Run Your Socks Off

"My Mama always said, 'Life was like a sock drawer; you never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump

My running socks are the most important running accessory I have after properly fitting running shoes. I have spend hundreds of dollars over the past several years trying to find the elusive "perfect" running sock.  My sock drawer is overflowing with rejects not making the cut:  Thorlo, Asics, Feetures, Nike, Champion, Reebok, Wrightsock, and Wigwam, all taking up space in my drawer.  I wear Smartwool socks for school so when I discovered that Smartwool made running socks, I had to give them a try. 

Just a few of my Smartwool running socks from my collection. Love the fun designs! These have light cushioning and are fitted at the arch. The seamless toe makes for chaff-free rubbing. The higher profile at the ankle keeps the sock from slipping down into the shoe.

These are the lower profile Smartwool socks that take up space in my sock drawer. I don't wear them as often because they tend to slip down into my shoe after a few miles. Like the other ones, they are fitted at the arch but much thinner with less cushioning.

Although I love the Smartwool running sock, my favorite go-to sock is made by Balega. I have 5 different styles but I tend to wear the purple and green ones above most of the time.  These are Balega's Blister Resist sock and prevent blisters.  I wear these socks on short as well as long runs. I have yet to get a blister from these socks. They offer a contoured arch and soft padding at the heel and ball of foot.  I put these to the test during the Walt Disney World Marathon when temperatures were well over 100 degrees.   My feet were sore from the constant pounding but I walked away blister free! I absolutely LOVE these socks!

Another style of Balega socks that are thinner than the Blister Resist socks. Both the Blister Resist and this style offer ample padding at the heel to prevent rubbing. 

To sum it up, after trying many different brands of socks, you can't beat Smartwool and Balega for blister free running.