Recently, with the emergence of gyms like ChocoZap that are easy to visit, many people have started running to lose weight and stay healthy.
When I look at people like this, I get the impression that they pay attention to their clothes and shoes, and wear nice ones, but when it comes to socks, (if I may put it rudely...), many of them don't seem to be particular about them.
This is because socks are only seen as something that you have to wear when you put on your shoes , and people don't think there is any need to be particular about them. (Uniqlo and GU sell cheap socks that are easy to wear and have good designs, and recently convenience stores have also started selling socks with good cost performance, so it's not surprising that this is the case...)
However, when it comes to running and sports, the burden on your feet is several times greater than in everyday life, and if you do not take proper precautions, it can lead to injuries and other problems. (Blisters, calluses, and sweaty feet are also problems that can occur from socks.)
This time, I would like to talk about the necessary functions of socks when running. I hope this article will be useful for those who have foot problems while running or those who are thinking about starting running.
Absorbs water and dries quickly to prevent feet from getting sweaty
It's not just when you're running, but when you go out in the summer and come home, your feet are sweaty and smell bad.
The reason your feet get sweaty is because the sweat from your feet
・Water is not absorbed and remains there (low water absorbency)
・Water is absorbed, but the moisture is not released and the humidity remains high (low quick-drying ability)
That's why.
So, it would be best to wear socks that are both absorbent and quick-drying, but in reality, it doesn't work that way.
The fibers used in socks each have their own characteristics, and there is often no flexibility; if you want A, B will be weaker, and if you want B, A will be weaker.
For example, fibers with high water absorption include cotton and wool , but cotton has very low quick-drying properties and wool has very low durability , making them unsuitable for running socks.
On the other hand, polyester is quick-drying and durable, but has poor water absorption properties.
However, recently hybrid running socks have been released that combine these fibres in a smart way to increase quick-drying and absorbency while also being durable, so it might be worth giving them a try.
At OLENO, we also offer hybrid running socks made from our own special materials, so we hope you will take a look.
Tear resistance (abrasion resistance)
In addition to absorbency and quick drying, another required feature is tear resistance.
Just like absorbency and quick-drying, it basically depends on the inherent durability of the fiber, and while polyester and acrylic are highly durable , wool and cotton are less durable. Therefore, if you are looking for socks that are tear-resistant, it is best to avoid socks made with wool or cotton as a base .
In fact, one thing you need to be careful of is that even if you wear highly durable socks, some people will tear them . Even if you are related by blood, the shape of your feet and fingers is not hereditary and is different for each person, so there is no such thing as socks that fit everyone perfectly. Depending on how the fibers are woven, some people's socks will be less likely to tear, while others will be more likely to tear. So, the most important thing is that the material is strong, and you may need to be patient and search for socks that fit the shape of your feet.
For example, the trail running socks that we make are made using extremely durable materials.
"Ultimate ASO" running socks made from ultra-durable fibers used in military equipment
Compression that relieves foot fatigue
Next is the compression. Honestly, this is an area where people either love it or hate it, but functionally, I think it's better to have some compression.
Compression tightens blood vessels and improves blood flow . This has the benefit of reducing fatigue and swelling , but if the compression becomes too tight or is worn for a long time, the pain and tightness can become uncomfortable.
Therefore, if you don't like compression socks to begin with or plan to wear them all day, choose running socks that don't provide compression.
Arch support function that affects the future shape of your feet
Lastly, there is the arch support feature.
The arch is the line that connects the heel, the base of the big toe, and the base of the little toe.
Wearing shoes that don't fit your arches can make you feel tired and, in the worst case scenario, can even cause your arches to collapse.
The arch support function is specialized in supporting the arch of the foot, so it is attracting attention as a way to prevent the arch from collapsing.
We have provided detailed information about arch support, so please take a look if you are interested.
What are the symptoms of a collapsed arch?
Above, we have introduced the necessary functions for running socks. In addition to the functions mentioned here, other functions such as heat retention, deodorization, and antibacterial properties are also considered important, but since these are also necessary functions for everyday socks, we will introduce them in a separate article.
They're just socks, but they're still socks.
Since socks are the part that is closest to your feet, why not pay more attention to them?
