This is another story my discovery that being cheap, when it comes to running apparel, isn't always best. This time we're talking socks. In the past I've always purchased socks in those big six-packs from Target. They're cheap. They work. But not as well as the socks I've purchased recently and I am quickly finding that spending the extra money is well worth it. Here are a few pairs of socks I've been wearing for a while now that are serving me well. (This is not a sponsored post. I purchased all these socks on my own and am simply sharing my experience.)Pro Compression Marathon Sock: I purchased this sock back in the winter and have been really pleased. It's a great compression sock at a reasonable price. I've mostly worn them after long runs or hard effort runs to aid in recovery. According to Pro Compression they "improve blood flow, resulting in better, more consistent performance with less fatigue and faster, more efficient recovery." It's hard to measure to what extent the sock does this, but when my calves and feet are feeling fatigued it certainly feels good to wear them. I have yet to wear them in a race and I may not, I'm not sure I like the feel of socks all the way up to my knees...it just doesn't make me "feel" fast.

Fit: The socks are true to size. I wear a women's size 10 in a running shoe and ordered the Small/Medium, which is supposed to fit size 7-11. The fit of the sock is snug (as with all compression gear), but still easy to put on and take off. The material is light weight and seems breathable. I've worn them on several runs outside, but that was in cooler weather (50's) not sure if you would want to wear them on a day much warmer than that.
Price: $50.00, but you can usually find a 40% off promo code or sign up for their emails and be notified of the sock of the month deals.

Balega Endro No Show: This was another winter purchase which I've worn exclusively at all my races (all ways save the best for race day!). The construction of the sock is nice: not too bulky, a nice mesh like panel on top of the foot and a soft slightly cushioned tab at the heel.

Fit: I love the way these socks are snug and slightly cushioned at the same time without being bulky. And once they're on there's no adjusting them. I have some (cheap) socks that so easily slide down into my shoes while I'm running. These do not. The tab in the back keeps them where they are supposed to be and provides a bit of cushion where you're shoe comes up at the heel. These were also true to size: I ordered the medium which fits sizes 8.5-10.5).
Price: Listed at $11.00, I ordered them from RunningWarehouse.com for $9.95

Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab: These are my most recent purchase and from the moment I put them on I loved them. Feetures touts a Sock-Lock Support System: a right and left specific socks, arch support, a non-irritating toe seam, a little cushion and wicking fibers. It all sounds super fancy (and maybe it is) I just know that they feel good.

Fit: I wore these for the first time last weekend on a 20 mile run in the rain. They didn't keep my feet "dry" (I don't think that would have been possible) but they seemed to wick quickly and didn't become heavy or soggy. The fit is snug, especially around the arch. The fabric is thicker/cushioned at the toe and heel and a lighter weave on the top of the foot. The right and left designated socks are shaped slightly to fit each foot better--I think it makes a difference, the feel snug. These socks also have a tab at the back like the Balega, which I really like because it means that the heel of the shoe doesn't rub and they don't slip down. For these socks I sized according to my "street shoe" (size 9.5) and picked the medium which is sized for 7-9.5.
Price: $14.99 at my local running store

Darn Tough Women's Galaxy No Show Cushion: I got these this winter right after Christmas. As I was complaining about my "dying" Smartwool socks my Mom was raving about her Darn Tough socks. So I went ahead and purchased a pair and they are now my go-to winter running socks. Darn Tough socks are made with merino wool and come with a unconditional lifetime guarantee: " if our all weather performance socks are not the most comfortable and durable socks you have ever worn, return them for another pair or your money back. No strings. No conditions. For life. When you are really serious about something you make it yourself." (If Smartwool had this guarantee I'd have sent back four pairs of running socks all with holes in them from the first long run.)

Fit:I realized when I got them home put these on that I had selected the "cushioned" version, which felt a little bulky to me at first. But I think the added cushion helps keep my toes warm. I have not worn them since the snow has melted, mostly because the added cushion makes my current running shoes tight (but it's fine in my trail shoes which I wear in the snow and wintery conditions). I purchased the medium, which fits sizes 7.5-9.5. The fit is snug but because of the cushioning they are a bit bulky.
Price: $14.99 at my local running store

What are your favorite running socks?

--Sarah

I still need help reaching my goal of raising $5000 for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth! Please consider donating.

You can read about the cause HERE. And donate on my fundraising page HERE.

If you enjoy running for a cause please consider joining the Under Armour What’s Beautiful Campaign and join my team: Team Be A Hero.

Want more from RunFarGirl? You can find me here:

Twitter:@Run_Far_Girl

Instagram: instagram.com/runfargirl

Facebook:Facebook.com/runfargirl262

Pinterest: pinterest.com/runfargirl

Daily Mile:dailymile.com/people/scanney