Better Have Good Socks For Those 18 Meetings

Growing up did you ever ask your Dad how work went and he replied by saying he had a rough 18 meetings? When I was very young I took that pretty literal, but now I understand what he truly meant by that.

Yup, those 18 meetings had nothing to do with work, but with the great game of golf. Golf is a very relaxing, yet stressful, game. Much like other sports, it can be even more stressful if you’re not equipped with the best attire. Of course included in your golf attire are socks — and yes, they can affect your golf game.

Sure, you could probably roll out to the course wearing any old sock you have in your drawer, but getting the right kind of sock can mean a few things for you: moisture control, more comfort and better blood circulation.

Think about it, if you’re walking 18 holes, you’re covering a lot of ground. Heck, even when using a cart you’re doing a lot of standing and walking around quite a bit. That’s a lot of stress on your feet — and just like the rest of your body, your feet deserve some comfort!

Let’s first consider moisture removal. In the dog days of summer, walking a course — even in the early hours — can lead to a considerable amount of sweat. The last thing you’ll want on your round is the collection of moisture in your foot. Well, with the right sock you can prevent moisture build up in your sock — which will also prevent blisters. A sock like Drymax’s has a dual layer moisture removal system. When you sweat, its inner hydrophobic layer repels the moisture to its outer hydrophilic layer — keeping your foot dry and comfortable. Basically, the Drymax socks will dry at the same speed you sweat. You can also apply that moisture removal system to those early tee times where the dew is still heavily vital. Nothing worse than soaking wet socks from a heavy dew!

A light compression sock is also a good option to sport while you’re out on the course. Sigvaris actually makes a cotton 15-20 mmhg golf sock. They even conducted a study where 86% of golfers after wearing their sock reported their legs felt less tired than normal; 50% reported their legs appeared less swollen; 94% said they’d recommend the socks to their fellow golfers. Those are pretty good numbers. Also keep in mind, the compression in the sock will increase your blood circulation in the legs as you play.

Along with those two brands mentioned, you’ll want to find a sock that suits you best. If you like lightweight socks, you’ll be able to find mesh socks with moisture-wicking benefits mentioned above, and the same can be said for a heavily cushioned sock.

With so many styles and cuts out there, you may find your sock conquest as a trail-and-error affair — which is fine. I’d just especially try out a sock with moisture-wicking abilities that will also provide the comfort you need to go 18 holes or more. You won’t want to find yourself complaining about your feet midway through in front of your group.

You can find golf socks from the two brands mentioned above at SocksAddict.com.

2XU Compression “Relaunches”

With compression attire catching a lot of attention in athletics, 2XU has decided to undergo a relaunch.

Previously, 2XU operated under the slogan, “Not all fabrics are created equal.” They soon noticed a “me-too” effect conjuring up with other compression brands. All the talk of fabrics, knit structure, yarn thickness and synthetic makeup became muddled up due to inaccurate and false claims.

2XU sees their relaunch as a necessary and exciting evolution of their already successful compression wear. The relaunch will include upgraded fabric, new packaging, new categorizations and most of all the revealing of the PWX collection.

The PWX collection will have a stronger emphasis on consumer benefits, while still highlighting technical attributes.

PWX’s categorization offers an approach to enable customers to make a better, informed choice between products. The new categorization will also help improve the education on compression products. As a whole, it will help people learn more about the budding world of compression wear.

The three new categories you’ll find with the PWX collection are: PERFORM, XFORM and REFRESH. PERFORM is a focus on pure activity; XFORM is activity plus recovery; REFRESH is pure recovery.

In PERFORM, you’ll find compression garments engineered with powerful fabrics offering unparalleled breathability, moisture management and flexibility to keep you completely comfortable and focused on their active performance. It will feature muscle containment properties which will reduce muscle endurance, strength and power output for improved performance. The pressure applied to your skin in the PERFORM category can help increase your body’s awareness, improve posture, agility and stability — all of which will increase performance.

The XFORM category will feature powerful and breathable fabric with the added benefit of graduated compression along your limbs to provide faster muscle repair and recovery benefits following exercise. You’ll find extra support, comfort and more efficient delivery of oxygenated blood to fatigue muscles.

REFRESH features extremely powerful and durable compression garments focused to optimize circulation and heighten oxygen delivery. The REFRESH category is ideal for athletes with high performance demands and those seeking faster recovery. These garments will remove blood lactate from exercising muscles, which leads to reduced swelling, faster muscle repair and reduction in soreness.

2XU has done extensive research at the Australian Institute of Sport, along with fabric specialists at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology conducting various tests — all of which led to the introduction of PWX.

PWX is engineered to offer optimal power, weight and flexibility. This new 2XU relaunch is truly an exciting happening in the athletic compression realms.

You can browse 2XU compression garments at SocksAddict.com, RunningSocks.com and AthleticCompression.com.

So You’re Running a Marathon…Here Are Your Marathon Sock Tips

A marathon is 26.2 grueling miles affecting your body — especially your feet. Not only is the race itself long, but the training as well. Even the most casual of marathoners will endure a tedious running schedule to prepare themselves mentally and physically.

All the pavement pounding and mile after mile logged means one very important thing — you have to make sure to keep your feet healthy. While some people training for a marathon will endure runs upward of 15-20 miles, the marathon is a whole other monster on your feet. Wearing the wrong kind of sock could lead to a flash mob of blisters on your feet.

Let’s start with the most important sock tip when it comes to marathons — never, ever, under any circumstances, wear cotton socks in your marathon. That six pack of cotton socks you got on sale at Target should never find its way onto your feet during a marathon (or during any run, really). When cotton gets wet, it stays wet. You might as well strap on a couple pails of water to your feet (okay, maybe a bit of a hyperbole there). Sure it’s the cheaper option, but a performance sock is well worth the extra bucks. You’ve put a lot of time into your preparation for the marathon; you wouldn’t want to ruin it by wearing cotton.

So now you know what not to wear; let’s discuss what you should.

Since the marathon is such a long race, there’s going to be a lot of friction (a major cause of blisters). A good option for combating the friction and thus preventing blisters is a WrightSock dual layer sock. The friction will reside between the two layers of the sock instead of affecting the bottom of your foot. A dual layer sock may sound like something really thick and uncomfortable, but it’s very lightweight and breathable.

Perhaps a thicker sock is something you’re interested in though. Thicker usually means more cushion — something I’m sure heel strikers and stompers appreciate. In a long race like the marathon, it’s not a bad idea to have more cushion to help your feet stay comfortable and be less affected by the race. A couple good options here would be Drymax Running or Feetures Originals Low Cut.

Drymax is often referred to as one of the best socks to keep feet dry — plus it has great cushioning in the heel and toe regions.

Feetures is one of the most comfortable socks you’ll ever try on and its hugging fit helps reduce friction, which reduces blisters.

There are also a couple more unique options you could go with. First, there is the Injinji performance toesock. While the idea of wearing a glove on your foot is weird, consider this: chafing and blister prevention between the toes. With your toes separated, your toes won’t rub against each other.

A second option would be a compression sock. If you frequent a lot of races, you’ve probably seen these starting to pop up more and more in the past few years. Compression socks are great for helping your blood circulation in your legs. Many people wear them for recovery after runs or races — but some like to use them during marathons as well. Brands such as CEP say wearing them can increase your performance by 5%.

A marathon is a lot of work. From preparation to execution, you’ll want your marathon experience to be as smooth as possible. In order for that to happen, you have to know your socks.

Browse all the brands mentioned above and a plethora of others at RunningSocks.com or SocksAddict.com.

What kind of sock do you wear for marathons?

Runners and Cyclists: Friends or Foes?

As someone with an extensive background in running, I can recall plenty of times some cyclist has yelled at me to get out of the way on one of the local trails. I can also recall instances where a group of slower-moving cyclists completely clogged up the trail, making it hard to pass them.

Hardcore runners and hardcore cyclists may go back and forth on the argument of which is better and which will do more for you. Runners often like to bring up the fact that cycling is what they do when they’re injured — I know I did. In return, cyclists will rag on runners about how boring running is.

But when taking a look at both sports you’ll find many more common traits than differences. When runners and cyclists pass each other’s paths out on the roads they should be giving a friendly wave instead of the stink eye. I mean, there is a sport that incorporates both running and cycling, so I’m pretty sure there is more than enough room in the world of exercise for the both of us.

What’s a better way of taking a look at the similarities of the two than taking a closer look at the most underrated piece of attire — That’s right, let’s talk socks.

Of course, the biggest thing you want to avoid in socks for both sports is cotton. If cotton gets wet, it stays wet. You’ll want to find a performance fabric that will help wick away moisture. Also, you’ll need socks with a hugging fit. The last thing you want when running or cycling is scrunching or your sock slipping off. You want a sock to perform with you.

When looking at various sock brands, it’s interesting to see how each brand handles running and cycling socks and how they divvy them up.

For example, Feetures just rolls with an athletic sock available in various cuts and styles instead of defining it purely for running or cycling (or any other sport). Darn Tough, a brand mostly known for hiking and hunting socks, also has a Run-Bike series. Drymax is actually one of the few brands that splits up its running and cycling socks. Drymax offers running socks in much more different cuts and styles than the cycling. Their running socks also have more cushion compared to their cycling; which makes sense, considering running is much harder on the joints. Besides a few other subtle differences, you’ll find their running and cycling socks aren’t all that different.

The brand that probably most properly shows the unity that should be found in running and cycling is Wigwam. Wigwam has a series called the IronMan. It’s not just a name — Wigwam has been the official sock of the IronMan triathlon since 1994. These socks are designed to help the ideal athletic performance in the IronMan – so they’re useful in both running and cycling.

So runners, next time a cyclist flies by you, don’t scowl. Cyclists, when approaching a runner, don’t start yelling for them to get out of the way. We shouldn’t be foes.

You can find plenty of the brands mentioned above and other running and cycling socks at SocksAddict.com. Feel free to share in the comments what activity you prefer more!

Get Tough with Darn Tough

Your feet are important to you. They are the foundation to your body. Whether you’re running, hiking, skiing, biking or doing any other activity, your feet are your guide. Keeping your feet healthy is essential to your activity itinerary. Your feet have to be darn tough.

Made in Vermont, Darn Tough socks are manufactured in one of the most unforgiving climates in the continental United States. With frigid winters and humid summers, Vermont experiences both ends of the spectrum — making it an optimal place to manufacture and test socks.

Darn Tough produces socks to make your feet ignorant of the weather. After testing out different yarns and designs for over a year, they found a quality process to bring you the best darn sock possible.

When looking into their socks, all the reasons why the socks are so great really start to stack up. Let’s indulge, shall we?

Darn Tough socks are made with high density knitting. This means their socks have more knit stitches per inch, equating to more durability and cushioning without excessive bulk.

From running to snowboarding, you need socks that will have a performance fit — and Darn Tough has you covered. With form-fitting toe boxes to sculpted heel pockets and knit-in elastic support at the arch, their knitting techniques generate top-notch performance fitting socks for any activity.

The best wool around is probably Merino wool and that’s what you’ll find in Darn Tough socks. They have a custom count, shrink treated Merino wool to enhance the comfort and durability that outdoor enthusiasts have come to expect.

Since wool isn’t for everyone, Darn Tough uses an exclusive Coolmax blend to create socks with out-of-this-world softness, durability and moisture management.

Darn Tough’s Full Cushion socks have dense terry loops surrounding your entire foot to create maximum cushioning and warmth without the bulk. Since not everyone enjoys lots of cushioning, Darn Tough has a Cushion line with dense terry loops on just the bottom of the foot. And for those who really want a lightweight sock, Darn Tough’s Mesh socks have open-knit mesh construction, creating a very lightweight, breathable and fast sock.

All Darn Tough socks also contour to your calf, shin and ankle. With ribbed ankle support, you’ll find no slipping or bunching in your sock, which also helps to prevent blisters.

With a wide range of styles, cushioning and cuts, Darn Tough has you covered. It’ll only take one pair to get you hooked.

To browse for Darn Tough socks at the lowest prices with free shipping, visit SocksAddict.com or RunningSocks.com.

Win Feetures Socks/Get Coupon Code For RunningSocks.com

There is only one day left for your chance to win two pairs of Feetures socks courtesy of RunningSocks.com & MissZippy1.

There are multiple ways to enter:

• Like our Facebook Page
• Be a MissZippy follower
• Like MissZippy on Facebook
• Follow MissZippy on Twitter
• Spread the word via blog, Facebook or Twitter

Also to coincide with this great contest you can obtain a 15% off coupon code to RunningSocks.com. Just email kevin@alevastores.com to get your code. The coupon will expire tomorrow night, so act fast!

The Wicking Wonders of WrightSock

Enemy number one for most runners is a blister. Depending on where a blister forms, it can cause much discomfort for your training — and other people’s eyes.

Come summertime, sandals can surge up to the top of the enemy list for runners. Sandals can expose all those pesky blisters to everyone. I know a fellow runner whom justifies his croc-wearing habits by saying it allows him to wear a more summer-like shoe while covering up his disgusting runner’s feet at the same time.

Alas, have no fear, runners. As we’ve discussed here at the Socks Addicts blog before, there are ways to fight back!

Since blisters can form from friction, WrightSock makes for a great defender of these pesky intruders. They have a line of socks that are dual layer — making sure the friction stays between layers instead of your foot and shoe.

Now I know what some of you may be thinking right now: “Dual layer?! Sounds like it’s going to be a sock far too thick for summer running.”

No need to worry about that because not only is WrightSock dual layer, but it is very thin and lightweight as well. It’s so thin actually, you can easily wear them in your racing flats.

So how exactly does the dual layer work? Well, the inner layer wicks moisture off and away from your skin. With this, your feet will stay dry — thus eliminating the risk of blisters.

Let’s take a further look into the two layers WrightSock provides for you:

The outer layer is constructed of performance fibers specific to running. The interaction between the layers will absorb friction. The two layers trap air for effective insulation from heat and cold. It can keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The outer layer is made up of 72% Polyester, 24% Nylon and 4% Lycra.

The inner layer is smooth, undyed and hydrophobic. It’ll wick moisture away from your feet. It is made up of 70% Polyester and 30% Nylon.

WrightSocks also come equipped with a meshed panel for extra breathability.

WrightSock serves you a triumvirate of moisture management, friction reduction and temperature regulation. They are the lightest running socks you’ll find that won’t sacrifice your feet to the perils of moisture and blisters.

When you’re looking for a sock that will keep your feet looking normal in the summertime so you can wear sandals, then WrightSock is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a thin, lightweight sock to wear in your racing flats or spikes, again, WrightSock is an excellent choice. WrightSock will work just as hard as you do to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

You can browse plenty of WrightSocks in all sorts of different cuts and colors for all activities at SocksAddict.com or RunningSocks.com.

Don’t Get Served Wearing The Wrong Tennis Socks

Tennis is a strenuous sport. It’s a mix of endurance, strength, hand-eye coordination and grunting unseen in most other sports.  When it comes to equipment, some people may believe all you need is a racquet, shorts and a t-shirt. Well, as usual, a very important piece of anyone’s apparel is forgotten — socks!

Yes, socks do matter in the great sport of tennis. Much like every other sport, keeping your feet healthy and comfortable is essential. If your feet wear out, your game will wear out.

As you run back and forth with all that stop and go, your feet will need protection and comfort. I remember when I used to dabble in tennis, I’d almost instantly work up a sweat. Moisture removal is as important as ever. You’ll need a sock that will move sweat out and away from your foot. Whether it’s moisture-wicking fibers or a dual layer removal system like Drymax’s, your feet will be happily dry throughout the entirety of your match.

Padding is also of great importance for your tennis sock of choice. It’ll be best to have a heavier padding in the ball and heel of your foot. With more padding, your foot will be more cushioned to protect against heel strikes on a hard surface. The last thing you want is a worn out heel near the end of your match. With a protected heel, you get a stronger heel.

The other important spot for that extra cushion is your toes. You’ll need protection from abrasion caused by those sudden starts, stops and lateral movements that are heavily part of tennis. Obviously your toes are important in many facets of life, tennis definitely being one of those.

One of the more annoying things that can develop through the course of your tennis match is a sock sliding all over the place, not staying put or rolling down your ankle. Your sock needs to stay in place. You’ll find many of the better brands will have a quality arch band to hold socks in place. The best socks will have such a good hugging fit, the sock will feel like it morphed into part of your foot.

A couple other things to consider for your tennis socks are a breathable mesh vent on top and a seamless sock. Having some kind of ventilation on the top of your sock will allow to keep your foot somewhat cool throughout the duration of the match. Sporting seamless socks will be more comfortable for your feet.

With the right tennis sock, the only time the word love would be associated with you during your match is when you say, “I love these socks.”

Browse the available tennis socks at SocksAddict.com today.

Fighting Off Blisters with the Help of Drymax

The most annoying thing you could come away with after a run is a pesky blister. Not only are they a bother to walk or run on, they’re very gross to look at.

Blisters form during your run due to friction — So the kind of sock you have on is very important. Having the right kind of socks on will properly prevent blisters and allow you to carry on with your training.

When it comes to keeping your feet dry — another way of preventing pesky blisters — Drymax is typically your best option.

For example, The Western States 100 Mile Run was held just this past weekend. For those unaware, The Western States is a 100 mile race that begins in Squaw Valley, California and ends in Auburn. The participants endure a rough journey through the Sierra Nevada mountains, encountering all sorts of terrain (including knee-high creeks). Obviously, to get through a race like this, you need the best socks possible. In the top 10 finishers for men, two wore Drymax socks, while there were five on the women’s side. When looking at Drymax’s Facebook page, you’ll see someone wrote they wore Drymax socks during the race and despite completing 40 miles of the run in soaking wet shoes, they still escaped without a single blister.

So what makes Drymax such a powerful weapon against blisters? Let’s gaze further into the world of Drymax and see what makes it so special.

Drymax running socks contain a dual layer moisture removal system. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable — and thus, helping to ward off blisters. Keep in mind, the socks don’t prevent you from sweating — when you do sweat, it’ll just keep your foot dry still.

Along with the superb drying skills, Drymax running socks also have Low Density padding in the heel and toe to add extra cushioning without adding unnecessary volume in your shoes. This padding comes in handy on those longer runs, like the Western States 100. The padding will help keep you more comfortable on your run.

With Drymax socks, you’ll also find seamless insides, instep hugging arch band and MicroZap Drymax antimicrobial fibers for long-term odor control.

Drymax running socks are a complete sock that are not only the best at keeping your feet dry, but will keep you comfortable throughout the duration of your run.

When you’re ready to purchase your next running sock, make a serious consideration for Drymax. You won’t be dissatisfied.

We carry plenty of Drymax socks at SocksAddict.com and RunningSocks.com.

Red, White & Blue Sale!

July 4th is always that time of year you gather with family, friends and loved ones to barbecue, watch fireworks, go boating and all sorts of other fun stuff. Another great aspect of July 4th is that there are always some great road races to participate in.

A common apparel attribute you’ll find at most of these road races are people sporting the red, white and blue colors somehow. Whether it’s shorts, shirts or bandanas, you’ll see a flood of those three colors.

With compression wear taking the running community by storm, you may want to sport your compression gear and the red, white and blue at the same time!

So, to celebrate the 4th of July, we’ll sell Zensah red, white and blue compression calf sleeves for 10% off! Not only will you get the discount, but our free shipping will still be in effect! Just use the coupon code 1776Sleeves at checkout. You can use it on the two or single pack of sleeves.

The sale will end on July 4th, so take advantage while you can, only at SocksAddict.com.