Route 40 Graduated Compression Socks

Route 40 claim that their graduated compression socks are the world’s most advanced!

The socks, with their different levels of compression throughout, are purported to increase circulation, reduced soreness and lead to faster recovery. I must admit that I’m always pretty cynical when I read claims like this, for a couple of reasons. Firstly I’d like to read the scientific study that backs up the claims and see it reported in a recognised Sports Science or Sports Medicine journal. Secondly, if true I’d expect to see all of the world’s top runners wearing them!

Having said that I do wear long socks for running so if I don’t believe that they will improve my performance would I wear them? Two reasons mainly; warmth and protection.

In winter or on cold days I like to try to keep my calves warm and so long socks are my choice. I find that a decent pair of long socks works better, even if wearing shorts, than a pair of ankle socks under a pair of tights. In summer I’d still wear long socks if I knew I was heading into deep heather on my run. On navigation courses we often seek out the more remote and pathless parts of the Peak District and this inevitably means some “heather bashing”! Here long socks are vital to prevent scratches. Another problem with running on the fells in summer is the bracken which not only scratches your legs but also is home for ticks whose bites can cause serious illness.

runner wearing Route 40 socks in bracken

long socks for bracken bashing!

And then there is the dreaded midge. I remember waiting for the start of a race one warm, still, summer evening and being eaten alive, wishing that I was more covered up. So again long socks are a good idea and you can always roll them down once you are out of the vegetation or away from the midges.

runner wearing runner wearing Route 40 socks on a path

you can always roll them down

The Route 40 socks are a Polyamide, Elastodiene and Spandex mix and have a nice soft feel to them. Unlike other compression socks that I’ve worn they don’t feel too tight and they are easy to get on and off. They look good (well I think so), I thought they were black at first but as they stretch the blue / teal color shows through. I found them very comfortable, the flat toe seam prevents rubbing and the anatomical shape means that the socks hug your feet so there is less likelihood of your foot sliding around in the sock. I do like them and will wear them throughout the year, I just don’t expect them to lead to improvements in my running!

long socks – big claims!

Pros
Comfortable, offer warmth and protection, easy to put on, reasonably priced.

Cons
Not sure about the claims of increased performance!

RRP £29.99

Available from https://route40.co/

360Dry Waterproof Socks – Black

Fans of waterproof socks will be pleased to know that 360DRY® have added to their range with a version of the ankle sock in black.

360DRY® waterproof ankle socks in black

These waterproof and breathable socks have the same soft feel as the blue Merino wool version but in a different colour. Like the blue ankle socks they are slightly thinner and softer than the full length version and I like how they don’t “feel” like a waterproof sock. I choose the long, slightly thicker socks for really nasty conditions or if I know I’m going to be out for a long time. The shorter version are good for less severe conditions such as wet grass and snow rather than deep, waterlogged ground, although I gave them a stern test in bad weather recently. My feet were slightly damp afterwards but I did run through a stream where water came over the top of the socks! Even so my feet stayed warm and there was no sensation of the heat being flushed away when running through cold water, as is often the case with non waterproof socks.

photo of 360Dry waterproof socks in a bog

360DRY® waterproof ankle socks in a bog!

My previous review of both versions of the sock can be seen here https://fellrunningguide.co.uk/360dry-waterproof-socks/

RRP:
Ankle socks £24.99

360DRY® are a small online retailer based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.
Website: https://www.360dry.co.uk/

360Dry Waterproof Socks

This winter I will be wearing waterproof, breathable, Merino wool socks from 360DRY® for some of my runs.

Should you wear waterproof socks for running? Ask a group of fell runners the question and you’ll probably get a divided opinion. Some will swear by them whilst others will tell you that you don’t need them and to stop being such a wimp!

waterproof sock weather!

Notice I didn’t say that I would be wearing them for all of my winter runs, so when would I choose them over a standard running sock?

Why wear waterproof socks?

For me the issue isn’t necessarily about keeping my feet dry it’s more about keeping them warm, so in summer and autumn even if I knew I was going to get wet feet I’d not bother with a waterproof sock. Even in winter if I’m doing a harder training session such as intervals or hill reps where I will be running fast and I won’t be out for very long then I don’t worry too much and would wear a normal sock. Likewise for a short winter race, unless the temperature was very cold I’d just wear a wool sock. Where I would “wimp out” though is on longer runs in cold weather or even on short runs in snow melt conditions.

wimping out in the Merino ankle socks!

I also opt for a waterproof sock if I’m teaching navigation skills when I might be out on the moors moving at stop / start pace for over 5 hours (that’s a long time to suffer with cold feet!) And I also choose them for coaching in winter where I am stood on a wet playing field for an hour doing nothing more strenuous than looking at a stopwatch and blowing a whistle! It doesn’t take long for your feet to get cold if you aren’t moving, even more so if they are wet.

360DRY® are a small Yorkshire based firm offering two versions of a breathable, waterproof sock made with Merino wool and a waterproof membrane. The ankle length version has a soft feel and doesn’t appear that much different to just a thick woolen sock. The full length, calf sock feels a bit thicker and more robust. Unlike compression socks the calf length socks aren’t very tight, I find them snug enough that they don’t fall down yet they aren’t a struggle to get on and off. The full length socks are quite thick so if your shoes are tight fitting then you might find that putting your shoes on is a bit of a squeeze. Both pairs feel comfortable, there is one seam across the toes but I haven’t experienced any problems with rubbing.

choice of two lengths of sock

As with other makes of waterproof socks I’ve found that my feet do get a bit clammy. I don’t think that there is any way that sweat can escape if the outer of the sock is wet. As a result my feet will be warm but damp after a prolonged run – a much better scenario than cold and wet!

It pays to look after the socks to prolong their life so it is recommended that you hand wash them in warm water rather than throwing them in the machine on a hot cycle. Any grit in your shoes will lead to abrasion of the waterproof membrane so your socks will last longer if you wash your shoes and keeping your toenails short will help prevent from wearing holes in the toes. Unfortunately the big toe on my left foot always wears through my socks! It’s not the end of the world if you do eventually wear a hole in them, yes a small amount of water will get in but I’ve found my feet still stay warm thanks to the Merino wool.

The 360DRY® socks are good value for money compared to other well known brands.

RRP:

Ankle socks £24.99
Calf socks £27.99

For an additional 15% off use code FELL15 at checkout

Website: https://www.360dry.co.uk/

1000 Mile Trail Socks – Review

Who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of putting on a new pair of socks?

Ones that hug you and feel soft beneath your feet rather than those mis-shapen, threadbare and holy things that you seem to have been running in recently! 1000 Mile Trail Socks are my new socks; a blend of acrylic and Merino wool that are anatomically shaped offering different amounts of padding to different parts of the foot.

1000 Mile trail socks

The forefoot, heel and toes have more padding for comfort and this extends up the achilles to reduce friction and offer more protection. The top of the foot and under the arch has a thinner construction allowing more ventilation and the elasticated top hugs the calf, without being too tight, and prevents the socks from riding down.

padded achilles and elasticated top

I found the socks comfortable and soft and I liked the fact that I couldn’t feel the toe seam meaning there would be no friction issues on long runs. They are quick drying and the Merino wool helps keep your feet warm when wet whilst its antibacterial properties means that they are likely keep your feet fresher that purely synthetic socks, especially when damp or sweaty.

different padding for different parts

Comfortable and affordable the 1000 Mile trail socks are ideal for cooler months when you might want a slightly thicker sock and for runs where you don’t mind having wet feet.

RRP £12 (twin pack)

More info about 1000 mile socks here: https://1000mile.co.uk/

Rooster Sailing Neoprene Sock Review

Fell running in winter results in wet feet, there’s no avoiding it!

Over the years I’ve tried different brands of so called “waterproof” socks but found that after a couple of outings they cease to be waterproof, water that does get in stays in and you end up with a heavy, soggy sock. Yes your feet stay relatively warm but they certainly don’t stay dry. Also, waterproof socks are expensive so when I threw my last pair away I wanted to replace them with something cheaper that would keep my feet warm if not dry.

winter running means wet feet! (photo Fell Running Guide)

Someone recommended Rooster Sailing neoprene socks as a cheaper alternative to waterproof socks so I thought I’d give them a try. (I got the 3mm neoprene Superstretch Wet Socks) As the name suggests, these socks are designed for sailing rather than running and my first thought on seeing them was that the stitched seam that runs under the heel would be uncomfortable. However I needn’t have worried as it was much less noticeable than I feared. The extra thickness of the 3mm neoprene means that your shoes will feel tighter than normal and so you might struggle if your shoes are already a tight fit. The stretch of the material makes the socks easy to get on and off and the top extends to the lower calf and gives a snug fit.

3mm stretchy neoprene

On short runs I was pleased to find that my feet were warm and damp at the end but the real test would come on longer runs in very cold conditions. Luckily the Trigger fell race provided an excellent testing ground; 24 miles across high moorland with melting snow!

ideal testing conditions! (photo Mossienet)

After four and a half hours with wet feet from the numerous river crossings I was very happy that I could still feel my feet! Other runners were complaining that their feet felt like blocks of wood, mine were fine. Since then I’ve used the socks for long runs in bad weather and always found that my feet end up warm and damp rather than cold and wet.

The Verdict

The Roosters aren’t the cheapest of neoprene socks, (a pair will set you back about £20) but they feel robust and well made and they are still significantly cheaper than a well known brand of waterproof socks. The super stretch material fits the shape of your foot without any baggy areas and so gives a comfortable fit. It is worth keeping your big toenails trimmed to avoid wearing a hole in the socks – which I seem to have done with previous waterproof socks – although unlike waterproof socks a hole in the toe won’t compromise the effectiveness of the sock.

another wet run! (photo Fell Running Guide)

I can certainly recommend Rooster Sailing Neoprene Wet Socks, I’ve worn them in some pretty harsh conditions this winter and I haven’t had cold feet!

cold weather, warm feet (photo M. Scotney)

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Injinji – Gloves for your Feet

The great thing about fell running is its simplicity.

No expensive kit is needed, there’s no need to keep updating to the latest design, it’s just a case of get dressed and go. So there’s nothing much to consider when it comes to choosing a pair of socks, right?

Well that’s what I thought until I went to a talk by experienced Ultra Running athletes, sharing their knowledge with runners hoping to complete the Mammut Ultra Tour of the Peak District. The fact is that during an ultra distance race your body has enough to deal with and so avoiding anything that could slow you down is crucial, things like blisters for example.

An ill fitting sock might not cause you too much trouble on a short run or race but what if you’re on the go for 10 hours or more? That little ruck in your sock, that little bit of skin rubbing on skin is going to cause a problem. That’s where Injinji toe socks come in.

Injinji toe socks

What are they?

Injinjis are designed as left and right foot specific socks with each toe having its own little bit of sock – just like gloves but on your feet! The anatomical shaping helps keep the toes correctly aligned and prevents them rubbing on each other. Sweat is also removed from the toes and thus the chance of getting blisters is reduced. The material is a mix of Coolmax, Nylon and Lycra giving a snug fit with increased reinforcement at the heel and toes where most of the wear is likely to occur.

What are they like to wear?

My first thought on seeing them was “they look odd!” Having had thousands of pairs of socks I have got used to what they look like – and these look different, but that’s no reason not to wear them. The main thing you notice is when putting them on. After decades of putting socks on without thinking you have to actually concentrate on what you’re doing and line up each toe with its own compartment. This was a little bit fiddly and certainly not something that you could do in the dark whilst still half asleep!

Strange but comfortable

Having got them on they felt a little unusual around the toes although I soon got used to this. I first tested them out with my usual fell shoes on a hard hill rep session in the Peak District. My concern was that as there was more material in the toe box they might make the shoe too tight, but this wasn’t a problem and once my shoes were on I felt just as comfy as usual. The run had me on my toes on the way up whilst the steep downhill sections was the sort of terrain that forces your feet to the front of your shoes. The Injinjis were comfortable and supportive (although they didn’t make the hills any easier!)

Overall I liked the Injinji toe socks and will be using them for long days out fell and trail running in the Peak District where the real test will come – but it will take more than gloved feet to turn me into an Ultra runner!