Review - X Socks (long term use)

I have blogged before about why it is important to have decent running socks to supplement your running shoes.  For anyone who has ever suffered from blisters, sore feet, sweaty patches etc then you need some proper socks.  Don't get fooled into thinking any old sports socks will do - they won't, simple as that.

I have three pairs of X Socks (two different versions) and they have each been used for thousands of miles of running with relatively little wear.  Even when I have run through mud, water or any combination, they have never been abrasive or failed to remain comfortable.  When they are soaking wet, the socks combined with modern running shoes seem to pump themselves dry after a short distance.  Yes they are expensive but the cost per mile is neglible in reality - in my view these are worth every penny even at approaching £20 a pair.

In general running socks should not be made of cotton as that absorbs sweat instead of transmitting or wicking it away.  If you look carefully at the socks in the photograph and I should say those are not my legs [ :o( ] you can see some orange L shaped parts around the ankle.  These are raised out slightly to allow for extra ventilation.

With the X Socks there are no seams and this reduces the likelihood of any rubbing, which in turn can lead to blisters.  The heel is reinforced and is incredibly strong.  They are made as separate Left and Right socks so you need to keep a lookout for this when you put them on and this helps them fit me really well (I have fairly normal feet) and they stay in place mile after mile.

Having looked at the on-line description there is a mind-boggling list of 12 different technologies used in their construction: air conditioning channel, instep protector, toe protector, toe tip protector and so it goes on and on.  If you want to know a little more about these features, take a look at Wiggle (Running) as they supply these very reliably.

I'm sorry not to go into all the technical details - that might be a bit "anoraky" of me.  The bottom line is that runners need decent socks to avoid blisters etc.  In my experience with these, they are absolutely superb, very robust and worth every penny.

Related:
Socks for running
Preventing blisters
How to look after your feet
Guest blog by Tony Gavin, Sports Podiatrist

Running socks are important

X Socks are great but there are others

If you run you probably have some running shoes, or at least you should.  But what about your socks?  Do you run in your ordinary socks, the ones you'd wear for normal use?  Maybe you use some sports socks that look good with a pair of trainers?  How about some proper running socks?

It is very easy to think it's just hype.  Just when you've paid out £70 - £90 on your first pair of running shoes and you're asked by the shop assistant if you'd like to have some socks as well - at £10 a go it might seems expensive.  Please read on....

What's their job?

Every time you run for an hour, you take over 10,000 steps.  Each step involves the foot in a complicated movement which comes naturally to us as humans because our design is fantastic.  As we wear shoes to run, the "interface" with our feet needs to be managed so we don't become uncomfortable through being hot, sweaty, having blisters or a whole range of other potential problems.

What are they?

Running socks are made up of many parts and are amazingly complicated to make, probably why they cost about £10 a pair.  Good running socks will never be made from cotton.  The problem with cotton is that it will absorb sweat and become damp and soggy.  This can cause blisters and any rub point.  If you've had blisters, you'll know they are bad news.

The construction of a good pair of socks allows for ventilation, strong areas in key parts (heel, toe etc) and elasticated parts to keep it in place.

Ideally they should be without any seams in order to avoid any rubbing and allow them to fit well.  They need to be hard wearing - my X Socks last over 1000 miles (i.e. they will out last two pairs of running shoes).

Experiment if necessary

I reckon it sometimes takes a bit of trial-and-error to get the right shoe / sock combination.  It's worth investing in two or three different types to find which ones are best for you.  Maybe once you have found the ideal sock, buy a supply.  Besides, it helps to have a few in circulation so they can be washed after each run and to extend their lifespan.

Caution

I have tried those tiny socks that are almost invisible when you're wearing a pair of running shoes.  So far these have been a waste of time and money: they don't stay in place well enough.

Why I think they are important

We place a real strain on our feet when we run and so often we are not accustomed to this, through our mostly sedentary lifestyles.  It is easy for our feet to have problems and having a proper pair of running shoes and socks is one thing we can do to minimise problems.  Considering they will last the life of two pairs of running shoes, they are not really expensive after all.

Related:

Two pairs of running shoes

Guest blog by Tony Gavin

Looking after your feet

Socks for Running

X Socks with my Asics Gel 1150s

In the world of running there's a lot of attention given to running shoes; this is appropriate as they are the single most important bit of kit for a runner.  Closely related but rarely mentioned are socks so I thought I would give them a positive mention today.

What are running socks?

They are made specifically for running in and are different to ordinary sports socks.  They normally have a sporty look, often in white.  They come in different styles, for instance ankle length or those that are almost invisible.  Having tried both types, I think I prefer the longer sock but there's not much difference here.

What do running socks do, how are they different?

Running produces a lot of sweat which needs dealing with in order to keep your feet dry.  Good running socks will wick away perspiration so feet don't become clammy and uncomfortable.  To do this they are probably not made from cotton but instead from a synthetic material - also known as being "technical".

Running socks also need to be durable and stand up to a lot of repetitive pounding, in fact I once tried my wife's pedometer and it showed over 10,000 strides in 6 miles.  That is hard work for feet, shoes and the socks in between them.  The socks also need extra support or strength in particular places in order to cope with the demands their owners will - I think the heel is a vulnerable area.

My X socks have some ridges built into the construction and this gives room for some air to circulate around my feet.

What else makes a good running sock?

Quickly forgetting you're even wearing them!  You should not be aware of them as you're running.  Also being made in a seamless way in order to avoid scope for chaffing or undue rubbing is important.

Getting a good fit is important.  You should be able to get them in a size which roughly reflects your shoes size.  Mine are also labelled Left and Right (which amused my kids!) in order to give a really good fit.  I cannot emphasise how important getting a good fit is so important; the wrong size, shape, material or design could lead to blisters - this can be disastrous.

How much do they cost?

Allow £10 per pair, give or take a little.  That might sound expensive but when considering their importance and durability, it's not too bad.  The X Socks in the above photo have served me well for about 2,000 miles

Anything else?

• Be prepared to experiment in getting the right shoe / sock combination right as it can make all the difference.  If you cannot afford these right now, simply save up and don't be put-off by running in ordinary socks for now
• It is worth getting 2 or 3 pairs
• Although they are expensive, they really are worth it.
• Buy them with your new running shoes and ask for advice if you're unsure which to go for.
• Sometimes relatives ask for birthday or Christmas present suggestions and socks seem ideal for people, price wise.
• It is better to have a clean pair for each run - personal hygiene
• See my recent article on looking after your feet.

Review Asics Gel 1150

My Asics Gel 1150 running shoes with the brilliant X Socks

I have been amazed at how many hits my blog has had with people looking for the Review Saucony ProGrid Omni 10 running shoes, I thought I'd review my Asics while I still have them.  I say that as they're thoroughly worn out as I discovered last week when I used them for a couple of runs, just to refresh myself in what they're like.

So, what are they like?

When I first got them, I didn't like them much compared to a pair of Saucony's I'd had before but I grew to like them a lot.  Indeed when I was running last week in them, I was reminded about how great they are.  I remember them being hard to get used to but I did - and very pleased I did!  Main highlights are:

• They were a good fit for me.  Snug around the aperture but plenty of toe room, but not too much
• Well made.  There are no weak spots showing and their construction is fine
• They have worn well and stood up well to all kinds of rough ground, water, mud, dust, grit, abuse and thoroughly hard running at times
• Good feel for the road; stable and sure-footed.  This is important for me.
• Not too cushioned and now I have run far too many miles in them, they've gone a bit "flat"
• The laces aren't quite long enough for that alternative looping pattern of using the extra holes
• Economically priced

Ethics - I'm not too sure of the supply chain ethics applied by Asics.  If that is a concern to you as well, it's worth checking out.  I know the Ethical Consumer magazine featured Asics but I can't recall all the details (from memory, they weren't that great).

Considering these are entry level running shoes, I'd say they are excellent.

Running and preventing blisters

I reckon most runners will get a blister or two at some point and naturally this applies to me too.  Here's a few thoughts how to maybe avoid them:

Getting shoes and socks right.
Comfortable shoes are really a given, otherwise you're asking for problems.  What about socks?  Easily overlooked but I have found they really do make a difference.  I use X-Socks which I tried on recommendation with my first running shoes a few years back.  I have since added an extra pair, same brand, different version.  The way these socks are designed and constructed is superb in my view.  I think I've been lucky as otherwise it can be a bit of trial and error.  At about £9 or £10 a pair I would be disappointed if they were unsuitable.  So, get the combination right.

Allowing your feet to acclimatise
We all need to allow our bodies time to adapt to new activities, particularly with running and building up the miles.  For all kinds of reasons, do it gradually.  New activities include wearing new shoes.  Likewise, wear these around the house to start with for a day or so.  Try a short run in them outside; perhaps a mile.  Only then I would I go for a substantially longer run

Lacing your shoes right
There are a number of different ways of lacing shoes.  It makes quite a different to the way a shoe moves on your foot, or not as the case may be.  In the above photo take a look at the lacing pattern on the foot on the right: you can see I've used the extra hole in forming what is a lace-lock.  This is to prevent heel slip.
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Running when tired
This is one that has caught me out with blisters on the ball of my feet.  When you're tired, you take smaller steps; that can cause blisters.  Believe me, it can.

Hopefully this might have helped.  The solution to getting a blister is, of course, to let it heal.  To avoid them can be tricky; there's always Blister Plasters which seem to be fairly well tried and tested these days.  Whatever you do, deal with blisters and don't let the thought of a blister put you off running - there is always a solution

Type A runner?

Asics Gel 1150 with X Socks

If someone can have a Type A personality, is it possible to be a Type A Runner?

Possible traits....

• In racing, am I in the first 20%, regardless of age?
• How do I compare with other veterans of my age?
• Be prepared to start well back in the pack and hang back for the first half and then "go for it"
• What's my running form like?
• I could have done better
• I'm not going to take energy gels any more to help me run faster
• My best is yet to come
• I'm just not satisfied
• I must train alone
• I must always have a future race in my diary

Running times....

My worn out legs with the very hard wearing Asics Gel 1150 and fabulous X Socks

....before I totally forget:

Events:
Feb 2009  Knebworth 10k about 55 mins

June 2009 Whipsnade 10k about 53 mins

Oct 2009 Ridgeway 15k about 1hr 18mins

Mar 2010 Bath half 1hr 48mins

June 2010 St Albans half 1hr 44mins
October 2010 Ridgeway 15k 1hr 17 mins
November 2010 Leighton Buzzard Dirt half 1hr 44mins (90th of 384) flippin' cold
June 2011St Albans half 1 hr 42mins (424 out of 1941)
October 2011 Ridgeway 15k 1hr 18mins (122 out of 517) could have done better
April 2012 MK Marathon 4 hours 12 minutes (about middle of field) first marathon - cold and wet
May 2013 MK Marathon 3 hours 58 minutes; second marathon - sunny, warm and very pleased

Treadmill PB times:

Sept 2010 10k 45mins 40s

Sept 2010 1 mile 6mins 20s
Nov 2010 10k 44mins 44s (knackered)
Nov 2010 10 miles 1hr 26mins (tired but ok)