Socks take a real pounding on the trails but replacing them is often overlooked. It may seem obvious but trail running requires not only proper shoes, but also proper socks. Wearing the right pair will provide you with more protection, fewer blisters, and increased comfort. Even the best socks will wear out over time and need to be replaced. In this article we explain why trail runners should replace their socks!
How often do you replace your trail shoes? Once a year, once every 6 months? Now think about how often you replace your running socks, I bet it’s not as frequent as your trail shoes. Check the next time you put on your running socks, are they stiff as a board, thread bare, ill fitting? If that’s the case, then maybe you’re letting your feet down. This is often much more frequently than on road where the fabric doesn’t get mashed with mud and grit so regularly. You might have a fancy new pair of runners but if you’ve got a pair of thread bare socks then you’ve missed the big picture!
Better Cushioning and Support
Trail running socks are not the same as socks for work or the ones which have holes in as you kick back watching Netflix. They are designed to provide cushioning and support for your feet, especially in areas that are prone to friction and impact, such as the heel and the ball of the foot. And because they have more cushioning, after repeated use and washing, the sock material will lose its elasticity and thickness, not a problem for TV watching socks, but certainly a problem for trail running ones! This reduced cushioning and support can lead to more foot fatigue, pain, and injury.
Reduced Risk of Blisters and Infections
A good pair of socks are also designed to wick away moisture and prevent bacteria and fungi from growing on your feet. However, as the sock material wears out, it will become less effective at keeping your feet dry and clean. This can increase the risk of blisters and infections, which can hamper your performance and health.
Better Comfort and Fit
Trail running socks are meant to fit snugly and comfortably on your feet, without slipping or bunching up. However, as the sock material stretches and shrinks, it will lose its shape and fit. This can cause discomfort and irritation, as well as affect your stability and traction on the trails. That’s why it’s important to use new socks when you are choosing new trail shoes. If you’re feet are happy, and you feel stable on the trails you will run with more confidence and enjoy the trails so much more!
How Often Should You Replace Your Socks?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors, such as how often you run, how far you run, how hard you run, how you wash and dry your socks, and how you store your them. However, a general rule of thumb is to replace your socks every six months or after 300 to 500 miles of running, whichever comes first. You can also check for signs of wear and tear, such as holes, thinning, fading, or loss of elasticity. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get a new pair. I tend to have winter socks and summer socks, as with trail shoes, the winter ones will not last as long as summer ones as grit from mud which gets trapped breaks down the fibres more readily. Of course, it’s important to be mindful of not replacing them too early either, we need to be aware of not just our trail footprint but also our ecological one too. If you’re socks have met their end, wash them and drop them off at your nearest recycling point which you can find here.
Conclusion
Trail running socks are an essential part of your trail running gear, as they provide protection, comfort, and performance benefits for your feet. However, they also need to be replaced frequently, as they will wear out over time and lose their effectiveness. By replacing your trail running socks regularly, you can ensure that your feet stay healthy and happy on the trails. Reduce any waste by buying good quality socks that do fit you properly, like the ones sold by our partner Bridgedale (don’t forget you get 25% off if you run an event with us) and recycle any that need replacing.
