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mmk137
mmk137 Posts: 833 Member
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I need better socks... but it's most likely my shoes (i got them at a running specialist store).

On my long runs (i'm talking 10km +)

I get blisters (always in the same spot). If I tape up my foot prior, no blisters, but if I forget blisters.

So I'm just wondering what socks does everyone use to help prevent blisters.

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  • urbansmamma
    urbansmamma Posts: 202 Member
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    I use Lululemon's running socks. They specifically have a sock created for the left and right foot. They are AMAZING!!
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
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    I ran all summer in Sofsole Anti-Friction socks, and they did indeed prevent me from getting any blisters, but they wear out pretty quickly and they're hard to find.

    For the winter I switched to medium thickness Drymax socks. You do wind up paying like $8 a pair, but they're really nice, available in ridiculous quantities and variety at my local Road Runner, and seem indestructible thus far.
  • girlsrun
    girlsrun Posts: 61
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    Smart wool are my fav. socks for winter. Something lighter for the summer like balga socks. I would look into your shoes. Maybe they are not wide enough in the toe box or a size too small. :)
  • ryblueeyes
    ryblueeyes Posts: 257 Member
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    I wear two pairs of socks. The first pair goes on inside out, and the second right side out. That way, they're rubbing against each other instead of my skin.
  • waterwing
    waterwing Posts: 214 Member
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    I've fallen in love with Balenga socks.. you can get them off www.wiggle.co.uk ... free int'l shipping!
  • ebaymommy
    ebaymommy Posts: 1,067 Member
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    I'm a SmartWool fan. I have about a dozen pairs. Some thicker for winter, some really light ones for summer. Love them all!
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
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    I think I've already seen two attempts to spell this in this thread so far, but yeah, Balega socks are pretty good too. They're incredibly soft. I have a few pairs and I do really like them, but I can tell that they don't protect my feet as well as the Drymax, nor do they hold up as well to the abuse of distance running.
  • mmk137
    mmk137 Posts: 833 Member
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    right thanks for all the replies.

    now I need to find these socks. as I've never heard of them. Also need to find out if I can get them in australia.

    I have heard of drymax, but I have not seen them here in oz.

    I have a pair of nike dry fit socks which I love, but I need to get them replaced cause they have holes at the big toe on both sides. These socks don't give me blisters. But do you think I can find them again :( obviously they aren't made anymore, or very popular).

    One of the sport store chains here (rebel sport) have Thorlo Experia CoolMax socks, but at $35 a pair, yeah too expensive for me to buy just to try.
  • tri10806
    tri10806 Posts: 192 Member
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    I'm a SmartWool fan. I have about a dozen pairs. Some thicker for winter, some really light ones for summer. Love them all!
    I love SmartWool. Mostly the PhD Run mini but I have a few pair of the thicker PhD Outdoor and Hiking sock that I use in the winter and for longer trail races. I have a few pair of the Darn Tough merino wool ultra light that I've been using when running on the road. They've worked great, so I may try the thicker versions "light cushion" and "cushion" next time I'm at the store.

    http://www.darntough.com/run-bike-1715.html
  • chribro
    chribro Posts: 20 Member
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    I just used cheap but good socks by karimore and found that they worked fine. I tried the Nike dry fits but found them to thin, I was wearing the thicker karimoress when I brought my trainers. They retail in the UK for about a fiver in sports soccer
  • a_stronger_steph
    a_stronger_steph Posts: 434 Member
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    I haven't really had a problem with blisters, no matter what socks I run in. (Lucky me, I guess!) For a while I was running mostly in New Balance socks, but recently I've discovered the Adidas SuperNova socks - when I put them on, I let out a happy sigh. They're like a firm-yet-gentle hug for the feet (and they're also the kind that have left- and right-foot designations on them). I prefer to run in those whenever I can now!
  • lilsmiley11122
    lilsmiley11122 Posts: 11 Member
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    I have had great results with UnderArmour Cushion running socks. They have extra cushioning in the balls of the feet and heels (kind of looks like a volleyball net design) and are very well fitted to the foot. I used to be super-paranoid about getting my feet wet because I was afraid of blisters, but I ran the Loch Ness Marathon in steady rain and thanks to my UnderArmour socks, no blisters! :-)
  • mmk137
    mmk137 Posts: 833 Member
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    today I tired wearing a pair of socks inside out.

    it seemed to work. But I need to do a few more runs to really test it out.

    I have created a list of these socks to look out for too.

    thanks all
  • cococa
    cococa Posts: 122 Member
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    I love my Balega hidden comfort socks!
  • JanisAtki
    JanisAtki Posts: 77 Member
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    A link to Aussie stockist of Drymax. I haven't tried them but they are sponsoring the runs in Wangaratta next weekend and I'm very tempted.

    http://www.drymaxsocks.com.au/store/index.php
  • algebravoodoo
    algebravoodoo Posts: 776 Member
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    Maybe I got incredibly lucky or perhaps the shoe design gods used my foot as a model for New Balance, but I use plain ol' Hanes ankle-length sports socks that came three to a pack when I was looking for comfie socks for work. No blisters, no rubbing, no matter the distance. That's what I wore on my first half-mary last December. The only time I got blisters was when I bought a different shoe brand than my usual NB and then I was out for a week waiting for it to heal enough to use moleskin, and that was after only 3 miles in those shoes.
  • aldousmom
    aldousmom Posts: 382 Member
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    I buy a package of the cheapest socks I can find, because I only like super, super thin socks. :) I don't have blisters, ever, but I can't say this is the secret.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
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    Seems I always have a callous develop at the spot where I get a blister, and problem solved. However, the double sock thing is good. It makes the sock rub together, so the inside sock does not rub against your foot. And, they sell many brands of two-layered socks.
    Also, my wife likes the toe socks. Same thing. The toes hold the sock firm on your foot, so it won't run on the inside, skin against sock. I don't like them. i think you have to develop some tougher skin between your toes before you can wer them comfortably. But, she wears them on many runs, including ones of good distance, that is, over 8 miles.
  • clari_netter
    clari_netter Posts: 20 Member
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    I used to have the same problem then I changed my shoes, now I can run with or without socks (I do triathlons so it's not quite as odd as it sounds putting socks on adds time) and don't get blisters...
  • mmk137
    mmk137 Posts: 833 Member
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    well i've had 3 runs now (8, 14 & 10km) with socks inside out (all different brands), and it has solved the problem!

    I'm still going to check out these other socks. As the socks I wore today were not dry fit, and man did I get sweaty feet.

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