When it
comes to putting on socks and shoes and hitting the road, I look no further
than my old favourites (see Modern
Athlete Choice Award below), because my feet feel like they could run all
day. That’s why I have about five pairs in my cupboard at any given time.
However, when recently taking part in some off-road stage races, I had to
rethink my sock strategy when faced with sandy beaches and gritty trails,
because my low-cut secret socks would allow sand into my shoes and I would
undoubtedly end up with blisters. So, I had to go do some sock shopping, and I
found some great new sock options. I still love my favourites, but now I have a
few others in my cupboard.
FALKE HIDDEN COOL
My feet
love these socks! The thick padded cushioning throughout means that every part
of my foot is comfy, and they are remarkably well ventilated for such a thick
sock. They’re secret socks, but the handy lip at the back not only prevents the
sock slipping down (as I have found with other hidden types), but also keeps
out some grit and adds extra cushioning around the Achilles.
R39.95 at
Sportsmans Warehouse, Runner Group, Cape Union Mart.
NIKE PERFORMANCE
CUSHIONED
Dri-Fit
moisture-wicking fabric ensures a dry, comfy ride, but the feature of the socks
that really grabs me is the thicker cushioning on the back of the ankle. Having
had a few problems of late with my left Achilles, I really appreciate this! The
tight-hugging arch really grips the foot, but I like that my toes can still
flex comfortably, and the ventilated upper side also performs well on a hot
day.
R59.95 at
Sportsmans Warehouse
FALKE FALKELITE ULTRA
LIGHT TECH
My feet said “oo-la-lah” when I put these on for the
first time, thanks to the firm fit and obvious ventilation, particularly on top
of the foot. In fact, they’re so light, it almost felt as if I didn’t even have
socks on… What I really love about them is the stretchy arch support, where
the sock really clings to my foot, which in turn means no slippage and a smooth
ride when I hit the road.
R39.95 at
Falke stockists
MHR
TRAIL RUNNING VELOCITY
These socks are made from a blend of mohair and
bamboo fibres, both of which are terrific moisture-wickers and stretch well to
fit your feet while retaining their shape, and both have antibacterial
properties, so that sweaty foot odour does not linger… What I like is the extra
cushioning under the metatarsal heads (the bones just behind the toes), because
I am a forefoot striker and appreciate the extra shock-absorption.
R65 at
Runner Group stores
FIRST
ASCENT SWIFT TRAIL RUNNING
Also made from a combination of mohair and bamboo,
the Swifts offer great moisture-wicking and cushioning while also keeping your
feet cool. I took them out on the trail and loved the padded cushioning in the
forefoot and heel compared to the thinner, ventilated sections under the arch
and on top of the foot. The result was a terrifically cool and comfortable run
for my feet on a hot day.
R59.95 at Sportsmans
Warehouse