ESSENTIALS GEARBR
AD
KA
MIN
SK
I
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 WOMENSRUNNING.COM 45
(^7)
FEETURES HIGH
PERFORMANCE
CUSHION CREW
A band of Lycra hugs
the foot for extra
arch support
in this fully
synthetic sock.
It also fea-
tures mesh
panels on
top for added
breathabil-
ity and
high-density
cushioning
underneath
for extra
protection.
$14.99,
feetures.com
(^5) DARN TOUGH VERMONT VERTEX ¼ ULTRA-LIGHT CUSHION
Strike that balance between lightweight and cushioned in these just-above-
the-ankle socks. A combo of Merino wool and nylon, they provide a thin
layer of cushioning along the bottom using ultra-durable knitting—all
Darn Tough socks have an unconditional lifetime warranty.
$18, darntough.com
(^6) STANCE UNCOMMON
RUN OTC
These lightweight “over the calf ”
socks, made with nylon and
polyester, protect your legs on
overgrown trails while provid-
ing a breathable, snug fit. A
seamless toe closure pre-
vents blisters, while a
proprietary treatment
helps these socks
dry quickly.
$36, stance.com
(^8) S MA R T WO O L
WOMEN’S PHD RUN
LIGHT ELITE LOW CUT SOCKS
Though these socks are made with
Merino wool (mixed with nylon),
they’re plenty breathable, thanks to
mesh venting that helps wick away
moisture. The slim fit accommodates
women’s narrower heels, and the low
profile is ideal for well-groomed trails.
$18.95, smartwool.com
SHOP
SMART
Expert tips for
finding your new
favorite trail sock
Your main objective is looking
for any features that help
eliminate at least two of the
top three reasons for blisters
and discomfort: heat, moisture,
and friction, says Cassie Vidal,
manager at Austin Trail Running
Company. “Heat and friction
cause hot spots—usually on
the fatty underside of feet—and
moisture causes blisters.”
To eliminate these issues,
sock manufacturers use a spe-
cific blend of mostly synthetic
materials, which help wick
moisture and create a snug,
friction-free fit. Jenny Jurek
looks for polyester and nylon
(“they don’t hold moisture and
keep their shape when wet,”
she says) plus some Spandex
for a tighter fit. In the winter,
Jurek also likes socks with some
wool to keep her toes warm.
Whatever combo of materials,
all experienced runners agree
on the number-one sock rule:
no cotton.
You should also take into
account the fit and height of
your socks. Jurek prefers tall
socks (crew length or taller). “I
have sensitive skin, so when I
run through a lot of tall grass
and overgrown trails, it’s nice to
keep my skin protected.”
If you’re a no-show-sock
kind of runner, all the changes
in direction from dodging
obstacles on a trail can make
them slip into your shoes or
cause hot spots.
And finally, if the socks meet
the other criteria, go for the cute
ones. “I’m all about fun socks
to give me that extra mental
boost,” Jurek says. “Look good,
feel good!”
The go-to brand for ultrarunner
Jenny Jurek: “I love the fit and
feel, and they have the best
patterns and designs!”