There are four functions of socks: buffering, protecting, keeping warm, and absorbing moisture from the skin. The fabric and knitting method determines the performance of socks in the above respects, and the right socks should fit your foot as well as fill the interior of the shoes. However, different people have different feelings about comfort. Some people feel comfortable wearing slippery socks made of chemical fibers; while some people like the natural and decorous feeling brought by merino wool socks. Therefore, this brings us to the most important point in choosing custom socks - the material.
Do not choose 100 percent pure cotton socks. Pure cotton absorbs sweat but does not release moisture. Once you sweat in winter, you will feel wet and cold, while in summer, blisters can easily occur, and the moist and sticky environment can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria.
The best running socks are made of mixed fiber materials that have good water-absorbing quality, such as polyester, acrylic, and bamboo fiber. It is also a good choice to wear wool blend socks in winter. Wool blended or synthetic socks can absorb sweat and reduce the risk of dermatitis.
For runners who can only tell whether the socks are pure cotton socks, you can directly test the effect of sweat releasing: drop a few drops of water on the socks and see whether the droplets flow on the surface or are absorbed into the socks.
Don't underestimate a pair of running socks. They can have different weights, lengths, and materials. The thicker the socks are, the greater the cushioning effect is, so runners often wear thick socks.
Custom socks with thickening weaving design are mainly used for absorbing the shock, reducing the pressure on the feet as well as providing better shock relief and feeling of being wrapped. As to the thickness, people must make the choice according to the use of circumstances. It doesn't mean that thicker socks have poor air permeability (depending on the material), instead, thicker socks may be super comfortable. For those who have an ankle injury, they should wear thick socks to protect the ankle joints, and runners whose feet are prone to sweat should also wear thick socks. (Attention: If you like to wear thick socks, the shoes you match should be half a size larger.)
Running socks come in a variety of lengths: from invisible crew cut socks, short socks, mid-calf length socks to knee socks. So how can we choose the proper length of running socks?
Generally, you can choose your running socks according to the height of the upper of your running shoes. Many cross-country running shoes usually have high uppers to prevent sand and stones, and it is recommended that the length of running socks should be at least 2 cm higher than the upper, or the skin on your ankle will be frayed by the shoes easily. In addition, there may be a slight slip in the process of running.
Don't buy too small size if you are choosing compression socks. A lot of compression socks emphasize the function of contraction, but they often shrink too tight and will cause the insufficiency of blood backflow and release, which will easily hinder the blood circulation in a long run, so you'd better choose a larger size.
In running, the main force bearing point is in the foot heel when the foot touches the ground, so professional running socks will be designed with the corresponding cushioning effect in the heel, which can directly reduce the gravitational pressure on feet. Similarly, in the process of running, when lifting the foot, the force bearing point of the foot is mainly in the toes, so professional running socks will also be designed with a cushioning effect in the toes to improve the running state.
