Runners - favorite socks

sacklunch

WKR
Joined
Dec 12, 2022
Messages
412
Runners, road and trail...looking for some new socks flat won't break the bank. Not that $15-30 breaks the bank, but I really need to pay on average $20/pair for high quality, durable, breathable running socks?

Ive got a few pairs of injinjin run lightweight...by far my favorite, but $$. Recently pickup uo a 3 pack of some stance performance, not bad, but not great.

Due to the combo of road/trail runs and varying climates, ive gravitated towards crew length socks, but they're proving tougher to find than running specific ankle socks.

Inputs/suggestions?
 

TxxAgg

WKR
Joined
Dec 27, 2019
Messages
1,999
I wear my Darn Tough Micro Crew year round for everything, including running. I've been running a lot since June.

They aren't cheap, but I don't skimp on socks or underwear :)
 

hikenhunt

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Messages
419
Location
WA
For runs less than 5 miles, I'll wear cotton or synthetic blend. For longer runs (up to marathon length), I wear 80%+ merino. I don't get any blisters or hot spots with that strategy.
 

hikenhunt

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2013
Messages
419
Location
WA
Forgot to mention that I highly prefer crew length or* ankle as you mentioned

*Edit: meant to say "over"
 
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htlt_surfboards

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 27, 2020
Messages
108
Location
Ventura, CA
Long time runner here. Ive tried a ton of different high end socks and honestly for the price have not been impressed at all with durability or breathability. A few years ago I heard a very successful ultra runner on a podcast say that he gets hot and sweaty feet and has been most successful using cheap super thin socks he got at target. I then proceeded to target and settled on Hanes x-temp lightweight performance socks.

They have an ultra cushion version that is a little thicker but I prefer the just standard version. I think they are like 12 pairs for 15 bucks so who cares if you shred them. The thing I like about them is the top panel is like a see through mesh and they breath better than any sock I've come across. For long races I still like injinjin for the added toe blister protection though.
 

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geoff995

WKR
Joined
Apr 1, 2018
Messages
519
I’ve been an avid runner for years running 5k distance up to ultramarathons. I’ve tried about every sock from the cheapest to high end socks and I can’t tell the difference between any of them. I currently run in cheap socks that I get at Walmart and I’ll usually wear the same pair for 4-5 runs. All my runs are on a dirt trail fwiw.
 

VinoVino

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 25, 2021
Messages
195
Location
Seattle
I have a pair of Icebreaker ankle socks that I wear running most of the time. They are kind of light-to-mid cushion and are super comfortable for a 3-5 miler
 

zacattack

WKR
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
1,332
Location
Michigan
I really like my darn tough tactical socks for pretty much everything, running including. The full cushion is nice.
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2015
Messages
1,093
Location
Colo Spgs
Smart wool that REI sells has done me good. A few diff options but just read through specs to find what ya want.

Not too thin and not too thick.

My advice. Pick a handful of socks (only 1 pair of each type) then run in them to see which one ya like best. Then buy more of that specific sock.

Good luck & happy trails.


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Joined
Oct 4, 2013
Messages
567
Location
VA
Swiftwick Aspire. I like the Two version for the 1/4 crew height on trails. Different heights available. I have been happy with the wicking and the durability but they are a little warm for hot weather. Not cheap but can usually be found for about $12 or $13 per pair which seems fair for the durability.
 

croben

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
264
I mostly run in the Balega hidden comfort socks. I’ve had them for probably 5+ years now and they’re still going strong. If it’s colder, I run in my Darn Toughs.
 
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
3,507
Location
Washington
I wear my Darn Tough Micro Crew year round for everything, including running. I've been running a lot since June.

They aren't cheap, but I don't skimp on socks or underwear :)

And you can send them back for replacement when they wear out. Lifetime guarantee.


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Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
30
Location
West Slope, CO
Not a huge runner but I generally average 10 miles per week plus lifting 3x per week. I wear Darn Tough or Bombas socks for all of my workouts. The Bombas’ have some good cushion and add a little more warmth than the Darn Toughs.

 
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