While the saying “don’t sweat the small stuff” is typically quite true, in this case, the devil is in the details—the blister preventing details—and this little addition of comfort and thoughtful design can keep you on your A-game whilst keeping to your exercise routine.
Experts In This Article
- Kayla Lightfoot, Kayla Lightfoot is an RRCA certified running coach who has been running for over 25 years.
- LaTisha Switzer, LaTisha Switzer is a STRIDE certified run coach from San Diego, CA.
- Liz Ferguson, Liz Ferguson is STRIDE certified run coach in Austin, TX.
Best running socks at a glance
What to look for in a running sock
According to run coaches, there are certain key things to look for in a good pair of running socks. First and foremost, the sock fit is essential. Liz Ferguson, a STRIDE certified run coach in Austin says they should stay in place when you run and you don't want them too baggy or too tight because both can cause blisters. LaTisha Switzer, another STRIDE certified run coach from San Diego suggests looking for socks that have a "show tab" (an additional piece of fabric on the back of the sock), which helps prevent the sock from slipping or the shoe from rubbing on your ankle. "A must feature for me is an anatomical design of Right/Left, allowing the sock to really hug your foot," says Switzer, who also likes polyester socks because cotton ones can be too thick and are more likely to slip off the heel.
