When we go for a run, there are numerous ways to prepare and dress that will help to keep you comfortable and help to improve your form. From what you eat to what material you wear to which shoes you pull on, each decision is important.
But one decision that often gets overlooked is socks. Even if you’re wearing high performance running shoes and a shirt with the best sweat wicking material available, a pair of old cotton socks or comfy lightweight socks can quickly undo all the great preparation you’ve done everywhere else.
That’s because your socks are just as important as the rest of your gear, and by pulling on just any old pair of socks, you could be inviting blisters and discomfort to join you on your run.
Sports socks are therefore highly important for running and exercise. Here’s a little more about what makes a lightweight sport socks or running sock different, and how you can choose the best socks to support you during your workouts.
What are considered sports socks?
Sports socks are unique in a number of ways, from their design to their materials.
Material wise, sports socks can be made from a variety of fabrics, but the main thing is that they’re not made from cotton. Cotton will absorb sweat and stay damp and wet throughout the duration of your workout, meaning they don’t just feel gross and uncomfortable, they can also quickly lead to blisters.
Instead, look for nylon, acrylic, or even our own Lightfeet X-STATIC® material, which is made from 99.9% pure silver thread. This yarn is antimicrobial, anti-odour, and is also in-built with our Coolmax® technology for moisture management and temperature control.
Sports socks also usually have padded areas in places that are prone to blisters and/or aches. You’ll find padded areas in all our Lightfeet sports socks, such as under the medial and lateral metatarsal heads (the balls of your feet) for comfort, and your toes for blister protection.
Other benefits you’ll usually find in sports socks (that you’ll certainly find in our socks) include seamless designs to avoid friction, anatomical designs (left foot and right foot socks) for better comfort and fit, venting and mesh areas for better airflow, and arch support to keep the sock in place.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to sports socks than your average socks, and the best sports socks are recommended by podiatrists. Our Lightfeet socks are of course not just recommended, but also designed by podiatrists, so you can be assured they are designed with the mechanics and health of your feet in mind.
Choosing the best sport socks in Australia
Choosing the best sport socks in Australia can be challenging when there are so many brands and options available, particularly when you also have your own preferences and style to consider.
The first step is to rule out anything that hasn’t been approved of by podiatrists. That will help you narrow down the field to styles that are guaranteed to support your foot health during workouts.
Here are a few tips for finding the best quality sports socks for different purposes.
Choosing the best socks for running
The best socks for running are any pair that offers additional comfort and support, and are also made with a fabric that won’t quickly become damp with sweat and lead to blisters.
Here’s what you’ll find in our own Lightfeet range of running socks.
- Designed by podiatrists
- Available in a variety of lengths from ankle to crew
- Made with Coolmax® and X-Static® yarns to keep your feet cool, dry, and blister-free
- Seamless construction to avoid friction and chafing
- Added padding under the balls of your feet and around the toes for extra comfort and blister protection
- Arch support and anatomical designs to better fit and support your feet without slipping around as you run
With all of that in mind, we think we offer the best running socks in Australia. They have everything you need to support your feet throughout even the toughest runs and marathons.
Choosing the best socks for plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation issue that can make it feel like there’s a nail coming through the heel of your foot with every step. It is unfortunately quite common, especially for anyone who regularly exercises in a way that adds high impact to the feet, such as runners and dancers.
In fact, an estimated 1 in 10 people will suffer from plantar fasciitis at some point in their lifetime.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or have done so in the past, it’s important to choose your footwear carefully to help support your feet. Here are a few ways you can do that:
- Wear supportive shoes
- Add podiatrist-designed insoles
- Choose supportive, cushioned socks
Our podiatrist recommended socks can offer the support your feet need.
How do podiatrist recommended socks assist with plantar fasciitis?
When a podiatrist recommends a pair of socks for plantar fasciitis, that means the socks offer added support in a couple of important areas.Firstly, these socks should have extra padding for a more cushioned fit, which can help to add comfort to the bottom of your feet.
These socks should also include arch support and anatomical design. These features mean that you will have a dedicated left and right sock in each pair, and that they will add support to the arch of your foot, which means a better fit for your feet.
Benefits of socks designed specifically for sport
The difference between wearing a basic cotton sock and a sock design specifically for sports can be night and day
- The added padding in a sports sock alone can make every step more comfortable and cushioned to help you keep going for longer.
- A sports sock offers a superior fit with arch support and anatomical design, to ensure it is perfectly shaped to each of your feet for better comfort and less movement in your shoe
- Sports socks use a variety of nylon and synthetic materials such as our Coolmax® and X-Static® yarns that will work to keep your feet cool and dry throughout your workout
- The non-cotton materials of sports socks reduce your chances of getting blisters
- Sports socks usually have cooling zones for that extra bit of freshness
Once you try a podiatrist-recommended sport sock such as any of those by Lightfeet, you’ll immediately feel the difference – and it will be impossible to ever go back.
Final thoughts
When you get ready to go for a run, play sports, or hit the gym, don’t underestimate the importance of great sports socks or lightweight running socks.The best sport socks can give you greater support and comfort, without slipping down, causing blisters, or feeling sweaty and dirty within the first five minutes.
Explore our range of Lightfeet sports socks and anti-blister socks, and try a pair to feel the difference for yourself. We’re so sure you’ll love them that we even offer a 100% Happiness Guarantee – love them or get your money back.