Running Gear & Apparel Archives — Page 2 of 2

How to Choose The Best Running Socks

November 25, 2024June 6, 2017 by David Dack

Looking for the best advice on how to choose running socks?

You’re in the right place!

If you’re like me, you might not have thought much about socks when you first started running.

But trust me, the right pair of running socks can make all the difference between a comfortable run and one that leaves you with blisters, sore feet, or worse.

I used to think socks were just socks—until I started running seriously.

After several runs that ended with painful blisters, I finally learned that the socks you wear matter just as much as your shoes.

So, let’s talk about how you can find the perfect pair of running socks that will keep your feet dry, comfortable, and happy.

Why Proper Running Socks Matter

New to running? Let me help you skip the sock-related soreness

The right running socks can make a world of difference.

They’re designed specifically for the demands of running. They’re not just regular socks—they’re made to keep your feet dry and blister-free, even during long runs. Whether you’re heading out for a quick jog or a long-distance run, choosing the right socks is critical to your performance and comfort.

Poorly fitting socks can cause everything from toenail troubles to blisters and infections.

Wear the wrong socks, and every little irritation becomes magnified by mid-run.

The good news? Picking the right socks isn’t hard once you know what to look for.

How to Choose the Right Running Socks

When it comes to picking running socks, there are a few key factors to consider, including the material, size, length, and thickness.

Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right socks, so you can skip the trial and error:

Avoid Cotton Socks

One of the first lessons I learned about running socks was to avoid cotton at all costs. I used to wear cotton socks, thinking they were comfortable, but every time my feet got sweaty, they stayed wet. One rainy morning, I went for a run in those cotton socks. By the time I got home, my feet looked like raisins, and I was dealing with painful blisters.

That’s when I made the switch to synthetic materials. Socks made with CoolMax or polyester changed everything. My feet stayed dry, and the blisters became a thing of the past.

Here’s the truth.

Damp feet are a recipe for misery and blisters when running.

Running with wet feet also increases the chances of infections and can make cold-weather runs feel even colder. Instead, you want socks made from moisture-wicking materials that pull sweat away from your skin.

Fabrics too shoot for include:

Synthetic blends: Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex are great for wicking away moisture.
Merino wool: A great natural option that wicks moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents odors.
CoolMax or Drymax: These high-tech fabrics are specifically designed to keep your feet dry.

Choosing the right material means drier, more comfortable feet with fewer blister worries.

The Right Size Of Running Socks

I used to think, “If the sock fits, wear it.” But I quickly realized that size really matters. Too tight, and your feet feel like they’re in a vice grip. Too loose, and you’ll end up with saggy socks and blisters.

For me, finding the right fit was all about getting that heel portion to land exactly where it should—right on my heel. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer.

One time, I wore a pair of socks that were just slightly too big. I didn’t think it would matter until I felt them bunching up in my shoes during a long run. By mile five, I had blisters forming under my arch. Lesson learned.

This is how to tell if your socks fit right:

The heel cup of the sock should line up with your actual heel.
There shouldn’t be any bunching or slipping.
The socks should feel snug, but not so tight that they’re cutting off circulation or overstretched.

What’s more?

Always try socks with your running shoes to avoid pressure points

The Many Lengths Of Running Socks

When it comes to sock length, I’ve tried them all. Crew socks, ankle socks, and those low-cut ones that barely peek above your shoe. I quickly learned that crew socks are a lifesaver when running trails with overgrown brush. And when I’m going for a casual road run, ankle socks are usually my go-to.

Once, I chose ankle socks for a muddy trail—big mistake. I spent the entire run stopping to empty out dirt and tiny pebbles that found their way in.

Since then, I’ve saved the ankle socks for cleaner routes and wear crew-length socks on those trail adventures.

Here’s a quick guide to the different sock lengths:

No-show or ankle socks: These are great for summer runs when you want to keep cool and don’t need extra coverage. They sit right above your shoe line.
Crew socks: These come up to mid-calf and offer more protection from debris and trail running hazards.
Compression socks: These knee-high socks provide graduated compression that improves blood flow and helps with recovery. They’re especially popular for longer runs or recovery after a race.

Thickness of Fabric

One of the most confusing things for me in the beginning was figuring out how thick my socks should be. I tried super-thin socks once on a summer run, thinking they would keep my feet cool. But I ended up with friction burns because they offered almost no cushioning. After experimenting, I found that a medium thickness works best for most of my runs.

Now, I keep a variety of socks on hand. When it’s colder out, I opt for thicker pairs that offer more warmth and protection. In the summer, I choose a lighter option that still provides some padding.

So as a rule:

Thin socks: These are lightweight and ideal for summer running or if you prefer a minimal feel. However, if you’re prone to blisters, thin socks might not offer enough protection.
Thick socks: Thicker socks offer more cushioning, especially around the heel and ball of the foot. They’re great for added comfort during long runs or if you’re running on harder surfaces.

Running Compression Socks

I was skeptical about compression socks at first. Could they really make a difference? Rave reviews from other runners convinced me to try them during half marathon training. And honestly, I haven’t looked back since.

For me, compression socks aren’t just about performance. They also help my legs feel less fatigued after long runs. I’ve even started wearing them after tough workouts to speed up recovery. I can’t say for sure if they’ve made me faster, but I definitely feel more comfortable and less sore.

Compression socks tighten around the ankle and loosen up the calf, boosting circulation. They also help with swelling and can prevent that heavy-leg feeling you sometimes get after a tough run. If you’re curious about compression socks, give them a try—you might just find they’re the boost you need for faster recovery.

Avoiding Blisters

Blisters are a runner’s worst enemy, but there are ways to avoid them, starting with the right socks. If you’re prone to blisters, look for socks that offer extra protection in high-friction areas, like the heel and toes. Some brands offer double-layer socks designed to reduce friction between your foot and the shoe.

You can also try wearing two pairs of socks—one thin and one thicker—to create a barrier between your foot and the shoe. This method works well for some runners, though I personally prefer single-layer socks with targeted cushioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

I know that you have more than one pressing questions about running socks. Let me address some of the most common ones.

How often should I replace my running socks?

Running socks, like any part of your gear, wear out over time. Typically, you’ll want to replace them every 6–12 months, depending on how often you run and the conditions you run in. If you notice signs like thinning fabric, loss of elasticity, or if they just don’t feel as cushioned, it’s time for a new pair. Worn-out socks can lead to more friction, which means a higher chance of blisters!

Can I use hiking socks for running?

While hiking socks are designed for comfort and durability, they’re often thicker and made from materials that aren’t as moisture-wicking as running socks. Hiking socks can work in a pinch, especially on colder days, but for regular runs, especially long distances, stick with socks specifically designed for running. They’re optimized for breathability, moisture management, and minimal friction—exactly what your feet need on a run.

What length of sock is best for running?

This really depends on your preference and the type of running you do. No-show and ankle-length socks are popular for road runners who prefer minimal coverage. For trail running or areas with brush, crew-length socks offer extra protection from dirt and debris. On cold days, longer socks (like calf-length) can provide additional warmth. The right length ultimately comes down to comfort and the conditions you’re running in.

The Conclusion

Ultimately, picking the best running socks is about what feels right for you.

My advice is to experiment with different types, lengths, and thicknesses to find what works best for you. I’ve found that having a variety of socks keeps me prepared for any weather or training condition.

Trust me, once you find your perfect pair, you’ll wonder how you ran without them.

How to Get the Smell Out of Running Clothes

July 11, 2024November 30, 2016 by David Dack

Looking for the best advice on how to get smell out of running clothes? Then you’ve come to the right place.

That’s why figuring out how to get the smell out of running clothes is one of the biggest of all training mysteries.

If you’re a runner dealing with stinky workout gear, then, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s post you’ll discover the exact steps you need to remove the sweat smell and nasty odors from running shirts, shorts, and other training clothes the easy way.

But first things first, let’s discuss why running clothes can stink so badly.

The Source of The Stink

Bad smells, be it coming from garbage cans or bad breath, is the by-product of bacteria, in one form or the other.

Generally speaking, a good wash is all that’s needed to remove the bacteria from your casual clothing.

But it’s not always the case when it comes to high performance fabrics.

So, why do running clothes tend to hold onto smells even after being washed?

Blame the Technology

The stinky odor can be blamed on the bacteria found on your skin that get trapped in the fabric fibers.

But isn’t regular washing supposed to take care of that?

That’s actually when things go awry.

High-performance clothing designed specifically for running are usually made with high-performance stretchy materials—typically of smooth synthetic tubes—think fishing line. This helps divert water and allows for sweat to evaporate off the skin, keeping your body dry and comfortable.

But here’s the downside.

High-performance fabrics may have extra crannies and nooks that cling to dirt and odors. And the typical washing process usually has a hard time getting penetrating those grooves.

That’s why synthetic materials—such as Supplex, Lycra, Coolmax, Dri-fit, Climacool, and Tactual—can turn into stink magnets.

If it seems like you can never quite the funky smell out of your favorite workout tops, you ‘re probably right—your workout gear is working against you.

Don’t Hesitate to Wash

Keeping your running kit in a pile or letting it sit in a hamper after a run encourage the bacteria to grow and for the smell to linger and get worse.

And The longer your precious workout kit stays dirty, the more difficult to remove the smells.

Make it a rule never to let your running gear stew in its stench. Once you get home after a workout, remove your kit as soon as possible (or take it out of the bag) and dry it quickly.

Not doing laundry right away? Hang them up or lay them on a drying rack so they can breathe in the fresh air before laundry day.

Air Them out

Your first line of defense against the smelly odors is to expose your running clothes to natural air as soon as you are done running.

If you keep your clothes in an enclosed space, your clothes will become a breeding ground for bacteria.

In fact, the longer you keep your workout clothes in an enclosed area, the more intense your running clothes may smell.

But it’s not the whole story.

Doing this can also wear down the fabric of your clothes, contributing to a faster deterioration of your running garments.

And I’m assuming that you don’t want that.

Therefore, in case you are not planning on washing your running clothes right away following a workout, make sure to put them where they can air out instead of tossing them on the floor of your bathroom or in your laundry hamper.

For the best results, hang your clothes outside, on a drying rack if it’s available.

If it’s not the case, then the side of a laundry basket can do the trick.

Ease up on the Detergent

Most people believe that more detergent is good.

But in reality, it’s worse.

Why?

Well, most washing machines have a standard cycle that’s set to handle a set amount of the stuff. Thus, any excess of it does not get washed out. Instead, it ends up lingering on your clothes, causing all sorts of trouble.

This builds up on your clothing, trapping mold and mildew— creating an ideal breeding environment for bacteria.

As a result, to err on the side of caution, opt for half or three-quarters of the amount of detergent you typically use. Then do a sniff test to assess how things are going.

Or at least, wash your running clothes with a detergent that’s specially designed to handle fitness and sports clothing.

Some of the best brands include Tide plus Febreze Freshness Sport, and Win High-Performance Sports Detergent (Get it here on Amazon).

You can also add in an anti-odor in wash eliminator. One effective product to try out is Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator. ( Get it here on Amazon).

Skip the Fabric Softener

What you need to watch for, when it comes running clothes, is fabric softener.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that fabric softener is your running gear’s worst enemy.

Instead of cleaning the clothes, fabric softeners can, in fact, create a sort of fence that traps rotten smells in. This also keeps detergent and water from penetrating those grooves for a thorough wash.

Not only does it make your running clothes stink, but it also ruins the way they fit. Fabric softeners tend to break down any materials that stretch—the building blocks of technical workout attire.

Henceforth, whether in the form of sheets or liquid, you don’t want to this stuff near your running clothes. Or, at least, go for detergents that are free of dyes or fragrances.

For the odor, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle (for more on how to do that, check tip No. 5).

Pre-Soak Your Running Gear

This is another simple, yet overlooked, step that can help tremendously with the stinky smells.

Before you toss your workout clothes into the wash, presoak them in four parts cold water and one part white distilled vinegar for 30 minutes.

White vinegar has a very low level of acid that cuts through the stubborn bacteria and releases it to be flushed away during the wash.

Wash your Clothes ASAP

This might sound redundant, but if your running clothes are drenched in sweat following a workout, then you gotta wash them immediately.

Do not let your workout clothes steep. That’s the Cardinal Rule.

Action Steps

Here are the three guidelines you need for a perfect wash:

(1) Use your hands

In case you don’t have a washing machine nearby, then hand wash them.

In fact, in my experience, this might be the best thing you can do to fight off the smells, be rid of those pesky stains, and prolong the lifespan of your garments.

(2) Flip Them

Flipping your running kit—especially leggings—inside out while washing give direct detergent access to the smelliest and dirtiest parts of the fabrics. These are the areas in direct contact with your skin, and the breeding ground for bacteria.

What’s more?

By exposing the inside of your running kit to all that pilling and ripping while protecting the exterior.

(3) Wash them Separately

If you want to save your other casual clothing from the smell, then PLEASE wash your regular clothing separately.

In fact, even if you followed the plan I’m sharing with you to the letter, some stubborn smells are there to stay.

So please don’t pass it on to your work or casual clothing.

Also, do not combine two (or more) people’s smelly workout clothes. Otherwise, neither set would end up smelling fresh.

Use the Right Amount of Laundry Detergent

Using too much of detergent with hoping the more the merrier may backfire on you.

The excess stuff will only build upon your workout gear, which will then trap dead skin and foster fungus. Ick!

Whether you’re using plain old Tide, or special sports detergent (like Nathan’s Sports wash), it’ important to add the right amount to your washing machine.

I’d recommend using no more than two teaspoons of high performing brands, like Persil, Wish, or Tide, per full load. This is often more than enough per a load of laundry.

For more, try adding half a cup of baking soda to your laundry during the rinse cycle to help remove the odors.

Additional resource – How to clean running shoes

Add Vinegar

A powerful solution I found to be super helpful when it comes keeping my running clothes smelling fresh is to soak them in white vinegar just before washing them.

Actually, this might be the miraculous cure you need for getting rid of the smells altogether.

Here is how to do the vinegar pre-wash tactic:

First, soak your workout clothes in a clean kitchen sink with one part white vinegar and four parts cold water, then let the stuff chill for at least a half an hour. This is going to disinfect and loosen the stains before the wash.

Next, proceed with the washing—whether manually or using a washing machine.

For more, you can also add one cup of white vinegar to your wash during the rinse cycle.

If you are trying to get rid of a huge stink, then feel free to up that to two cups.

6. Hang Them to Dry

Most running clothes is what you may call tech gear. They are made from special fabric that insulates heat, wicks moisture away, you know the drill…

Thus, you should never toss them in the dryer.

In fact, high heat will cause shrinkage or damage to your gear, shortening its lifespan in the process. And you don’t want that.

So, what is the best course of action?

The best way to dry technical fabric is to hang dry them. So please, if you have a drying rack in your bath, then let them dry there.

Or if it’s possible, put your running clothes where they can dry in direct sunlight.

In fact, the sun’s rays naturally deter the growth of bacteria and will zap stains and odors right out of the clothing, keeping them cleaner and smelling fresher for longer.

In case it’s not possible for you to air dry your workout clothes, then put them in the dryer, opting for the lowest heat setting on your dryer possible. This will save the elastic and won’t cause much shrinkage or damage to your clothes.

Still, I’m really against this. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Additional Resource – Here’s how to dry running shoes.

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