Best running socks for men according to redditors

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

Better yet, wear liner socks and never get the blisters in the first place.

I wear these and keep an extra pair in my first aid kit for other hikers/if I lose mine.

Whoever recommended Feetures socks last week... holy crap, thank you.

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 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 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.

These are the ones i use and recommended in a different thread: https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Graduated-Compression-VT1211/dp/B004BKIPXO They are really quite breathable, though i usually take them off when i wake up.

Sock liners are basically a thinner sock you wear under your other set. Most of them are toe socks so they seperate your toes and prevent the friction that creates blisters, they make hiking a lot more comfortable too.

Injini is a pretty popular brand for liners, here's the set I use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1Zj2Cb2VFD0PQ

They come in all shapes and sizes, I prefer longer socks over ankle personally. They'll feel a little weird at first when you use them but you adjust quickly.

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 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

Another great sock related LPT: Wear sock liners under a pair of wool socks and you'll never get blisters again.

Hey baby boo- lol. Have you tried using running socks? Can't guarantee you wont get holes in them. But they may last a lil longer. I'm sure you can find deals online. But for the sake of sharing the brand. Here are some from Amazon:

Amazon.com : Balega Blister Resist No Show Running Socks For Men and Women (1 Pair), Black/Red, Large : Gateway
https://www.amazon.com/Balega-Blister-Resist-Socks-Women/dp/B01GJNDWRY

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

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.

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...

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?

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/

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!

Complaints about the V-Run's big toe are common. If it irritates your toes, the solution is toe socks. Wearing socks also keeps them from smelling terribly.


I wear these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AK8CL4K

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

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.

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!

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

I am not sure if it's because of the arches on my foot, the fact I walk a lot, or because of the type of socks Im wearing (I am wearing these socks https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQYX4YQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

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 use "no blister" socks meant for running or hiking. They work great!

https://www.amazon.com/Balega-Blister-Resist-Quarter-Orange/dp/B07BBYHCXM/

Yes, I use the foot glide under the socks. The socks I choose depend on the distance, but most of the time use the midweight Ininji.
Injinji Run Midweight No-Show (Large, Pistachio) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744NFFVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.EnJDbC80ZH7Y

Agreed. I got some and they helped out immensely. I went with these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8OTZPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_9.LGyb87KREJB

I've tried a lot of socks and most of the ones already mentioned. To me most socks do not dry well and therefore create chafe/hotspots. Also I find I want my sock to be snug to my foot, any gap between the material and the foot is a blister waiting to happen, especially when they are wet.

My sock of choice is a running sock which hugs the foot well in the midfoot and dries uber quick. Feetures Elite Quarter

https://www.amazon.com/Feetures-Elite-Quarter-Athletic-Running/dp/B01MXGS3Y8

In addition to the trail runner type shoes you've been looking into I can't recommend toe socks enough. I've literally never gotten a blister while wearing them. If you're some place cold, just slip them on under you wools. https://www.amazon.com/Injinji-Run-Lightweight-No-Show-Socks/dp/B00AK8C1HC

It's happened to me twice. I started wearing these socks and I think it's been helping a lot.

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 loooove these, the tab at the back makes them super comfortable for running (they never slip down and give you blisters). They aren't completely "no-show," but I wear them to work as well. I actually did something similar to you and replaced all my neon socks with the grey version of these.

Instead of injinji lightweight socks you can go for the Injinji Liner Socks. They are even thinner than the lightweight socks. Mine are practically see-through when I have them on.

They are here on Amazon

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

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)

> Nyt vaan pitää löytää ne sopivat sukat sandaaleihin.

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

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 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.