How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

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4799 Views 11 Replies Latest reply: Mar 30, 2011 4:04 PM by wallaceshelly

christine94

56 posts since
Sep 23, 2008

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Mar 24, 2011 10:44 AM

How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I have a half marathon i'll be running on Saturday. The weather forecast is for rain during the entire 13.1 mile run. I've been incredibly blessed and never had to deal with rain during an entire race event before.

So this brings up the question, How do I deal with wet socks while i'm running? I don't want to get monster blisters because my socks were drenched. On the race course there is not a lot of area's for spectators to be to cheer anyone on so getting some fresh ones from my husband might be a bit difficult.

I know after it's over i'll have dry clothes waiting for me, just wondering if body glide on my feet would help ease or eliminate the possible blister issue.

Curious what your thoughts are on this.

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flamomof 4
1,916 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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1. Mar 24, 2011 11:07 AM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

What sock are you wearing now?

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lenzlaw
9,935 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

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2. Mar 24, 2011 11:15 AM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I think this is very individual. It will depend a lot on your feet and the socks and shoes you are wearing. I have done marathons in a steady rain with no problems. If your socks and shoes fit well and your feet don't slide around in your shoes you will likely be OK. Or you could carry extra socks in a small fanny pack (in a baggie to keep them dry) and pull over to change them part way through the race.

Len

Len

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christine94
56 posts since
Sep 23, 2008

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3. Mar 24, 2011 11:29 AM (in response to flamomof 4)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I am currently wearing nylon socks from new balance. I have a brand new pair of "thicker" new balance socks that are comfortable too.

The nylon socks are thin, allowing my feet to breath. The thicker new balance socks are Cool Max mositure management socks.

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christine94
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Sep 23, 2008

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4. Mar 24, 2011 11:30 AM (in response to lenzlaw)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

My shoes do fit well and my feet don't slide around in my shoes. I'm really hopeful i'll be ok and have no issues with this at all.

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flamomof 4
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5. Mar 24, 2011 2:59 PM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I would do what len suggested, and bring an extra pair to change, your feet will love you for that

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Surfing_Vol
848 posts since
Nov 6, 2007

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6. Mar 25, 2011 10:05 AM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

Smartwool socks. They've worked for me for a long time now.

Surfing Vol

"Victory through attrition!"

Charleston Half-Marathon 1/15/2011 -- 1:52:03

The Scream! Half-Marathon 7/16/2011 -- 1:56:00

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JasonFitz1
569 posts since
Jun 19, 2009

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7. Mar 27, 2011 4:48 PM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I don't think you need to stop during the race. Unless you're running through puddles, your socks/shoes won't get so soaked that they're noticeably sloshing around.

I wear Wright Socks that are double layered so it's virtually impossible to get blisters, you may want to check them out: http://www.wrightsock.com/

Good luck in the race!
- Jason.

Strength Running

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Marklemcd
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Mar 23, 2011

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8. Mar 28, 2011 5:58 AM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

Not to be flip here and who knows what you did but...it's a race and it's not that long to just deal with some wet feet. Stopping to change socks? In a race?

Basically just grin and bear it, it's temporary.

Real World Running Reviews

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christine94
56 posts since
Sep 23, 2008

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9. Mar 28, 2011 6:32 AM (in response to Marklemcd)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

Thank you all for your advice about this, i appreciate your input.

I was very blessed and it did NOT rain one drop on the race day. The streak continues It was however bitterly cold. The wind was brutual. I was dressed appropriately everywhere but my face and hands. I wore gloves, but they were not warm enough. My cheeks were nearly frozen or so it felt like. The race was really good, the socks i wore were perfect and i'll wear them again. IF i ever run when it's that cold again i'll be getting a running mask for my face and MUCH warmer gloves. The pair i have are for running but they are not for the temps and wind chill i dealt with.

I have race in 2 months and I'm hopeful it's MUCH warmer for that one.

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shalomsanchez
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Mar 3, 2009

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10. Mar 30, 2011 1:48 PM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I just ran a marathon where it poured down rain the whole time. it was so bad at times part of the roads where flooded and we had to go around on side walks. so there was no hope of keeping the feet even a little dry and i was fine. It is not the best feeling ever but i think it would be worse to try to change your socks in the middle. My feet where fine after just very wrinkled.

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wallaceshelly
2 posts since
Aug 11, 2009

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11. Mar 30, 2011 4:04 PM (in response to christine94)
Re: How do you handle wet socks on a long run?

I run in the rain a lot ( long runs too). I only wear smartwool phd ultra light running socks... rain or shine. Have not had a blister since I switched to them 2 years ago. They are expensive (about $14 a pair) but well worth it.

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