Favorite Walking Socks and other practical tips...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lorijo on April 15, 2009 at 7:30pm

The best socks I've found are SmartWool brand socks (I found them at REI). They are the most fabulous, long-lasting socks you can ever buy. They keep your feet cool when it's hot out, keep them warm when it's cold out, and are miracle workers when it comes to wicking away sweat or moisture from your feet. They are pricey, but worth every penny since they last forever.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Sibyl on April 15, 2009 at 8:31pm

You're SOOO right Terry! There's scads of flavors out there... I guess you have to look at what you need your sock to do. I personally need (and like) the little bit of extra padding on my regular every day running socks, with that extra elastic around the center of my foot. But on my long runs on the weekend or for an event like the half marthons I usually want a thinner sock with coolmax or some kind of wicking material. Smartwool is a good line, as well as Wright, Fox river & wigwam... Downtown REI does have a good selection to look through, touch & feel, etc.

What happened with your socks this weekend?!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Terry on April 19, 2009 at 6:39pm

Thanks Sibyl and Lorijo!! I ended up buying a pair of Thorlo walking socks and they are definitely MUCH more comfortable than my regular socks! I like the extra padding and the tighter band around the arch.

You have both convinced me to try the SmartWool type too....I'll try heading to REI this week so that I can try them out next weekend. The 1/2 marathon is the week after that, so I still have time for one more longish (10 mile) test walk.

Lorijo...Thanks for the warning about them being "pricey"...you sold me on the "last forever" part! The goal is to keep my feet lasting that long too! :-)

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Sibyl on April 20, 2009 at 2:00pm

yes!!! Good call! Thorlo's are great too! It's sometimes trial & error to know which ones are really the best for you. Have you used them yet?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Terry on April 20, 2009 at 5:30pm

Yesterday for 10 miles and my feet are still smiling!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Toni Schlesinger on April 27, 2009 at 6:19pm

Hi Terry:

I have walked both a 1/2 and 2 full marathons -- without getting any blisters. As part of the training, I learned to slather my feet in Vaseline before EVERY long walk. Although it feels a little icky at first, I can tell you from experience that reducing friction is just as important as comfort when picking socks. For me, the combo of good sweat wicking socks + the emollient properties of Vaseline got me through those long races.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sharon Norman on May 14, 2009 at 12:13pm

I too like the smart wool socks I hike, and snow shoe. And when I sit outside at the Elizabethan theater, while it was snowing, they keep my tooties comfortable. I have not tried them in the hot hot summer for hiking. I am then generally on the water kayaking. Being so active, you may wonder why I am chubby. Well, until Kinetex, I was eating wrong. It won't take me long to get my weight off.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Terry on May 14, 2009 at 12:28pm

Sharon...Thanks for responding!! The tips are great...warm toes make everything more fun! Keep being active and yes....eating K-Balanced will help you get those extra pounds of fat off your body! Just think how awesome it will be to hike with less weight to carry this summer.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Danielle on June 9, 2009 at 8:32pm

Wright sock

it is double layered....no blisters!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda, Nutritionist on June 11, 2009 at 4:59pm

Hey all local Seattlites- there is a 2 for 1 sale on Smartwool socks at REI this week. Just thought you'd like to know as we all head out to hike, bike, and play.
Smartwool is my fave.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Terry on June 12, 2009 at 8:12am

Thanks Amanda!!!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christine Parks on August 18, 2009 at 12:45am

I wear Thorlo socks when I hike and walk; have you ever tried them?

▶ Reply to This

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page