Running socks are made from high-quality and durable materials, ensuring they last longer than regular socks. When a sock wears out, it should be recognized and replaced with a new one. I will show you 5 signs when a running sock needs to be replaced and how to maintain your running socks to make them last longer.
Running socks last 3-6 months or up to 1000 miles (1600 kilometers). When running socks are no longer comfortable to wear, they should be replaced. How long running socks stay comfortable depends on the quality of the materials, how they are maintained, and the health of your feet.
Do you have socks you’ve been wearing for a while? In the rest of this article, I’ll tell you the signs that your socks need to be replaced. I’ll also tell you how to choose good quality running socks and how to look after them so they last longer.
The main reason running socks don’t last long
There are a few reasons why your socks don’t last long. The lifespan of running socks depends on the health of your feet, the length of your nails, the way you maintain them, the quality of the materials, and the quality of your running shoes.
Toe socks or regular socks, which are better for running and hiking? Find out by clicking on that link.
The lifetime of running socks depends on the health of your feet
The health of your skin also affects the life of your running socks. Hard skin can damage the fibers of the socks, which become thinner with each run and can cause holes in the sock over a short period.
The life of your socks is also affected by the width of your feet. If you have wide feet and wear too tight socks, it’s not good for your feet in the first place. In the second place, you will sooner or later stretch your socks, and as a result, they will wear out faster.
The lifetime of running socks depends on the quality of materials
Running socks made of synthetic materials are strong and will last the longest compared to other materials if you take good care of them. Synthetic fibers are more robust and therefore start to thin later. Socks made of polyester dry quickly and don’t stay wet for long because polyester wicks sweat away from the skin and absorb zero moisture.
Unlike polyester, merino wool absorbs a lot of sweat but still feels dry to the touch. Merino wool is a delicate material that needs special care. Always wash it in cold water using a delicate garment program and hang it on a line.
The lifetime of running socks depends on the length of your nails
Too long nails can damage the fibers of running socks and cause holes. While running, the foot constantly moves, and long nails rub against the sock. Cut your nails regularly to give your running socks a longer life.
The lifetime of running socks depends on the way you maintain them
Running socks are usually made of synthetic materials, the most common material being polyester. The most common natural material is merino wool. Both materials need to be maintained carefully.
Washing in hot water will damage the fibers in the sock, which will no longer be elastic and become thinner after repeated washing in hot water. This causes the sock to be less comfortable and to develop holes more quickly.
Before washing, turn the socks inside out to protect the outer fibers. If possible, wash them in cold water, even better if you hand wash socks in cold water. Soak the socks in cold water for 30-60 minutes with a little liquid laundry detergent or fabric softener. Then flush the socks with cold water, wring them well and hang them on a rack or radiator to dry.
Socks can become uncomfortable more quickly if you wear them often. You can find out whether running socks are also suitable for walking by clicking on that link.
The lifetime of running socks depends on the quality of your running shoes
Your running socks are always in contact with your feet and running shoes. Just as the health of your feet affects the life of your socks, so does the quality of your running shoes.
If your running shoes have holes in the sole or any cracks inside the shoe, this can damage the running sock during the run. Replace your running shoes when you have run 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) in them or when they start to tear and are no longer comfortable to run in.
Some companies provide a lifetime guarantee on their socks if they ever rip, tear or develop holes. These are the Stance running socks, which must have the INFIKNIT label. You can read more about what makes Stance running socks so special here.
When do you need to replace your running socks?
Running socks should last 3-6 months of wear or up to 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers). You’ll know it’s time to replace your socks when they’re no longer as comfortable as they used to be. Here are some more signs that your socks need to be replaced.
Change your socks if they become thinner
A worn sock can become so thin that you can see through it. Such socks are no longer comfortable and do not offer your feet enough protection against sweat and bacteria build-up. A thin sock is the first sign that it’s time to change them, as further wearing can form holes.
Have you ever wondered if you can wear the same running socks more than once? I have made a test to answer this question. Click on this link to get the answer.
Change your socks if they have holes
Holes in running socks are a clear sign that they need to be replaced because you have worn them too many times. Due to wear and frequent washing, the fibers have become so thin that they have snapped. Holes in running socks can also be caused by too long toenails or a damaged running shoe interior.
Running socks with holes should be thrown away immediately because running can damage your foot. You can get blisters or foot infections in the place where you have a torn sock, as it cannot wick sweat away from the skin.
Change your socks if you get blisters
Wearing new running shoes can cause blisters, which is normal as the shoes are not walked in well yet. If you start getting blisters in shoes that are already walked in, the problem may be in the socks. Good quality socks need to fit the foot well to wick away sweat. If the sock wrinkles in places, blisters can form on foot.
You can protect yourself against blisters before buying socks by checking these 3 features of socks that prevent blisters.
Change your socks when they turn yellow
If your socks start to turn yellow and your feet smell very bad, that is a sign that you probably have a very bad case of foot fungus. Foot fungus is caused by an athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection in the skin of your feet. Throw these socks away and find help at your doctor!