Running socks... how are they different from regular socks?

My son is a distance runner and he wears them on long runs. They are tighter fitting so they don't bunch and are made from materials that won't chaffe and help keep your feet drier. They do also have some additional padding because distance spikes are very light and don't have any padding. They also help support your arch. He has so many kinds I have no idea which he likes best, everytime we buy a new pair of trainers he picks up some. You should try a pair and see if you like them! We buy all his running stuff from Fleet Feet they are great there and very helpful!

Does anyone use special running socks? I'm just guessing they might have more cushioning in them, correct?

Does anyone have any they recommend?

They're different in a few ways:

-First, they are synthetic and designed to wick sweat away from your foot instead of absorbing it. This reduces chafing and blisters as well as helping you to feel cooler. Cotton socks absorb sweat and then the sock moves against your foot, creating friction and blisters.

-They sometimes do have extra cushioning

-Often, they fit the foot more closely to prevent chafing and blisters

-They may also have very strategic seam placement or be seamless, again to reduce chafing and blisters

-Believe it or not, they last much longer than cotton socks, too!

I've always been really happy with the Asics socks. I can't recall which model number I have, but it is tighter around the arch and has cushioning on the bottom.

PS- I personally like smart wool socks... smartwool.com

When I started c25k and started running I randomly bought some karrimore running socks with my trainers because they were on offer and I've got to say they do feel great! They feel so supportive round the arch of my foot. I would definitely buy more in the future.

i wear a sock made by Brooks. not only do they keep my feet cool and dry but they are more elastic than my other socks and give a little support in the arch as well as some extra padding on the heel.

Never knew such a thing existed until now.

I'm a long distance runner and I rarely wear special socks. I do have a few pair of Drymax but I don't normally wear them. I don't get blisters either. I just make sure they are pulled on snugle when I start so that they aren't bunched up. I actually prefer running sockless but my shoes would become pretty offensive, so I wear a low cut sock now.

I wore Thorlos for a long time - now my favorites are Balgas and Nike Dri-Fit. I like the ones with the little tab in back that keep the sock from sliding down your heel.

I used to wear cheap socks but a few years ago after I did a 10 mile race I had a blood blister the size of my head on the bottom of my foot - definitely convinced me of the importance of good socks.