Stance is a relatively young company that has been producing quality socks for sports and leisure since 2009. During this period, they have become a well-known brand and started to work with many celebrities. So what makes Stance running socks so special?
The special about Stance running socks is that they are very breathable, and after many wears, they are still as comfortable as the first time. They come with a lifetime guarantee. If you manage to rip, tear or develop holes in your Stance socks with the INFIKNIT label, they will replace them for free.
Stance is a fast-growing sock brand that has taken the world by storm and is definitely worth a try (this is not a paid post, just a personal opinion). In the rest of this post, I’ll explain what I think are the key benefits of Stance socks and why they’re worth a try.
What Is So Special About Stance Running Socks?
Stance has developed its own technology called FEEL360, which has three pillars – fresh, dry, and smart. This innovative technology aims to enable Stance sock wearers to wear their socks more often and for longer. And still, get the same feeling of comfort as when we put the sock on for the first time.
Another very popular feature of Stance socks is INFIKNIT. Buying a sock with this label gives a lifetime guarantee, and a free replacement of the sock in case the sock rips, tears, or develops holes. You can claim your guarantee quickly and easily, whether you bought your Stance socks from a Stance store, online, or a retailer (more on this later).
Stance proves its claims very well with FEEL360 and INFIKNIT technologies. These two technologies can also be found in other sports socks and even in leisure socks. It works very well in running socks, which I tried when I tested the 3 main pillars – fresh, dry, and smart.
I bought myself their RUN TAB SOCKS, which are ankle socks and therefore look a bit over the running shoe, which is good to protect the runners from rubbing against the shoe and blisters. In addition, to run tab socks, which are ankle socks, you can also choose between the crew and quarter socks. I suggest you read up on the differences between ankle and quarter socks.
The TAB marking on Stance socks means that the back of the sock looks a little bit more over the shoe, giving extra protection from rubbing against the shoe. Read more about the 3 important features a running sock should have to prevent blisters, here.
I personally like the TAB feature of the socks, as comfort is my first priority in sports socks. However, I can imagine that some people might not like it from an aesthetic point of view, that the back of the sock looks out too much. That is a matter of personal taste, in my case, comfort takes priority over aesthetics. If that bothers you a lot, maybe no-show socks are more suitable for you.
Comfort and Durability Make Stance Socks Special
Comfort and self-expression are the two main values of Stance. This is also why they work with so many artists. In addition to promoting these two values, they want to offer their users a quality product that will last and withstand the stresses of everyday life.
Comfort comes from the three pillars of FEEL360 technology – fresh, dry, and smart. Those 3 pillars are also used in Stance basketball socks.
Around the ankle, the sock is surrounded by a performance mesh material to keep the foot cool with increased airflow. This is part of the first pillar (fresh) because it keeps the foot fresh and thus prevents bacteria from forming on foot.
For comfort during sports, the next pillar is probably the most important – DRY. If the sock quickly becomes soaked, it is uncomfortable for the foot and increases the chafing against the shoe. Prolonged wearing of wet socks can lead to bacteria and blisters on foot.
The main part of keeping the sock dry is the materials. Stance running socks have a composition of nylon, polyester, combed cotton, and elastane. All these materials breathe well and keep your feet fresh. Nylon makes up 60-70 %, polyester 20-30 %, combed cotton 4-7 %, and elastane 3-6 % (depending on the sock model).
The composition of materials is an important factor when choosing running socks. Read more about choosing the best running socks here.
Combed cotton is the only natural material in this mix, which provides extra comfort. Combed cotton differs from regular cotton in that it has softer fibers. While nylon, polyester, and elastane are very fast-drying materials that wick sweat away from the skin. Nylon even absorbs sweat and still feels dry to the touch. I, therefore, recommend that you choose socks that have a higher proportion of nylon than polyester.
Who would have thought that socks could be SMART? But Stance claims that their socks are SMART, which is the third pillar of FEEL360 technology. What’s SMART are the materials from which the socks are made up as they detect when the skin gets warm and starts to sweat. That’s when the material starts to wick away the sweat and keep the foot dry and cool for longer.
Why are Stance socks so comfortable?
Stance socks are comfortable because they use a high proportion of combed cotton. Combed cotton is further processed and is more comfortable than regular cotton. Comfort and durability are Stance’s values, which they guarantee with FEEL360 technology.
Combed cotton is a big part of why Stance socks are so comfortable. Durability is also a big contributing factor, as the socks are still very comfortable after many wears. Because the socks dry quickly, wearing them for several hours is more comfortable and healthier, and because the foot is dry for longer, it rubs against the shoe less and blisters and bacteria don’t form.
Are stance socks worth the money?
Stance socks are definitely worth the money. Compared to competing companies, Stance running socks cost about the same. But Stance socks have INFIKNIT technology, which provides a lifetime guarantee and free return in case the sock rips, tears, or develops holes.
This is a comparison table of some of the most popular running sock brands.
| Ankle socks | Quarter socks | Crew socks | |
| Stance | $14,99 | $16,99 | $19,99 |
| Nike | $18 | $18 | $18 |
| Adidas | $14 (no-show) | $14 | $25 |
| Hoka | $14 (no-show) | / | $18 |
I think Stance socks that carry the INFIKNIT label are definitely worth the money. They are competitive in price with the closest competitors, and the lifetime guarantee that comes with INFIKNIT is their competitive advantage. In any case, we take fewer risks when we buy them because we know that the socks will last for many years and will still be as comfortable as when we first put them on.
Let’s talk a little more about INFIKNIT technology.
The INFIKNIT label represents the fibers from which the sock is made. The main role in the fiber composition is played by nylon, which is a higher quality and stronger nylon obtained through a special processing process.
INFIKNIT fibers are thicker where the foot load on the sock is highest (see picture below). In casual socks worn for leisure or work, the load is highest at the heel and toe. In performance or sports socks, the coverage of INFIKNIT fibers is greater and extends through almost the entire foot. The foot moves more and rubs against the shoes during sporting activity.
Extra support and padding in the most exposed areas add extra comfort. Read the full comparison between thin and thick socks here.
How can I tell if a Stance sock has INFIKNIT?
The INFIKNIT areas have a distinctive contrasting twist that is different from the rest of the sock and will therefore be easy to spot on the sock. In addition, INFIKNIT socks have an additional logo on the inside of the sock.
How do I claim the INFIKNIT guarantee?
The INFIKNIT Guarantee is very quick and easy to activate, and you can find out all about it here: https://stance.eu.com/pages/guarantee
Here’s how it works:
- Enter your name, email address, and country of residence.
- Indicate the reason for the complaint – The material was uncomfortable and caused irritation; They’re faulty; Quality issue or other.
- Attach 3 pictures of the product showing the fault – (1) Socks laid flat (2) Inside collar of the sock where the Infiknit logo sits (3) Picture clearly showing the area of the fault/ damage.
- Indicate the approximate date of purchase of the sock and where you bought the sock (A retailer or store; a Stance brand store or Stance website).
- And click Submit.
Further procedures will be communicated to you by Stance customer service.
What side should the Stance logo be on?
Casual Stance socks have a logo on the inside, while performance socks have a logo on the outside or back. Some socks don’t even have a logo, so you can get your orientation from the graphics on the sock or the R and L markings if the sock contains them.
Casula socks are not anatomically adapted (they don’t have R and L markings), so it doesn’t matter which sock you put on which side. If you are wearing a casual sock with a painting on it, the idea is to make it as visible as possible, so wear the sock with the painting on the outside. If you wear plain casual socks, it doesn’t matter how you wear them.
Performance socks are anatomically adapted and mostly have an R and L marking, making it easier for you to put them on. When you put them on, the Stance mark will be on the outside unless the socks are made so that the mark is on the back.