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...) they don't seem to be very 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 value for money, so it's not surprising that this is the case.)
However, when it comes to running and sports, the burden on your feet increases several times more than in everyday life, and if you do not take proper measures, it can lead to injuries and problems . (Blisters on the heels, calluses on the soles of the feet, and sweaty feet are also problems that can occur from socks.)
This time, I will talk about the necessary functions of running socks from the perspectives of both an athlete and a manufacturer. I hope this will be helpful for those who are suffering from foot problems while running or those who are thinking of starting running in the future.
Absorbs water and dries quickly to prevent feet from getting sweaty
Not just for running, but when you go out in the summer and come home, your feet are sweaty and have an unpleasant odor.
The reason your feet get sweaty is because sweat and moisture from your feet
・Water is not absorbed and remains there (low water absorbency)
・Water is absorbed, but the water does not evaporate or the moisture is not released, resulting in high humidity (low quick-drying or low moisture release).
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, which dries quickly , is durable but has poor water absorption . (However, because it dries quickly, even if it does not absorb a certain amount of water immediately, it will evaporate and will not get as stuffy as other materials .)
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.
↑ Unlike conventional polyester, the cross section of this fabric has a special shape as shown above. (Usually it is round.) This special cross section creates unevenness that allows moisture to enter the unevenness (water absorption), and the absorbed moisture evaporates as it is (quick drying).
At OLENO, we also offer hybrid running socks made from our own special materials.
Tear resistance (abrasion resistance)
In addition to being absorbent and quick-drying, another feature required of running socks is tear resistance.
Like absorbency and quick-drying properties, durability basically depends on the inherent durability of the fiber ; polyester and acrylic are highly durable , while wool and cotton are less durable.
Therefore, if you are looking for socks that are tear-resistant, it is best to avoid socks made from wool or cotton .
In fact, one thing you need to be careful about is that even if you are wearing highly durable socks, some people will still get their socks torn .
Even if people have the same height, weight, and shoe size, each person's foot shape and toe length and shape are different , so there is no socks that fit everyone perfectly. Depending on how the fibers are woven, it is inevitable that some people's socks are less likely to tear, while others are more likely to tear. Also, if the shoe size is completely wrong or if you run poorly, your socks will tear easily.
So, the most important thing is that the material is strong, and you may need to be patient and search for socks that fit your foot shape. Since we make trail running socks, which are considered the most demanding type of running, we develop socks using extremely durable materials . You might want to give them a try.
"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 as a function of running socks, 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. (This shouldn't be a problem if you're running a full marathon.)
Therefore, if you don't like compression socks or plan to wear them all day, we recommend choosing running socks with less compression.
Professional-grade running socks developed over six months with amateur runners
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 a function 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?
OLENO Trail Running Socks Lineup
