Disclosure :: there are affiliate links embedded below if you’re compelled to give these socks a try!
The One Pair of Running Socks Everyone Should Own
I am one of those oddballs who loves to run. I ran cross country competitively from 6th grade through 12th grade, which is likely one reason I don’t dread running like many people do. Even at age 40, running is my exercise of choice. I am well aware I should do more strength training, but there is nothing quite like a really good run for clearing my head. With thousands of miles under my belt, I have tested dozens of brands of running socks over the years.
Generic store socks? They’re inexpensive for a reason. Bombas? Comfy, but not meant for endurance or longevity (ours also get holes quite often?!). Feetures? Great for a bit but entirely too thin (and they constantly stretched out). Thorlos? Holy moly sweat factor. Adidas / Reebok / Nike? Stick to shoes, guys {although I also don’t run in mainstream brand shoes, perhaps a story for another post}.
Enter Balega. With as many miles as I’ve run, both on indoor treadmills at Hour Blast Metairie and outdoors, I am absolutely confident that Balega are the very best running socks. Yes, even if you don’t run. While they are hands down the best socks for running, I also think they are hands down the best socks period.
I fully realize that some people will be turned off by the price tag ($14 / pair). Heck, my own husband was appalled when he saw what they cost. Working in finance he tends toward the practical choice, a large pack from Costco that he perceives as a bargain. The issue with this approach is that (1) many times you replace the socks far more often (2) believe it or not, socks actually DO make a difference in performance (3) do you really need 16 pairs of socks and (4) some socks are just far more comfortable to wear when you’re NOT exercising.
So, here are 5 reasons why everyone should own Balega running socks ::
- Endurance / Longevity. Whether you are going for a long run OR walk, these socks last. Not only do they last during a work out (I.e. they genuinely feel great the whole time), but they will also hold up. I am wearing pairs that I purchased well over a year ago … and many friends have told me they’ve never thrown out a pair. I cannot say this about other socks.
- Odor. They don’t smell. Even after wearing and washing them for a year. Again, I cannot say this about other socks.
- Comfort. Even if you don’t run, you will LOVE these socks. Maybe you walk. Maybe you do Jazzercise. Maybe you don’t have a chance to get active often. Regardless, I promise you that these socks are worth owning. These are hands down the best running socks I’ve tried.
- Fit. These socks are tight, offer cushion throughout and do not stretch out. I’ve owned many pairs that lose their tightness over the wears, or become increasingly thin with time. These remain tight to the foot, stretchy and comfy.
- Even my husband likes them. Because he would never buy them himself, I put a few pairs in my husband’s holiday stocking at Christmas. Guess what? He’s a convert. If I can convert my frugal husband to higher end running socks, they are worth giving a try.
Are you intrigued by my glowing endorsement of Balega? I encourage you to take the leap and add to cart. I’ve purchased every pair I own, but I still feel compelled to share the good word because they truly changed my running life.
