How often do you wear your running socks ...

I believe Blowmaster's rule is never take the socks off under any circumstances.

No hard and fast rule for me, but usually I have about 4-5 runs in them before I change. I like the more expensive SmartWool socks and I don't have as many, so with doing laundry usually once a week, I need to space it out.

Shorts I rinse in the shower after every use, and I will wear shirts for a long time, until they really stink.

I don't put any of my running items in the dryer either.

How often? As often as I run, typically once or twice daily depending.

How many times before washing? Once. Were I out of clean running socks before doing laundry, sure, I'd pluck a pair out of the hamper, no problem. But that never happens.

Ah! good to know - I have Smartwool socks too (maybe 2-3 pairs). I wore a pair of the long compression socks for a 4 mile run yesterday and my husband insisted on putting them in with the rest of the laundry today, even though they had no odor or dirt. My reasoning is also that I didn't want the elastic/spandex (whatever's in those type of socks) to wear out from overwashing. I don't know if that really has an impact on the socks wearing out faster, but it made sense to me. At least I have a second opinion to back me up!

I have a stash of running socks that's in a pile seperate from everything else, and I just keep putting in and taking out from that day to day. Once that stack gets reasonably nasty and I can't find a good one anymore, then I'll wash it but anywhere from a week to 2 weeks.

I'll usually wear them at least twice since I usually run doubles, so I'll at least wear the same pair for that day (unless they're wet).

On a separate note about washing running stuff, I've found that using one of those "at-home" Woolite dry cleaning bags it prevents your stuff from getting destroyed in the wash.

By the way, I can't believe I'm posting in a thread about washing socks. I must be really bored....

After a run, all clothing goes into the dryer for a 20 minute session with a bounce sheet.

They still stink a bit, but they're not damp the next day (if left in a pile). After 3 or 4 days (and runs), they go in the wash.

I can't believe you guys are wearing socks and shorts more than once without washing. Don't you get athlete's foot, etc. ??? Anyway, it's disgusting. Please wash your clothes.

You won't get Athlete's Foot from wearing your own dirty socks. It is from mostly from damp moisture between the toes, and gym lockers, etc.Most 'technical' wear tags recommends not drying your clothes in a dryer, but hang dry. If you will notice, when you pull your clothes out of the washer it retains very little water and will dry quickly if left out to dry.Finally, some recommend using little detergent, too much leaves residue on the clothes also impairing the wicking properties of the materials.(You can tell I have bought into all the marketing BS these manufacturers spin – but better safe than sorry)

lemon lime wrote:

I can't believe you guys are wearing socks and shorts more than once without washing. Don't you get athlete's foot, etc. ??? Anyway, it's disgusting. Please wash your clothes.

But can you tell me if too much washing breaks down the elastic-y stuff in the compression socks?

I've always heard that it's the heat from the dryer that causes elastic to break down. I wash my socks and shirts after every use, but I wear shorts, long pants, tops, hats, and gloves several times before I wash them. Not sure exactly why, but that's the way I do it.

Once again I am astounded by information on letsrun.

From people not washing their hands after taking a dump, to not washing socks. Amazing.

Agreed. You people who don't wash sweaty socks after a run are disgusting! Yes, the elastic-y stuff eventually wears out, but it's not like you're saving them for the Smithsonian. Buy a new pair for God's sake. How cheap are you? We're talking about SOCKS!

Well, $20 for a pair of socks is expensive to me and like a favorite item of clothing, I'd like to make it last as long as possible. If they don't stink, aren't moist and aren't mud-splattered, I don't see why wearing them again is PigPen-ish.

OK, you repeat offenders - that is, those who wear socks on multiple runs between washing - let's start mentioning whether you live in a blue or red state, north or south of Mason-Dixon. Thanks.

Mrs.Boondog, sounds like you and your husband have some serious sock issues.

I wear my socks until they are so crusty that I think I might get blisters.

Smartwool is the way to go. Over the past few years, I have accumulated a bunch of pairs of these socks and they last forever. Additionally, they NEVER stink for me, even if I don't wash them for a long time. They are amazing for winter!

Well, first of all, all my socks are full of vaseline. (Don't ask) So they get washed each and every time. Come on! guys and a few of you butt scratching gals. Even if you double up you'll only go through ten pairs a week. You do laundry weekly? Right? Right? Really? And You don't have to use the really super dooper deluxogrando pair of socks but on the good long runs. Wal-mart, Yes, the elcheapo place, actually sells acrylic socks for just 3 smackers a pair. Easily take care of your 5 milers. Change the bloody freaking socks for heavens sakes before your MOM finds out what a germaholic you are.

Now, shorts are another matter entirely! That depends how crunchy they are!