Sock Debate - 2 years later

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thunderthighs

44 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Nov 5, 2007 7:04 PM

Sock Debate - 2 years later

I couldn't find the original, argumentative thread on this subject; it had to be more than 2 years ago? But I remember it well enough to know that I owe someone an apology.

A newbie asked what the best running socks were, and the answers were varied, and I chimed in that I really liked New Balance's thick cushioning. (This was before the "wicking" mania).

Someone brought up Thorlo's, wool socks as being the Porsche of running socks. Many seconded.

Being in SW FL, I proclaimed wool to be an ill-concieved fabric for our sweaty, dirty trail runs. Hmph.

Spitting out feathers today. I tries some VERY expensive Thorlos running socks and have to say: I am a convert! They are amazing. My feet went mid-distance, faster than ever; then, my poor tootsies got caught up doing some very hard labor, no sitting down all day (yes, still in those sweaty running clothes), and 6 very hot, sweaty, working hard hours later, I took those suckers off and my feet were DRY!

I'm exhausted, bone tired, actually, but my feet still feel pretty darn good.

I know what I want for Christmas!

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Double cross the vacant and the bored
They're not sure just what we have in store

Guest

1. Nov 6, 2007 8:20 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

Thorlo wool? Hiking socks? What model?

Love a new pair of socks!!

sully702

124 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Nov 8, 2007 12:41 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

I remember in the Army they issued wool socks. I thought they were crazy wearing wool socks with combat boots in 90 to 100 degree heat. Feet were always dry though.

pass2086

88 posts since
Sep 30, 2007

3. Nov 9, 2007 2:29 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

Thorlo has a whole line of running socks, and they're mostly some fancy acrylic. They do tend to be thicker than most of the other running socks I've tried. I really like the sock absorption, but my feet feel a little too hot and stuffed into my shoes with the thick socks. Your mileage may vary.

tdelafe

44 posts since
Sep 14, 2006

4. Nov 9, 2007 5:26 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

I have lived in South Florida most of my life and now live in Ft. Lauderdale and run almost day - would not EVER run in ANYTHING but Thriorlos Running Socks, Crew Length. The cushioning and support and wicking is amazing and I have been a convert since the first day I ran in them, probably 5 years ago. They are SUPER expensive for someone as cheap as I am ($12-15 pair) but they do last quite a long time. I usually try to wait until there is a sale at Sports Authority or something and buy as many as I can afford. I have one for each day of the week that I run and a typical pair will last two years before a hole starts to rub through at the back of the ankle/heel. I have found nothing similar to Thiorlos Running Socks. ... No, I don't work for them, but maybe I should!

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Not all who wander are lost.

trifecta082

57 posts since
Nov 6, 2006

5. Nov 9, 2007 7:28 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

Wool was the first "tech" fabric. Bicycle racers back in the day would wear wool shorts and tops. I had some black wool bike shorts with real chamois (i.e. leather) padding when I was a teen back in the dark ages before polyester and spandex were used for athletic wear. Wool wicks, it breathes, it can keep you warm when it's hot and cool when it's warm, and has natural anti-stink properties.

I wear SmartWool socks all year, even in the worst of hot humid summer. I buy a bunch in the spring when the running stores put their winter stuff on sale. I'll have to try Thorlo's too.

twinmomrunner045

133 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. Nov 9, 2007 11:23 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

I love Thorlos too, but I did find I needed to go up a half size in my sneakers when I started wearing them.

AKTrail

360 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. Nov 10, 2007 2:04 AM

in response to: thunderthighs

quote:<HR>Originally posted by trifecta:
I wear SmartWool socks all year, even in the worst of hot humid summer. I buy a bunch in the spring when the running stores put their winter stuff on sale. I'll have to try Thorlo's too.<HR>

I wear SmartWools year round also - thicker ones in cold weather, thinner when warmer. I've used Thorlos, but they don't stay up as well as Smartwools. The one blister I've gotten while running was with Thorlos. The wool socks are definitely warmer than assorted synthetics that I've tried (Thorlos are acrylic, but Ultimaxes are olefin, iirc). But I know a lot of people swear by Thorlo's, and they work well for them.

I've only used the hiking or crew socks of respective brands as I don't like the low-cut running or mini socks - too much grit from trails in summer and too cold in winter.

declarke28

3 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Nov 12, 2007 11:25 AM

in response to: thunderthighs

not being in the US I don't know whether Smartwool socks are available there - I bought two pairs and love them (they have a website with about a zillion types of sock!). Pricey but well worth it; it's like cruise control for the feet.

tdelafe

44 posts since
Sep 14, 2006

9. Nov 13, 2007 5:27 PM

in response to: thunderthighs

quote:<HR>Originally posted by twinmomrunner:
I love Thorlos too, but I did find I needed to go up a half size in my sneakers when I started wearing them.<HR>

As a general rule, your running shoes should be at least 1/2 -1size larger than your regular size. With Thiorlos, I wear a size 9 running shoe but a 7 or 8 size shoe regularly.

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Not all who wander are lost.

Nov 5, 2007 7:04 PM

Sock Debate - 2 years later

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