Reddit mentions: The best running socks for men

I just finished 300 miles of the mountain to the sea trail in North Carolina.

I did it in just under a month.

I had an amazing time, and I would definitely do a long hike like that again. I think I will be more selective about the region I hike next time. I look forward forward to my next adventure!

I used injini toe sock liners underneath darn tough wool socks, and I believe this is why I didn’t have any blister/foot problems. Even after hiking with wet feet/socks/shoes for 4-6 days at a time. I highly recommend these to hikers and also to anyone doing long distance running.

I liked my backpack just fine. It’s balance when off my back was annoying. Like setting it down, it would always feel lopsided and lay on the ground in a frustrating way. But while wearing it, it was comfortable and seemed great. I grew quite fond of it.

For parts of the trail, a bear canister was required and this was a challenge with my pack and gear. Very ungraceful and will make me be more thoughtful in the future about trails I choose. I am happy not to have to deal with that canister every day now that I am done.

I used trekking poles the whole time and loved them.

I brought a kindle ereader with me and was happy to have something to wind down with in the evenings. I was able to read several books while on the trail!

My favorite pieces of gear:

accordion style seat pad

injini toe sock liners

sunscreen stick


Pack:
Osprey lumina 45

My sleep system:

Therm a rest neoair xlite torso pad

tekology inflatable pillow

I also used a synthetic quilt. I don’t have a link for it

My shelter:

single person tent

I used winter window cover treatment plastic for my footprint and was VERY IMPRESSED!! After a month, still done have any rips or noticeable wear.

Cooking system:

A lightweight cup for boiling water
Stove

A sawyer squeeze for water filtration paired with a couple smart water bottles

Great experience. Loved all my gear!

This can be dealt with.

Here are a few options to consider. First, Zinc will help with the stink. You can take a Zinc supplement AND use a topical ointment on your feet. If you decide to take a Zinc supplement, don't take it everyday and be mindful of your copper levels. OptiZinc has copper included although you want to supplement even a little more. The ideal zinc-to-copper ratio is 10:1.

• Boudreaux's Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Cream
  
  This works very well because it contains 40% Zinc. One of the highest you can find. I've used this on my feet with success and I've even used it on my face before to help with complexion issues and it never dried me out. I think using daily on your feet would be fine although I wouldn't recommend putting it on your face every day. You can find this in Walmart in the baby isle (where the Pedialyte is located). Start with a small amount and rub it in. A little goes a long way with this stuff, you don't want your feet feeling greasy all day.
  
  
• Crystal Body Deodorant Stick Deodorant
  
  I bought this because I was looking for safer deodorant options. I was amazed at how well it worked on my armpits (much better than traditional deodorants containing aluminum) and the upside for you is, it even specifically mentions being used on feet to treat foot odor. I haven't done that but I imagine it would working swimmingly.
  
  
• Nature's Way Chlorofresh
  
  
  This product is along the same lines as BodyMint, but much cheaper. It is typically used to deal with bad breath that originates from odor created in the gut, but it has also been used to treat general body odor as well. I recommend starting with the top 2 recommendations first but considering this can be tried for only ~$7, it may be worth just adding it to your odor fighting stack.
  
  
• 10-Seconds Deodorant & Disinfectant
  
  I was told this is the product that bowling alleys use to disinfect the bowling shoes. I bought a can sometime ago when I was running and wanted to keep my running shoes from getting rank. I can't find it right now but I seem to recall a warning about harmful/caustic chemicals coming into contact with skin so use this one carefully if you decide to try it. You should be disinfecting your shoes anyway since it sounds like your issue could be bacterial or fungal, seeing as it spreads so rapidly to new shoes.
  
  
• Drymax Run Hyper Thin No Show Socks
  
  I got these for running and I love them. They are super light and are made from a breathable mesh. The thicker your socks are, the more likely your feet are to get hot and begin sweating. These are a bit expensive but you can think of them as an investment that pays dividends.
  
  
• Mini Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, Charcoal
  
  These are designed to naturally remove odor. I keep them in my shoes when they're just sitting in my closet. I assume they are working because my shoes don't stink. They are cheap and got good reviews on Amazon. Check 'em out.
  
  
  In conclusion
  
  I believe if you are washing your feet thoroughly, making sure your socks are clean and your feet have some Zinc ointment rubbed into them (or the crystal deodorant applied) and your shoes are properly disinfected and dry, I think you will see an appreciable reduction in foot funk if not a complete eradication.
  
  Good luck.
  
  

I asked this question after my first GoRuck event and got multiple answers, I did some searching of my own after looking at sealgrinderpt.com they list the Top 10 boots for GoRuck events.

Well I went above and beyond. In a 2 week period I ordered 19 pairs of boots/trail shoes/hiking shoes which was about $2700 worth (it wasn't all at once) All of which got returned.

What I wanted was comfortable, light weight, and good drainage.

If you want a boot, I would go with the Oakley LSA or LSA Water. Both are super light weight good ankle support, both drain water well and the LSA water drain very well (the have holes in the bottom with screens to drain the water. A buddy of mine did a Tough/Light back to back without changing socks and had no issues. Also try the Nike SFB 6 or 8 inch very light, drain well.

If you want more of a hiking boot, I would go with the Columbia vent freak, they are light weight and drain reasonably well. You can also go with the Merrill Ventilators they are a bit on the heavy side but drain well and are comfortable but do take about 20 miles to break so get some training rucks in.

If you want a shoe, Columbia Drain Makers are awesome, light weight, drain very well, no break in needed. Also try any non gortex salomon they were once sold on the GoRuck website and it the show that most Cadre wear.

Last but not least my newest discovery .... Nike Chukka SFB flyknit. They are by far the most comfortable "boot" shoe I found ankle support isn't great but it's more than a low cut shoe. So far I've done 2 training rucks and numerous "boot camp" and gym sessions with them and they feel great! Only downside ... They are pricey!

One last tip, make sure you double sock .. I HATE double socking but I found that injinji "liner" toe socks with thin smart wool over helped my feet more than ever. Let me be clear I hated toe socks and double socking until I found each of those.

Injinji 2.0 Men's Liner Crew Toesocks, Gray, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_tFKDwbQ77KPEG

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Crew Medium Grey Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008K7NMS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_6FKDwbK73298K

I have these on my new year, new me list and I have these and these on my clothes list. I don't know if they are cool enough for ya lol but if I win you can choose which one to gift. :)

Thanks for the contest. :)

I will say the Color run is more of a fun run not mean't for time. So cut yourself some slack. Also, don't be upset about walking I know a lot of people who practice the Galloway Method and do that for marathon's it is what I myself started doing after injuries.

These are the kind of socks I recommend. they are synthetic and do a better job whicking then the cotton. Amazon sells body glide pretty cheap. I also really like http://www.roadrunnersports.com for discounted running gear.

I know how you feel when I finished my half I was so upset over my time it took a day or so to realize I needed to be proud of the fact that I ran I look at it a lot differently. Sleep on it. You will feel better tomorrow and if you are really concerned with time try a more competitive run next. :)

I want Jessica to make me a hat!

If you're getting into running, I highly recommend some good socks. You wouldn't believe how much wear and tear on the feet is prevented by proper socks and good shoes.

Or maybe you should get Chewie a bandana. Every dog loves being fashionable.

I kind of want a viking hat. If that's not possible, I'll pick something else. :)

Thanks for the contest!

I wear these fwiw
SmartWool Men's Phd Run Ultra Light Micro Socks (Black/Black) Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012CUF1MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LOR1BbMKHY540

I don't think anything is gonna guarantee lack of sweating or what not, but these don't break down on and get holes on me like cotton ankle socks usually do and seem to be breathable like cotton with a little better moisture wicking. And don't seem to aggravate my sweating like synthetics do. Pricey, but they last for ages.

Haven't really found a good dress sock unfortunately. I just use Calvin Klein cotton dress socks, since most other dress socks seem to be synthetic blends that don't breathe well. I use the heavier smartwool non ankle socks for winter. Good luck with your search.

This is hard because we don't actually know the guy or how he likes to indulge in his hobbies. People can camp, hike, and fish in a bunch of different ways. I enjoy all of these things though, so what I'm gonna do is give you my xmas list and that will hopefully give you some ideas! :)

https://www.backpacker.com/gear/power-bank-review-toughtested

https://www.wacaco.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AK8CGIQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1TE0W9YL2L3UP

https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/my-empire-of-dirt.html
(don't judge, I want some bitchin' gaiters)

https://www.rei.com/b/ursack/c/all?r=b&origin=web&ir=brand%3Aursack&page=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAr_TQBRB5EiwAC_QCq9fipW4WpwHrY3T2bht4kSqAtnCqEPJy-4m7g0Vx8QyHXJ8Ln2YjlxoC93MQAvD_BwE&s_kwcid=PS_Google%7C401_3311537%7Cursack%7CNB%7C02654871-1d00-416b-9dfe-a56777cc734e%7Ckwd-1884152729

http://www.backcountrygear.com/amicus-with-stealth-igniter-soto.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXOxNZxODdI6ldZ6OANjWu6fEZejITp5-g-MHiDqYl1Cc77mwlxV1XgaAkzREALw_wcB

https://www.mioglobal.com/en-us/Mio-SLICE-heart-rate-fitness-tracker/Product.aspx

Hope that helps!

The Nike Elites are probably my favorite, but I've found that [thick cushion Thorlos] (http://www.amazon.com/Thorlo-Unisex-Cushion-Running-Platinum/dp/B0009MZYDW/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel) (they have different cushion levels so gotta make sure they are thick) are even thicker. Another option are Wrightsocks which are kinda thin, but have a double layer which is great for blisters but I don't actually like that much for playing cause I feel like I slip around in the sock.

About the R1s, I found them to have a pretty roomy toe box and not much cushioning, but very grippy so not sure if that will help or hurt.

Also, I've heard people that were really desperate about blisters talk about using duct tape, but never tried it myself.

That makes sense. I need to redo my layering system then I was under the impression wool was best for base layer before this due to its ability to stay warm while wet / sweating.

Still learning how to layer for summit attempts (6000m+) such as Acongagua etc. So I'd appreciate any advice on the below

My current layering / what I have now is:

Top:

MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Heavyweight 400g Half Zip Sweater

Mid layer is an Arcteryx Atom LT hoody.

Arcteryx Alpha SV for a hard shell. Figured this is better than Beta SV since it's higher pockets and more climbing / alpine focused to my understanding.

Arcteryx Cerium LT for a puffy / base camp.

Bottom:

Marmot precip pants as rain shell.
Standard Columbia ridge zip off hiking pants for approach
400gsm wool base layer long johns
Arcteryx polyester AR briefs and merino

Know I'm missing soft shell pants here... Not sure which to get. I've heard the outdoor Research cirque are good.

Feet:

Polyester / Nylon liner socks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PL7QDb93KT3MG

Heavy thick alpaca socks. My feet get cold very easily. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018IY2K1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pK7QDb2W2EWE3

Lighter weight merino / darn tough and some kinesiology tape for wrapping blisters etc.

Not sure what I'm missing out of this and how to improve besides on obvious expedition parka for clothing. Boots etc excluded obviously.

I think the heavyweight merino base layer, mid insulated layer, and 800 fill down cover needing an expedition parka with a hard shell for potential wind on summit assuming it stays around 6000m?

If drying is a problem with merino.. I can add polyester / polypropylene base layer under and this, merino base layer, shell should be good for approach and anything under summit?

Higher altitude / cold add mid layer and shell in harsher conditions?

Most of my post-op gripes are around swelling of the leg / knee in general. Get something to prop up the foot of your bed (not just your leg, do that as well). I used wood / suitcase to prop up my bed and still put my leg up on pillows.

Random equipment based recommendations for post-op.

• Long Shoe Horn (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AJ3B6A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Compression Socks / Knee Sleeves. I enjoyed Zensah, tried quite a few brands McDavid was good as well. (Socks: https://www.amazon.com/Zensah-Compression-Socks-Black-Medium/dp/B00FFZJ2N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487614987&sr=8-1&keywords=zensah+compression+socks , Knee: https://www.amazon.com/Zensah-Compression-Sleeve-Heather-X-Large/dp/B01KINH4PM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1487615023&sr=8-7&keywords=zensah+knee+sleeve)
  
  
• Handicap Bar for Bathroom. This was clutch for feeling safe in the shower.(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JIM2DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Some large jug for water, stay hydrated!
  
  Other random thoughts.
  
  
• Take your meds, don't be proud, you need sleep and to stay ahead of the pain.
  
• Don't eat at a deficit post-op. I ate like I was on a bulk, this is not the time to diet because you are not exercising. Recover first, worry about weight second.
  
• Again, don't be proud, ask for help when you need it. Have some quick meals around or someone to help cook, etc. I nearly fainted in my kitchen the day after pushing myself too much.

The two stand out brands I've seen frequently come up (and that I've actually used) are feetures and Balega. Both are super comfortable and have held together pretty well.

• for no-show socks (for the gym), I wear adidas energy - the flap on the back helps with blisters from your shoes as well as helps you take the socks off easily (minor, but helpful)
  
• for dress socks, I go with happy socks or nice laundry - I like the bright colors they offer
  
• underwear matters a lot IMO - you need underwear to be comfortable or else you're picking your ass and sweating all day - all citizens is my favorite and they are really cheap for how soft they are ($15), and calvin klein magnetic force is another favorite - they are soft as hell

Ahh, the area where you need a sled dog team to escape, gotcha.

Here's one. (Warning: toe socks are best socks)

Here's another.

And here's the one I'd referenced re: cycling socks that I run in sometimes when not biking in them (the Areator line is pretty solid, though generally I like pirate motifs for my cycling socks)

Invest in some good shoes and some good socks. ESPECIALLY socks. And I really mean invest, don't just keep buying cheap ones if you can avoid it. They make a world of difference.

I just started Couch to 5k a few weeks ago and invested in some new running shoes and some running socks - these things look silly as fuck, but are my jam - and my feet never hurt now.

Also, a bunch of people in my gym swear by a tiny bit of vinegar to take out the sweat stains/smell. Haven't tried it yet personally, but apparently it's a miracle worker.

And lastly, good job!

I don't have any recommendations for insoles.

However, I have found these Injinji socks to be very thin, and they do not interfere with ground feel at all. They are easy to wash. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE1I/

I have a pair of Soft Stars that I wear 5 days weekly at work. I use a shoe dryer, and it cuts down on odor substantially. I've had a Peet dryer for about 13 years and it still works great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J4HQ76/

Good luck!

I have been getting some blisters on my KSO EVOs recently too. I think it’s the thing that goes across the top of the foot that digs in when it our feet flex.

I have been using Injinji Lightweight No-Show toesocks when my feet are blistered. They work very well. Personally, I wouldn’t use a toesock any thicker than that one for VFFs, so I’d recommend against using wool ones (especially if it’s warm out — I have a pair and they’re super warm).

I did 19 miles in the KSO EVOs on Sunday and my feet were bleeding pretty badly, lol.

Edit: these toesocks

Adidas energy socks! They fit so comfy, never move on me, work well for getting your feet wet, never had a blister! also, they make my giant feet look cute. oh and Ive had mine for years and they arent worn at ALL. I have four pairs and I use them all every week

edit: these ones. they seem to have other socks called energy socks

I'm looking to get some better socks (probably off Amazon for convenience) and almost anything should be an upgrade from what I've been using now. The only nice pair I have now are a Nike 2 Layer sock that quite lightweight, but work well. I could probably stand to go a bit more cushioned than that pair though. Thanks for any suggestions!

I'd been looking at these or these.

I love Asics Women's Intensity socks. Very comfortable and my feet don't get super hot and sweaty in them. I also like the cushioning around the top of the sock.

My husband and I just got these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0023W1OA8/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. They're kinda pricey and make my feet hotter, but they are so comfortable. I think they definitely make a huge difference. I don't get blisters much but my husband was getting a ton before these socks and I think they're helping. Now if only we each had more than one pair...

I wear [VitalSox] (https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-VT1211-Graduated-Compression-Performance/dp/B004BKIPXO) for work and love them. At first they felt like they were squishing my legs, but I got used to them pretty quick. That being said, they come off IMMEDIATELY when I get home...but so do the rest of my clothes.

I like these Saucony 'Performance Comfort' socks. ~$13 for 6 pairs, perform well, and hold up as well as the $13/single pair socks I've used from Nike, Thorlo, or Balega.

This is the exact pair that i have, have had them for a few years now and i don't wear them too often but they are holding great: https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Graduated-Compression-VT1211/dp/B004BKIPXO

Yeah I'm not entirely convinced of the benefits of some of these super premium running socks. They look cool and all but I can't be paying $10-15 per pair!

I run mostly in these plain saucony socks, $13 for a 6 pack right now on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D2GRTIE never had any issues

You can definitely wear socks with your five-fingers. In fact, I find wearing socks with mine to be more comfortable than going without.

Pretty exclusively the Run 2.0 LW no-shows. Some colors stay softer longer than others. . . The black and the grey/green tend to get crusty even after washings after going through the swamp a bunch. The light grey and pink I've had last for 2+ years.

I always get a tiny little hole on the top of the big toe where the nail sometimes hits the top of the toebox in my shoes.

I use Injinji. Very durable. I've got pairs that have survived 5-6 races.

https://www.amazon.com/Injinji-Lightweight-Toesocks-Black-Large/dp/B00AK8CGIQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492212962&sr=8-3&keywords=injinji+socks

I own the DT Coolmax Vertex ultra-light socks with no cushion and they still make my toes sweat just sitting at my desk. There is not enough breathability in the toebox. I really love my Injini toe socks because it handles toe sweat and blistering.

Here is what I use for my feet:
Injinji socks www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AK8EC4C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Heel pads (note: am female so yes, I get the one for women):
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FQTW4P8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

heel protector:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JS1GT3I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

bandages:
www.amazon.com/Band-Aid-Blister-Protection-Adhesive-Bandages/dp/B000Y8W50G/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505064583&sr=8-3&keywords=blister%2Bbandages&th=1

also will work in a pinch: duct tape, just tape over blisters. keep walking. Also Oragel - fantastic pain relief that can be used on blisters

I wear Altras which are trail runners and not going to be for everyone because they are sort of weird https://www.altrarunning.com/

check out vitalsox. https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Graduated-Compression-VT1211/dp/B004BKIPXO

my buddy in the ED swears by them, picked up a few pairs myself and aint turning back. They don't offer much in the cushioning department but that graduated compression really makes a difference

Injinji socks are the only ones I'll run more than a mile in. Don't get the thinnest liner ones, they will wear out. Get these

> Nyt vaan pitää löytää ne sopivat sukat sandaaleihin.

https://www.amazon.com/Injinji-Lightweight-Toesocks-Black-Large/dp/B00AK8CGIQ/

Or toe socks


Injinji 2.0 Men's Run Lightweight No Show Toesocks, Black, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8CGIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zme0Db12EPBW7

I had this exact problem and it didn't matter how much I ran or how big my callouses got, any run over 50 mins would give me some bad blisters. I ended up buying these Injinji socks which did wonders for the rubbing but still didn't help for the 15+ km runs. So I got a pack of these gel toe separators and I haven't had a blister since, I just tape the gel separator between my two toes on the outside of the socks.