For a beginner runner, socks are an unimportant item of clothing that doesn’t get much attention. But the fact is that running socks are the most important part of a running outfit, after running shoes. Then there is the dilemma of which length of running socks to choose and whether long or short socks are better.
Longer running socks that go above the ankle are better, as they protect the runner’s ankle when running and the back of the foot from rubbing against the shoe. Shorter socks that go below the ankle are more stylish and ensure we don’t feel so hot in hot weather.
There is no universal answer to whether long or short-running socks are better. That’s why, in the rest of this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each length and when they are best to wear. Based on this, you can decide which length suits your running style best.
Is it better to run with long or short socks?
As I said, I will present the pros and cons of long and short socks from my point of view and experience to help you decide. I consider long-running socks to be all socks that go above the ankle (quarter, crew, knee-high socks) and short socks to go below the ankle (no-show, low, and ankle socks).
Why do people wear high socks when running?
People wear long socks when running because long socks keep them warm when running, protect the back of the heel from rubbing against the shoe, promote blood circulation and protect the ankles when running. Long running socks include quarter, crew and knee-high running socks.
Pros of Long-Running Socks
I will first highlight all the advantages of high-running socks so I can explain their disadvantages later.
High-running socks’ primary and most obvious advantage is that they protect the ankle during running. Because the socks extend over the ankle, they keep the ankle warm, and therefore, there is less chance of injury.
Longer socks, especially those that go up to the knees, provide an extra layer of warmth, which comes in handy for cold-weather running. See other ways to keep your feet warm while running in cold and rainy weather. This is when the running trail is often wet and dirtier, so high-running socks protect us from getting mud, water, and stones into our running shoes. Long socks are, therefore, more suitable for trail running.
Longer socks prevent our feet from rubbing against the back of the shoe, a common cause of blisters. Running socks are often very elastic, so they can stay on foot for the whole run and not slip off during the run.
The last major advantage of high-running socks is that compression socks are also high. Most runners who wear knee-high running socks wear compression socks. Compression socks increase blood circulation from the ankle up the body and can be worn during and after running. During running, compression socks will help you not to get cramps. And after the run, they’ll speed up recovery after a hard workout. I recommend you read the full article on compression socks here.
Cons of Long-Running Socks
In addition to the many advantages of high-running socks, they also have some disadvantages.
The main disadvantage of high-running socks is that they are more difficult to put on than low-running socks. Compression socks have a high degree of elasticity and are particularly difficult to put on.
Another disadvantage of high socks is that they are less suitable for wearing in hot weather. High socks keep us warm and protect us in cold weather, but in hot weather, this is their disadvantage.
| PROS | CONS |
| Protect the ankle during running | They are more difficult to put on |
| Provide an extra layer of warmth | They are less suitable for wearing in hot weather |
| Protect us from getting mud, water, and stones in running shoes | |
| Prevent our feet from rubbing against the back of the shoe | |
| Compression socks increase blood circulation from the ankle up the body, which prevents crumbs and speeds up recovery. |
Pros of Short-Running Socks
The main advantage of low-running socks is their look, which I think is more stylish than high-running socks. There are three lengths to choose from, a no-show if you want the socks hidden behind the running shoes. Or between low and ankle-high socks, which protect the back of the foot better from chafing than no-show socks.
As low-running socks cover less skin on the leg, they are more suitable for wearing in hot weather. Their length makes them much easier to put on and take off than high socks.
Cons of Short-Running Socks
The main disadvantage I see with low socks is that they don’t protect the ankle as well as high socks, and it’s easier for mud, water, and stones to get into the shoe. Low socks are also worse protection for rubbing against the shoe because low socks can slip into the shoe during running, increasing the chance of blisters.
Blisters are a common injury among runners. Although it is not very dangerous, it is very uncomfortable to run with blisters. Choosing the right socks can make a big difference in whether or not you get blisters while running. You can read what the 3 features of running socks that prevent blisters are.
| PROS | CONS |
| More stylish compared to high-running socks | They don’t protect the ankle as well as high socks |
| They are more suitable for wearing in hot weather | It’s easier for mud, water, and stones to get into the shoe |
| Much easier to put on and take off than high socks | Worse protection for rubbing against the shoe |
With running socks, foot health is more important than appearance, so I prefer ankle or quarter socks over no-show or low socks. In winter, I also wear crew socks. I wear slightly higher socks because they offer better protection for the ankle and from dirt and stones that can fall into the running shoe.
Is it OK to run without socks?
While barefoot running has some health benefits, running without socks in running shoes can have more drawbacks than benefits. Running in shoes without socks does not protect the feet during the run from rubbing, and the feet sweat more and sweat soak into the shoe, leading to unpleasant odors.
Running in running shoes without socks is not good because running shoes are mostly made of unnatural materials that release chemicals that are not good for our health when they come into contact with sweat. Running socks protect our feet and shoes by preventing contact between the shoes and the foot. And they soak up a lot of sweat, so it doesn’t transfer into the shoe.