{"id":4374,"date":"2020-08-02T16:15:11","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T23:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpshoe.com\/?p=4374"},"modified":"2023-11-28T10:34:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T18:34:20","slug":"running-socks-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpshoe.com\/running-socks-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do Running Socks Last? [5 Things to Look for]"},"content":{"rendered":"
When I go out on a run I always wear the same type of socks each time. I like to use my bamboo socks because they are thin, they stay put, and they wick moisture well. The nice thing about them is they last a while even though they’re thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Running socks tend to last longer than regular your average socks because they are made from high-quality materials. They tend to be constructed well but also cost more. They can last up to twice as long as a cheaper sock.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When I go running, my feet don’t move too much in my shoes, and I usually cut my toenails regularly. This helps my socks last longer. Each person’s circumstances will be different. Let’s find out why running socks last longer and what to do so we can help them last as long as they’re supposed to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A thicker sock<\/strong> can last longer because there is more material to wear through until a hole is made, but a thin sock<\/strong> can last just as long. Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each sock can be made of higher or lower-quality materials and types of stitching. When looking for a long-lasting sock, find one that is generally a higher quality sock and it will likely last longer.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 5 characteristics<\/strong> of running socks you want to look for to ensure a longer-lasting sock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The determining factor when choosing a long-lasting<\/strong> running sock should not be its thickness but its other characteristics. If you need a thicker sock, then ensure it is a quality sock since running socks tend to be thinner in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The longest-lasting socks<\/strong> will not have any cotton, will have a higher stitch count, have quality construction, fit well on your foot, don’t slip in your shoe, and have good reviews.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we discussed before, the quality of the thread matters. Most of the time, the website we are looking at, doesn’t inform the buyer about the quality of the thread, so the next best thing we can do is look at what materials the sock is made of<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a list of some of the tougher types of materials that socks are made of. I will show the abrasion <\/strong>resistance <\/strong>of each sock fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each sock may use the same materials but have different grades of thread<\/strong>, so the abrasion resistance may vary, even if a sock has the same percentages of materials used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a general idea<\/strong> of how abrasion-resistant each material can be. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe the best way to find out how durable a sock is is to test them yourself. Buy a pair that suits your needs and interests and test it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each runner’s sock will wear down differently. We all have different types of feet, different running styles, and different shoes. These factors, among others, will determine how our socks wear down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, a runner can change how long their sock will last just by changing up how they do one or two things.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, socks become worn down<\/a> (article link) due to a number of factors. Here’s a list of 5 reasons socks wear down<\/strong>. Later, I’ll discuss simple ways to prevent premature wear of socks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sock Friction <\/strong>– Rubbing that occurs as sock fibers are worn down by various actions and activities. High friction in one area usually causes a hole to appear. Low friction <\/strong>is the goal for your running socks. Here are some types of friction to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Washer & Dryer\u00a0<\/strong>– Heavy-duty washing and drying cause friction and loss of fibers. Longer cycles cause more friction. Some washers and dryers are old and may be apt to pinch clothing, causing more friction or small rips in sock fibers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, fabrics lose their strength over time after many wash and dry cycles. “After 20 cycles,” it lost “50 percent of its tensile strength” (reviewed.com<\/a>) \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Tight Shoes<\/strong> – Sometimes, we buy shoes that are a bit too tight. They may seem fine at first, but later, we realize they just don’t fit as expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you keep your tight running shoes, you are likely to have rubbing that occurs in certain areas, sometimes between the toes. You may also get blisters or have foot pain due to awkward foot positions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your socks will likely start to develop thin spots or holes quicker than normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Loose Shoes<\/strong> – I’ve worn a couple of loose shoes over the course of my life and what normally happens is my heel wants to lift out of my shoe and this causes rubbing to occur. In addition, rubbing occurs frequently during exercise or running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Loose shoes have caused me to have the area near the ball of my foot (bunion area) to be rubbed and my heel. Socks can help prevent a lot of rubbing, but they also wear out quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Dry Skin\u00a0<\/strong>– Sometimes, I don’t realize how rough the heel of my foot is until I touch it. Sometimes, I just need to moisturize it for a couple of days and drink more water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have chronic dry skin on your feet, it will impact how long your socks last. Your skin needs to be hydrated and smooth in order to run well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To run effectively and cause minimal impact on your running socks, ensure your feet are hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Toe Nails<\/strong> – Toenails can have a major impact on whether you develop holes in your socks. Here are three ways that holes can occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your nails are rubbing or cutting into your socks, you can develop a hole very quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Friction is likely the number one culprit when it comes to our socks wearing down. Here are some ways to prevent too much friction from prematurely wearing down our socks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good Fitting Shoes<\/strong> – Make sure your shoes fit properly. Running shoes may feel different than the shoes you wear normally. If they feel too loose or too tight, double-check that they fit your foot properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One way to ensure you have a good fit is to go to a store that specializes in running shoes. They will ensure you get the right fit the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be pricey at a running shoe store, but you’re likely to get good-quality shoes that meet your needs. If you are buying shoes online, make sure you can return them and double-check that they are the right fit for your foot. Remember that your feet might swell during a long run, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trim Your Toenails Correctly <\/strong>– If your toenails are sticking out too far, it’s time to trim them. Cutting once a month is probably OK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you cut your nails<\/a> (article link), you’ll want to file them down<\/strong> a bit to ensure the edges are dull. Any sharp corners or edges, especially on your longer toes, may start to cut holes in your sock.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check your nails every so often for any sharp edges that may have developed after you have been running. Chipped or cracked nails can grab onto sock fibers and cause wear and tear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thick or Thin Socks <\/strong>– If your shoes feel a bit loose, getting a thicker running sock can make a big difference with rubbing. If they are a bit tight, think about getting some thin socks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your shoes should allow your toes to wiggle freely<\/strong> yet firmly hold your foot and heel snuggly<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin Care<\/strong> – Always make sure your skin is soft and hydrated before any long-distance run or hike. Skin that is hydrated will resist rubbing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dry skin will not only start to create friction against your socks, but it will also eventually start to create friction on the skin. Wet skin, when rubbed, will start to chafe, and skin will become raw.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Runners often use high-quality socks and shoes, anti-chaffing creams or sticks, and tape to prevent rubbing from occurring. So when your feet get moist, you have a defense against rubbing by ensuring your skin is properly taken care of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We can avoid the friction that makes a perfectly good sock wear down or tear apart in just one day if we are careful. The key is to take care of our feet<\/strong> and ensure we have good-fitting<\/strong> socks and shoes<\/strong>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you go on a casual run, you’re likely going to be fine with casual running socks. They might be the cheap multipack polyester cotton blend<\/a> (Amazon Link) socks that work just fine for most short athletic activities. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if you are going to be engaging in some more demanding activities, like running longer than 30 minutes, then you’ll want to invest in a sock that is better quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-quality socks will not only last longer but give you more benefits while running. Some of the benefits you might see are shown in the following chart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhich Type of Running Sock Lasts the Longest?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat Materials Make a Sock Last Longer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat Causes a Running Sock to Wear Down?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nBargain Running Socks VS Quality Running Socks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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