I am looking for a new sock particular to race in. (I am foolishly monkeying around with this two weeks before a marathon, which is better than 2 days before.) I just purchased the Wrightsock Double Layer Cool Mesh and the DeFeet AirEator. Any opinions about which is better, particularly over long races? The DeFeet seems to fit a little better, but the Wrightsock feels a little softer. I am particularly interested in blister prevention. Thanks.
run in both of them as much as possible between now and the marathon, since you won't have time to do a long run in either there's not much you can do beside make an estimated guess based on how they feel
DeFeet's, although they look awesome...make my feet sweat like a mother. I don't know why...but my feet sweat a lot less when I'm wearing regular Nike cotton running socks. I dunno, maybe that's just me.
Double Layers are fantastic, if the feel of the 2 layers of fabric don't bother you. If you like a thin sock though, DeFeet will work great. Assuming you got the Air-E-ators...the Cush sock is thicker. Anyway...I use Double Layers all the time, and love 'em...but it's all about personal preference. I would run in both pairs over the next couple weeks, and see which feels the best. Comfort is the key.
Yes, they seem a bit coarse and warm, but I haven't done a full run in them yet. I may just go back to the Thorlo Racers.
DeFeet's rule....best socks I ever owned. No blisters or problems other than my smelly feet.
for marathon...wright sock...the defeets are nice and tight/really thin but they do make your foot sweat. Idea behind all this cool max/microfiber crap is to have weaves in the material to create more surface area, thus dry quicker. But the defeet have big holes in them and just let your shoe get all soaked.
Thanks for your help. I noticed that this morning. I went for just a short easy run in 45 degree whether, and the socks were damp when I removed them. Plus, they feel a little coarse. They do fit really well. They'd be great for racing shorter distances in cooler weather. For the marathon, however, I'm leaning toward the Wrightsock Coolmesh or the Thorlo Racing Lite.
Defeet are great but they wear out quick. I would recommend you look at Wigwam's Ironman thin socks as well; they are similar to defeet in feel, but have less "holes" and more durability.