Feetures Elite Max Cushion
RRP: £13.50
Socks might not be at the top of your kit wishlist, but while a good pair should go unnoticed, a bad sock can be run-wrecking. Feetures’ trademark Sock-Lock support system provides targeted compression to eliminate the blister risk, while offering extra cushioning to the areas of the foot that need it most.
Technicalities aside, however, the Elite Max Cushion is as comfy as socks come and, really, what more do you want?
feeturesrunning.com
Sockmine GripLock
RRP: £12
Mid-run sock slippage is a real problem with a lot of low-cut ankle socks. So the Sockmine GripLock is to be celebrated.
These socks’ USP is that they adhere to your foot, preventing movement and friction and, by extension, blisters. They also boast something called COOLMAX fibre, which maximises its ability to wick away moisture, leaving feet feeling cool and dry.
They’re comfortable, fit snugly to your foot and are made here in the UK. What’s not to like?
sockmine.co.uk
Wigwam Mile Mark Pro
RRP: £12
Styled like the Jamaican flag – perhaps in a bid to convince you that every little thing (blisters included) is going to be alright – the Mile Mark Pro promises dry feet and no blisters.
And, it must be said, Wigwam delivers on all fronts. The cushioned sole comes into its own over rocky trail, and although we have absolutely no idea what ‘Dri-release Tencel’ material is, it certainly seems to keep moisture at bay.
wigwam.com
Hilly TwinSkin Socklet
RRP: £12
Hilly is the ever-reliable presence in the running sock market and the TwinSkin represents a continued commitment to supreme comfort.
Light as a feather, with softness to match, the socks are made with double-layer construction – which reduces friction and, ultimately, the risk of blisters.
Reinforced heel and toe padding also prevents excess pressure, while the ‘pre-shrunk’ fit hugs your foot. It’s difficult to imagine a better designed running sock.
hillysocks.com
Bridgedale speed trail
RRP: £14.99
While it’s difficult to get overly excited about a pair of socks, the Speed Trail’s anti-compression padding and merino wool construction does, at least, make them a pair worthy of your consideration.
The padding – on the ball of the foot and where a shoe’s laces would be – comes into its own on uneven terrain, where the foot’s constantly moving around.
Equally, the above ankle cuff does a good job of repelling want-away bits of trail debris.
bridgedale.com
Asics Road Ped Double Tab Sock
RRP: £12
Better known for its ever-popular running shoes, Asics has a wide choice of socks on offer, too. Unlike most ‘no-show’ socks, these didn’t end up slipping inside the shoe and stayed in place for every run.
For the tech-hungry, the fabric contains Meryl hydrogen microfibers which reduces build-up of static electricity allowing air and moisture to move.
asics.co.uk
Falke RU4 Cushion Short Socks
RRP: £16
If you like an ankle length sock with just enough cushioning, take a look at the RU4 from Falke.
We found the socks to be a great fit and they stayed soft after several washes.
The fabric includes Lyocell which is a wood pulp fibre, helping with moisture management and odour-control.
falke.com/uk
ashmei Merino Stripe Sock
RRP: £15
For those of us who like a longer sock (this style comes a couple of inches above the ankle), the ashmei Stripe is a good choice. Made from a blend of Merino wool and Carbon fabrics, the key feature is temperature control (including breathability).
Additionally, Carbon strands are found in the heel and toe box areas to assist with blister reduction.
ashmei.com
Hilly Pulse Compression Sock
RRP: £20
Compression socks are still popular for post-run recovery as they can help improve blood flow.
This, in turn, will hopefully flush out the dreaded lactic acid which has built up during your workout, and will allow your muscles to start to recover and get ready for your next run.
hillysocks.com
