they were when new. They probably could do with being retired but i hate throwing out stuff that is still functional. I buy one or two new pairs a year and keep planning on retiring the original ones. I give them one more run, and then wash them and give them just one more, ad infinitum it seems! Anyway - i don't really run in anything else now. |
| Brian Kitson | Jan 18 2024, 1:56pm | Wisely noted, Alan. But don’t worry, during a wild weather race at the Belmont last year I chanced throwing on a pair of Sleeves with my t-shirt (by accident) and compounded my error by not wearing short shorts. Thankfully Warren and the lads were on hand at the start line to quickly and repeatedly point out my mistake and I’m sure will do the same for you on Sunday :) PS no blister issues so have no sock recommendations I’m afraid. |
| Stuart Scott | Jan 18 2024, 2:26pm | Eoin..."Anyway - i don't really run in anything else now."...please refer to the Mandatory Kit post :-) |
| Laura Flynn | Jan 18 2024, 3:11pm | That you all so much, I didn’t expect some a huge response ! Some great advice there - I just need to make some decisions now and include something that’ll cover up my Ironman tattoo ! |
| Mikey Fry | Jan 18 2024, 6:08pm | Just ask Tom no socks Blacky:)) |
| Ricki Wynne | Jan 18 2024, 6:52pm | Hi Laura I use compressport crew length trail socks , no blisters, arch support, Achilles protection and they are super durable |
| Eamonn Hodge | Jan 19 2024, 9:26am | Laura, you've started the most popular forum topic of 2024! |
| Eoin Kelly | Jan 19 2024, 10:13am | Eoin..."Anyway - i don't really run in anything else now."...please refer to the Mandatory Kit post :-) Sorry Stuart - I should have clarified that i also wear the mandatory rain coat on short races. Other than that, just the steigen socks. They come in a range of eye catching designs that focuses the viewers attention on them, so they don't notice that one is wearing nothing else! I think the RDs and gear checkers will be wise to this though and will be wearing blinkers so they don't get distracted by the awesome socks while carrying out mandatory kit checks. |
| Jeff Swords | Jan 19 2024, 10:26am | The Run Hub in Ashtown have a decent range of Steigen for anyone that side of the city. |
| Stuart Scott | Jan 19 2024, 10:36am | Thanks for the clarification Eoin, you must have fallen foul of the "naked warrior dance" website bug once too often! The Safety Officer will be happy anyway. |
| Laura Flynn | Jan 19 2024, 3:37pm | Looks like it Eamon, I might get an end-of-year award yet! |
| Keelin Holmes | Jan 19 2024, 4:00pm | I just bought steigen socks finding them great |
