When you’re lacing up for a run, socks are an essential part of your gear. How much thought are you giving to your socks, and the running sock fabric?
Why Does Running Sock Material Matter?
The material running socks are made of significantly impact your comfort and performance, especially when it comes to moisture management and blister prevention. As you run, your feet begin to warm up and produce sweat, and it’s vital that your running socks work to wick that sweat away from your skin efficiently. If left unaddressed, the heat, sweat and friction combine, leading to painful chafing, blisters and hotspots.
Fabrics to Avoid
Cotton socks are a bad choice for running — they soak in moisture and trap it there, creating an uncomfortable environment for your foot and toes. Your feet work hard to keep you going mile after mile, and your running socks should complement their efforts. Just say no to cotton running socks!
Injinji Running Sock Fibers
At Injinji, we are dedicated to the health and performance of feet, and we want to ensure runners have the best experience possible—that’s why we use the best materials for our performance running socks. Our high-performance fibers are intentionally selected for their moisture wicking abilities, superior construction and versatile functionality. By wrapping each toe in quality fibers, unwanted friction is eliminated, preventing blisters and hotspots, and allowing runners to focus on the path ahead.
Here is a list of the best sock materials for running.
COOLMAX® EcoMade
Made from 100% recycled resources, COOLMAX® EcoMade provides Injinji socks with superior moisture management. COOLMAX® EcoMade is a great fiber for running socks because the innovative technology efficiently transports moisture away from skin to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates quickly to keep wearers cool, dry and comfortable—even in the most extreme running conditions.
Merino Wool
Naturally grown by Merino sheep, Merino wool is a benefit-rich fiber known for its exceptional comfort and adaptability. Runners often choose Merino wool for their socks because it packs in enhanced benefits including moisture wicking, odor resistance, breathability, a soft feel, and temperature regulation. Merino wool running socks are ideal for unpredictable weather and terrain. Injinji’s Merino wool is Certified mulesing-free.
Lycra®
Trusted by manufacturers for over sixty years, LYCRA® is a premium spandex fiber that enables flexibility and movement with its bi-directional stretch. The use of LYCRA® helps all Injinji performance running socks retain their shape and comfortable fit after washes and wears, making it a good running sock material blend. Injinji compression socks have a higher LYCRA® content to aid in the recovery process.
Choosing the best material for running socks is an easy decision with Injinji – all Injinji running socks have been crafted with optimal fiber blends and are cotton free. Ready to upgrade your running socks?
