Let's talk about running socks

If the OP's issue is between-the-toe blistering, another vote for Injinji toe socks; they've made a huge difference for me. Good (between-the-toe) fences make good (toe) neighbors.

Also, consider Trail Toes lube; great on feet and any chafing-likely areas.

I used to get blisters all the time when I ran longer in college (I was a 400 guy that finally moved up). But I spent 2-3 years doing all of my training in racing flats and never wore socks, I built up my feet to be accustomed to running and now I never have issues with blisters unless there is an extenuating circumstance (like running in soaking wet shoes or something).

I run in wool, fitsoks, and some synthetics. Vaseline or body glide works fine on the toesies if you're racing.

I just buy generic Adidas socks at the store that are 98% polyester and 2% spandex. Cotton traps moisture which causes it to rub against your skin, causing blisters. Avoid cotton. You want polyester, nylon, and/or spandex.

Try out whatever brand of diaper rash cream on your next long run and see what you think. It isn't something everybody will like, but I had a similar issue of blisters forming between my big toe and the ball of my foot in two different half-marathons. I used an off-brand cream during a marathon and had 0 blisters despite my shoes being so wet they were squishy after the race.

As far as socks, I didn't really like wright socks either. I like Darn Tough in the colder months, but I don't really like their thinner version and the thicker versions hold too much sweat during summer months. I ended up just going back to store branded versions of polyester blend socks.

Balega Blister Resist - haven't had a blister in years. (32% nylon, 32% Dynamix polyester, 30% mohair, 4% microfiber, 2% spandex) The mohair in these makes them incredibly soft.

Agree with this guy that 2 pairs of thin socks are the way to go. I never really figured out anything that worked great for me, but this was definitely the best.

And then there are the people who can run in their shoes barefoot...so maybe foot shape/running style makes a big difference.

Swiftwick socks, made right here in TN, are great. My favorite is the Aspire line.

Second choice, when I've had a gift card but the store didn't carry Swiftwicks, is Feetures. Not sure the kind, but one of their lightweight socks.

Pair either with a generous glob of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on places that tend to blister, and you'll be all set.

I've worn the light versions of both Smartwool and Ice Breaker socks with no issues. The wool is comfortable for me.

Tennesseean wrote:

Swiftwick socks, made right here in TN, are great. My favorite is the Aspire line.

Second choice, when I've had a gift card but the store didn't carry Swiftwicks, is Feetures. Not sure the kind, but one of their lightweight socks.

Pair either with a generous glob of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on places that tend to blister, and you'll be all set.

Agree, I only run in Swiftwick socks.

this is the last word on athletic sock material!! i prefer nylon over polyester..

New Age Beardy wrote:

Vaseline's hobby jogger talk. As is cotton socks.

Just buy any brand of synthetic material sports socks. Job done.

Go to the drug store and buy some lanolin.

CEP socks are the best I've worn.

https://www.cepcompression.com/collections/mens-short-compression-socks/products/mens-ultralight-short-socks

I’m another vote for Injinji toe socks. I think they look plenty fine (unlike an earlier poster) and I’ve never had a blister wearing them.

Also agree with swiftwicks! I have tried a fair amount including feetures, feetures elite, balega, darn tough, fits, but my favorite is now Swiftwick. Breaths well, not too thin, nice snug fit. And my big toe doesnt put a hole in the sock as fast as the others i mentioned

Are they good for hot spots? I just got the most brutal ones on my tempo just now. Had to stop.

I only run in Balega. Have literally not had a blister since 2008 before I found them.

Two Bostons, multiple ultras, 15 marathons, 5 IM, and countless halves/10ks/5ks since then.

They are amazing.

Sock free Duellist wrote:

I've had similar problems as the OP. Large hot spots and blisters on the balls of my feet wearing racing flats (Flyknit racer, Streak Lt, and Streak 6). Going through an assortment of socks, lacing techniques,and taping did nothing to help. I've since retired the Flyknit racer. The Streak 6 is now just a tempo shoe. I still race in the Lt, but only on the roads 5k and less. I wear vaporfly flyknits for longer races. They still feel kind of warm, but I don't think I'm getting the same forefoot strike I did with the others.

P.S. I've heard that better arch support can help alleviate hot spots too, but never tested it.

So Beaverton still posts on here to get free ad space? Embarrassing!

I started wearing Injinji a few years ago and now I can't wear anything else. Zero blisters, and that toe splay is AMAZING. I tried a pair of DryMax since all the big ultra runners seem to be sponsored by them, but my toes felt so constrained - like they were in a corset. Definitely not great for using your foot muscles properly.

Swiftwicks tend to make my feet bleed when running so I only wear them for cycling.

I love Smartwool and Injinji.

I have single pairs of Feetures, Darn Tough, & Wrightsock. Of these three, I like the Feetures the best; Darn Tough are good for long chilly days and the Wrights are good for longish warm days.

The only pair of running socks that ever totally fell apart on me were a pair of Brooks socks I received from Running Warehouse way back when they used to give away cool stuff (still have my black tote bag).