Tuesday, September 20, 2011

sock obsession ...

Recently, the lovely Rachel at Running Backwards in High Heels asked if I would do a post about my socks. I pretty much agreed instantly and kind of wondered why I hadn't done one before, especially considering that my socks are what I most often get asked about.

The thing was that I didn't really know where to start. Yes, I love my socks. And yes, I have a ton of them. (This is the current state of my sock drawer, it's double stacked)


But, I don't really have a good reason for wearing them. Most of the time, they are more about fashion than function. Percentage wise, I have significantly fewer pairs of compression socks than anything else.

So, here it is, my sock collection. I didn't realize how much of a problem I had until I laid them all out.

Compression SocksLittle MissMatched
Reebok All Sport Socks from Dick's Sporting GoodsRandom socks, mostly won in giveaways or sent to me by other bloggers

Crazy, right? Something like 50-60 pairs there. I think I need an intervention.

And since I get asked the same questions a lot, I figured I'd answer them all now.

What are your favorite compression socks?: CEP, but if you are on a budget SwiftSocks by Running Skirts are a close second and are half the price.

How/Why did you start wearing them?: The night before the 2009 Richmond Marathon it was forecasted to be cooler than usual at the start, so I went out to buy socks to use as arm warmers. Instead, I found pink and white striped socks for both G and me. I wore them that day and got so many shout outs along the course that I vowed that I would never run with out them again.

Do you ever run without them?: Never. It could be 100 degrees out or I could be alone on my treadmill, regardless, I still rock the socks.

Are they compression?: Sometimes, but not usually.

Do you get blisters?: I have never had a blister and I have never worn running socks underneath them to prevent myself from getting one. Nor do I use Body Glide on my feet.

Do they make you hot?: No, not at all. But, I am acclimated to them. I wouldn't recommend wearing knee high socks on a 90 degree day if you've never worn them before.

Do they slide down?: Nope. Not even once.

Do I have to wear knee highs to run with you?: No, put it is preferred. I'm kidding. Mostly.

20 comments:

Running Ricig said...

"do i have to wear knee highs if I run with you?" lol. I love it.

CEPs really are the best compression socks aren't they?

Your sock collection puts my socks to shame. My sock drawer is pretty much all variations on white dry fit socks.

kimert said...

People always give my daughter a hard time about her LMM socks but we love them. I have not tried any compressions socks but want to. However, I have huge calves and I usually only run in capris.. wouldn't I look like a goob?

Unknown said...

I rocked the socks in middle school and also unique chunky necklaces. Sadly, I went total grunge in high school and lost the passion. You inspire me! I bought some Zensah Sleeves in neon green a few months back and love them.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

awesome!!! i love all the colors and patterns. the big question is how in the world do you choose which pair to wear?!? and is there a pair that you are superstitious about? like your "lucky" pair?

Unknown said...

Socks do get noticed at races. I remember that lady at SF who asked us about them...so much fun.

I agree with you, CEP are the best compression. However, I Body Glide my toes and in between them before every workout. Blisters between toes suck.

Jen Feeny said...

This post cracked me up sooooooooo much! I'm not surprised at all that most aren't compression actually, there's so many fun socks out there that aren't. I've worn many a holiday theme'd Target socks for holiday races and they've always worked pretty good too.

Unknown said...

Lovin the socks, can never have too many I feel - I used to get a pair of high socks for every holiday...I think I might need to bring that back into my life :) I love candy cane ones the best!

MCM Mama said...

I feel special that you ran with me and I don't wear knee highs LOL.

That's quite the collection. ;o)

Canuck Mom said...

Love all the socks!! I too love my knee high socks and wore tons of them before running again too. The girls at work know me as the fashion/funky sock girl as I will wear them under my scrubs too. That is one reason I am glad I had to take a break from running in my Vibrams all the time. For a year I did not get to wear many knee high socks while running and missed them.

SupermomE13 said...

Do they have a 12 step program for people addicted to socks?? :)

I love it! I love that you know what you like and have your own style and go with it. That is what life is about.

Do you have your NYC outfit picked out yet?? :)

Penny said...

I dont have any compression socks or sleeve yet. If you had to pick sock vs sleeve which ones would you get. I cant decide. I get so confused. I would like the sock in the winter but maybe the sleeve in the summer. Do you have any advise on socks vs sleeve.

Anonymous said...

OMG! I have a post in the wings about my running shirts. I could not believe how much room they took up on the floor when I laid them out. Of course, your socks are much more colorful.

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

I have a pair of CEP Calf Sleeves and I agree that they are quite amazing.

But just look at that drawer!! You should have a sponsorship. No joke! haha

Shout outs during a race are certainly a worthy reason to keep up the fashion trend! Rock it girl!

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

I have a pair of CEP Calf Sleeves and I agree that they are quite amazing.

But just look at that drawer!! You should have a sponsorship. No joke! haha

Shout outs during a race are certainly a worthy reason to keep up the fashion trend! Rock it girl!

fancy nancy said...

That is one serious collection of socks!!! You rock those socks with style!

Marlene said...

That is one serious sock collection!!!

Audrey J. said...

I have only run 3 races so far, but I decided to "rock the socks" after my first race when I saw one other girl with the FUNNEST outfit! I have only 12 pairs and I love, love, love running in them! I also loving putting outfits together based on the various stripes. So far, that's all I have is stripes. Anyway, your sock drawer has inspired me! I'm going to show my husband so he will know I'm not the only one...

Elle said...

wow!

Rachel said...

Oh my mercy.. How did I miss this post??? So sad. This is amazing. I really want your entire Little Miss Matched collection, your green striped ones and your pink striped ones...Are you constantly picking up new socks whenever you go in somewhere?

Run with Jess said...

I've recently gotten into the socks, doubt I'll wear them in the summer, but I just LOVE them in the fall/winter for extra warmth and fashion of course! Rock 'em Socks!