Sunday, April 05, 2009
Let's Talks Socks!
Hey ladies. I'm hoping you can help me out with a little problem I've been having. I tend to get blisters when running long distances, and I am repeatedly told that it has to be from my socks. I do have basic ASIC running socks that I bought from the local running store, but now I'm thinking about looking into trying some double layer socks and things like that. So....this is where you come in....I want you to share with me your favorite running socks. Have they helped prevent blisters, do they keep your feet cool, etc? I'm up for any recommendations. Thanks!
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Hey Kristyn, I know you get tired of hearing from me :-) but I LOVE double layered socks for long runs. I use any type of wicking socks for runs that are up to 5 or 6 miles, but then after that I wear Nike double layered socks. They seem to keep the blisters away. I think any pair of double layered socks would be good. Good luck! Can't wait to see you in few weeks!
This is one of those instances where we're all an experiment of one. Over the years, I've found the best socks for me are the THINNEST socks I can find. I have a shoebox-ful of nice, thick, wicking running socks but I never wear them for running because I discovered they were a sure-fire path to blisters. Instead, I buy the cheap low-cut socks from WalMart and wear just a single layer on my longest of runs. Granted, they don't last long (I'll go through a package in 3 or 4 months) but at the low cost, it's hardly an issue.
Bottom line... do some experimenting! Buy a few different kinds and put them to the test. You might also consider lathering your toes up with vaseline or an anti-chafing product. I haven't had to do that in years but when I first started running it was part of the routine every Saturday morning before I ran long.
all i know is i use glide on my feet with the longer distance runs....
Another thing you might try is lacing the laces in your toe box a little looser. This is another personal preference type thing, but I have bunions on my feet and keeping my shoes loose enables me to run long distances and never get blisters. (No ankle issues either.)
All of you will cringe when I say this, but I usually don't untie my shoes in between runs. I just slip them on and off. I did tie the ankle part tighter for my race, and it was okay, but kind of bugged me.
Oh, and I use an Asics running sock, thin, nothing fancy.
I was having wicked blisters...many many miserable blisters on my toes. I hadn't had a long run without blisters for 2 1/2 months. I finally found something that worked for me...injinji toe socks and sportsshield liquid.
http://www.injinji.com/
http://www.blistershield.com/
I had tried everything...double layer socks, taping my toes, other lubricants, etc. etc. NOTHING worked for me. I lube my toes, put on my socks and am good to go. I have now done an 11 and 14 miler without blisters and am so happy!
My favorite are the Smart Wool brand. I have a couple pair and I have never gotten blisters or had any problems with my feet. I hear people talk of losing toenails and getting blisters but I never have, including marathons and doing 14,16,18 mile runs.
I think that the size of your shoes might be more of a factor than socks. Your shoes should be at least 1-1 1/2 sizes bigger than your street shoe. (I'm 5'2" and I wear a 9.5 running shoe) Also, you might need to lace differently like Polliwog said. Hope these suggestions help!
Thanks everyone--keep the suggestions coming. I use bodyglide before every run, and I have even done moleskin and duct tape for months and months. With an insert (and not padding or tape), I was able to eliminate the blisters on my old shoes......which are about worn out. So I bought a couple new pairs to rotate in, and now I have to figure out everything to go with the new shoes. I do want to try some double layer socks, and I'm definately up for other suggestions, too. Oh...and my shoes are 1 size bigger than normal, but maybe I should even go up another 1/2 size. We'll see. You guys are the best!
I always buy my socks at marathon conventions and have had great luck with Sock Guy socks. My current favorites are green socks with turtles on them, and a pair that is wine colored with a tipped over wine glass. They are great conversation starters. And of course, Body Glide always.
Tryna
I love my Wright's dual layer socks!
I love my Balega socks and my SuperFeet inserts. Together, they have taken away my blisters. Good luck!
I wear a couple different brands. All of them people have posted about. Smart Wool (only in winter though), Balenga (I've worn most if not all of the socks they make, the thinner and padded running sock along with the different trail running socks)and some from the sock guy (I like the fun/different designs). Knock on wood I haven't had any problems with any of these brands.
After I posted this just came to me. Probably because of a book I'm reading and a friend who just ran Umstead (100 miles). What about taping your feet/toes? I haven't tried it but I know my friend Jill always tapes her's no matter if it's a marathon/100K/100 miler. Several women in my running group tape their feet and or toes for long runs and marathons also. Just a thought.
I love Ball-Go (I think that's what the brand is) and Smart Wool. They've worked great for me and I've never gotten a blister. Good luck!
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