by Tracy Wynant
During packet pickup for my last 5K race, I decided to treat myself to a new pair of running socks. After perusing the rack and getting the input from the sales associate, I pick a pair that appealed to me, truthfully, based on color alone. They are a brand called Feetures. I have small feet, although somewhat Fred Flintstone-like, so I grab size small and pay for them. 5K race, done, no problem.
The next time I wear the socks, I notice they feel a little tight on my toes but attribute that to them being brand-spanking new. I keep yanking on the toes of the socks to give my tootsies breathing room before stuffing the Fred’s into my shoes. Next run, done, no problem. Back at home, as I’m relaxing, I look down at my feet and see this:
During packet pickup for my last 5K race, I decided to treat myself to a new pair of running socks. After perusing the rack and getting the input from the sales associate, I pick a pair that appealed to me, truthfully, based on color alone. They are a brand called Feetures. I have small feet, although somewhat Fred Flintstone-like, so I grab size small and pay for them. 5K race, done, no problem.
The next time I wear the socks, I notice they feel a little tight on my toes but attribute that to them being brand-spanking new. I keep yanking on the toes of the socks to give my tootsies breathing room before stuffing the Fred’s into my shoes. Next run, done, no problem. Back at home, as I’m relaxing, I look down at my feet and see this:
I had not noticed prior that there was a designation between the LEFT and RIGHT sock. No other sock that I’ve EVER owned is marked in such a fashion. What??? You are talking all cra-cra here? Socks are socks. Interchangeable. It doesn’t matter….or does it? The light bulb comes on. Perhaps this is why the socks felt tight. I whip them off and switch them around.
Strangely, it does feel different….or does it? At this point, I talk myself into thinking it felt differently. A quick Google search turns up a bunch of information on left and right-footed specific sock information. Who knew? Sometimes these types of socks are called “asymmetrical fit” socks. The supposed benefit of this left/right designation is an overall better fit as the cut, padding, and stitching complement the unique shape of each foot.
Really? They don’t seem that different in appearance to me! Apparently for hundreds of years the poor, lowly feet have been getting the shaft!
When I first started running, I just wore whatever socks were in the sock drawer. I quickly discovered that you don’t want to wear just plain old cotton socks. I had problems with the Costco footie socks sliding off my foot inside the shoe and also giving me blisters. The new synthetic materials that socks are made of are designed to wick moisture, which apparently is the preemptive measure for blister avoidance. I think it’s mainly a ploy to get your money, but in the end I do have to admit that if the feet that are plodding me along are happy, it is worth the extra dollars to make sure they are comfortable and outfitted in the latest, lightweight tech material. And in my mind, it makes me so much faster to boot!
Check out Tracy's profile and links to her other posts on our Contributors page.
When I first started running, I just wore whatever socks were in the sock drawer. I quickly discovered that you don’t want to wear just plain old cotton socks. I had problems with the Costco footie socks sliding off my foot inside the shoe and also giving me blisters. The new synthetic materials that socks are made of are designed to wick moisture, which apparently is the preemptive measure for blister avoidance. I think it’s mainly a ploy to get your money, but in the end I do have to admit that if the feet that are plodding me along are happy, it is worth the extra dollars to make sure they are comfortable and outfitted in the latest, lightweight tech material. And in my mind, it makes me so much faster to boot!
Check out Tracy's profile and links to her other posts on our Contributors page.
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