Whether running socks should be thick or thin, it all depends on your leg and the kind of running you are into. Running with socks is important, and you do need to know the best socks that work for you.
In this article, there is detailed information you can choose for the best socks that will fit your running.
What You Should Understand About Thin Socks
The concept of the thin socks is designed to provide a minimal cushion. But, when you are running you have to consider different qualities when selecting your socks.
Check it out,
Quick Drying
If you have a frequent sweating, or you have a reacting body mass then thin socks should be considered. It is made from synthetic material like nylon and polyester which helps in fast evaporation of moisture. It depends on the type of weather condition but it does help in the wet period.
Lightweight
It offers a less bulk or weight in your shoe which is around 30 to 50 grams depending on the material. It depends on the running, but agility is needed everywhere. These socks are lighter and helps with free and easy movement better, it is mostly used in warmer weather.
Minimal Cushion
It has a very small padding, which was designed to snug with your foot. Practically, it controls quick movement and responsiveness for any activities. It also helps to prevent lighter injury or hits because it is not thick padding. These minimal cushion socks help to reduce friction, and when it comes to quick drying.
Breathable
If you prefer cool air circulation in your feet, thin socks are a perfect fit for your running. It is incorporated with a mesh panel that allows the flow of air, while it is made from synthetic fibre.
Comfort
The king of satisfaction is comfort. The thin socks give a perfect matching and equalisation of materials with the natural environment which will give you the best comfort which supports the feet and maximises cosiness.
What You Should Understand About Thick Socks
Blisters Prevention
It is incorporated with extra layer padding to prevent blisters or fluid build up during a prolonged running. It absorbs impact and lower friction contact. Padding will be placed in different areas - Heel, and the ball of the shoe which is where most hits and attack could come in.
Durability
Thick socks have a longer life span, if you want to consider cost effective socks, it is a good choice. It is mostly made from natural fibre that can withstand wear and tears, also friction and pressure. The durability will make it sustain even 100 miles.
Fit
Ensure to consider the shoe size, and consider the length based on the activity you are into. Thick socks might be smugly in shoes that is why you need to know the kind of shoe you are wearing with it. It will provide additional weight and thickness which may be uncomfortable to some people, it is a choice.
Cushioning
When it comes to impact absorption, it is best to get additional padding which these thick socks will provide, especially for ultra running. It provides an additional cushion that can sustain rocks, sands, and trails.
Insulation
It is essential in keeping the feet warm, it provides good insulation and wicks moisture away. It depends on the current weather condition, it provides good support in a cold period with its thickness.
How do they perform in different scenarios?
Road Running
In road running, thick socks should be considered, it solves varieties of problems you may face by pulling sweat away. With the breathable material it was made of, it would make your feet cool and fit. It is socks with cushions that would aid in reducing friction and chafing.
Sprint Running
As the work sprint requires speed, It is advised to use thin socks because of its lightweight to minimise extra weight when running. It is incorporated with quick drying materials which will help to keep your leg free of water or sliding when running.
Trail Running
The best socks for trail running are thick socks, as the name implies which was based on off road running. Thick socks are extra padded and durable because of its material to prevent wear and tears.
Mountain Running
The best socks for maintaining running are thick socks because of additional cushions availability. The surface of the mountain is not smooth so it can easily aid from wear and tears. It also provides additional protection with its blister prevention.
Cross Country Running
We are going for thick socks for vross country running. It was made with extra cushions that will help when you are passing through grass, dirt, and trail. As this running ranges from 3 to 6 miles, which is a long distance requires thick socks that also provide durability for tear or wear.
Obstacle Course Running
As the name implies, obstacle course running varies in complexity but the best socks that go with it are thick socks. Obstacle running combines climbing and crawling which need high cushions to avoid blisters, and with the breathability function of thick socks, it is the best option to go for.
Adventure Racing
Adventure Racing may last a day or several days. If you are going on days, you would need socks that have minimal padding that goes to thin Socks with lightweight because of your navigating around the terrain. It is an Adventure racing so it has to make you feel comfortable.
Ultra Running
As this implies, it can range from 50 Km to 100Km which makes it a very long distance running. The best sock needed is thick because it would provide additional high padding to prevent blisters, it possesses a durability that can help and withstand a prolonged journey.
Conclusion
In this article, we have made research and discovered that running socks being thick and thin depends on the kind of running. Thin Socks possess minimal cushions, and little padding that can serve a less distance with trail or rough surfaces, while the Thick Socks can serve a longer distance and guarantee.
Both socks have their functionality but the thin socks are less durable and serve a better function when it comes to comfort and quick drying.
