Hello.
1. Introduction - Runners' feet are exposed to harsh environments
When continuing to run, many people experience discomfort such as "pain in the soles of their feet," "loss of traction in the second half of the run," and "tingling in the arches of their feet after running." Particularly when running long distances or on trails, the strain on the soles of your feet can accumulate and even take away the enjoyment of running.
These are not diseases, but simply the result of the repetitive motion of running pushing your feet to their limits.
However, ignoring this small discomfort can lead to injury or a loss of motivation, which is why it's important to take measures that you can implement on a daily basis .
2. The arch of the foot – your suspension
The sole of the foot has a structure called an "arch."
The foot is supported by the ball of the big toe, the ball of the little toe, and the heel (the foot tripod), and the arch sinks in to absorb shock when the foot lands. In the middle phase, the plantar fascia stores tension like a spring, and the big toe arches up (windlass mechanism), reusing that force for pushing off.
This series of actions is like a suspension. The chain of "receive → store → return" that allows for smooth running supports each step of the runner.
3. What happens when the arch collapses?
However, running long distances or on uneven ground can disrupt the function of the arch.
・The arch sinks too much → The pressure is concentrated on one point on the sole of the foot, which can cause pain
・The ground contact is unstable, causing unnecessary shaking to spread to the knees and hip joints.
・Unable to effectively utilize the rebound of the feet, causing form to deteriorate in the second half
The sensations of "pain in the soles of your feet," "fatigue," and "inability to stand firmly" may be caused by a disruption in the arch.
Not only will it reduce your performance, but if it accumulates it could become a breeding ground for injury.
4. Sock Approach - Guide the Arch
Socks play a surprisingly big role here.
Arch support socks are knitted to wrap around the arch of the foot, minimizing sinking when landing .
The important thing is not to "stop" the foot. Excessive fixation can interfere with the arching of the big toe and take away your natural running style. Appropriate tension induces a rhythm of "sinking → returning," supporting a form that won't collapse even when running for long periods of time.
Socks are the layer closest to your feet , and they are the medium that directly transmits the rebound energy of your shoes and insoles to your feet.
Even for people who tend to have sticky contact with the ground, if the arch support keeps the contact point compact, it is thought that the rebound force of the shoe will not be dispersed unnecessarily and can be used to generate propulsion.
5. User Testimonials - Runners' Real Experiences
Here are some comments from runners who have actually worn socks with arch support:
"The pain has been relieved"
I used them on both road and trail. I tend to get pain in the soles of my feet, but the arch support is solid so I can run without worrying about pain.
"Arch support varies greatly depending on the socks."
I use these for trail running. The arch support, grip, and quick-drying properties are by far the best socks I've ever worn.
Both of these comments directly relate to the runners' experiences, such as "I was able to run without worrying about pain" and "I was able to run comfortably." These comments are not about "curing an illness," but rather about the runners' real-life experiences of being able to continue running .
6. Behind the Scenes: The Right Amount of Support
The value of arch support socks is largely determined by the strength of their support.
However, it is not easy to get the balance right.
● If the support is too strong, it will prevent the big toe from arching back and take away your natural running motion.
If the support is too weak, you won't feel any difference and it will be just like wearing regular socks.
The challenge the development team faced was how to incorporate this delicate balance into the design.
We had Olympic track and field athletes, the Japanese national trail running team, and athletes from professional leagues try on the shoes and received feedback throughout the season.
Rather than simply trying them on, we sought the optimum level of "support without being too strong" through daily practice and races.
This balance of "not too much, not too little" is what gives you the confidence to run long distances.
7. Summary - To keep running for a long time without injury
The joy of running lies in being able to continue for a long time, and accumulated foot pain and discomfort can prevent you from continuing.
Arch support socks are not a medical device, but they are very important for runners because they provide support such as "relieving discomfort in the soles of the feet" and "supporting form even in the latter half of the run."
To reduce the small stresses that accumulate during daily training and races and to continue running while preventing injuries, we believe that arch support socks are one of the most familiar pieces of equipment that runners can use to support their feet.
