Women's running socks: how to choose the ideal model?

When it comes to running, we talk (very) often about shoes, but (too) rarely about socks. This is a serious mistake, as socks are much more than just accessories. In contact with your skin, they have a direct impact on your comfort and performance. That's why you need to choose them carefully, so that they are perfectly suited to your running style but also to your specific characteristics as a woman: a slimmer foot, a narrower heel and unique pressure points.

Whether you run for pleasure or to beat your personal best, occasionally or very regularly, whether you go for jogs or run marathons, your ideal running socks should always be breathable, technical, anatomical and anti-blister. Then, depending on your needs, you can narrow down your selection from the six models we have developed by combining our fifty years of expertise in foot comfort with the expertise of our champions, who are among the world's best athletes.

What are the best running socks for women? What are the differences between technical socks and classic socks? How do you choose the right running model for you? Find all the answers to your questions in this article.

‘These socks must be adapted to your practice but also to your specific characteristics as a woman: a slimmer foot, a narrower heel and unique pressure areas.’

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADITIONAL RUNNING SOCKS AND TRADITIONAL SOCKS?

‘Should you wear special socks for running? And if so, why?’

We are often asked this question by female runners and trail runners who come to our stores for advice. The answer is a resounding yes: it is essential to use technical socks when running. Why? Because classic socks are not designed to withstand the impact of thousands of strides and the moisture from a sweating body. In fact, for runners, the cause of blisters or foot pain is often not the choice of shoe but the choice of sock!

Technical running socks differ from lifestyle or everyday socks in the following ways:

A design tailored for running with:
- a technical fibre composition suited to exercise
- strategically placed reinforcement zones under the heel and forefoot
- an anatomical design specific to each foot: right and left
Optimal wicking of moisture from perspiration or external elements such as rain or snow. Moisture is the worst enemy of comfort, as water that stagnates in your socks can lead to foot problems such as cold feet and blisters. The fibres, knitting and ventilation zones are designed to manage these issues as effectively as possible.
Increased support for greater stability. This becomes particularly important when your body starts to tire. A technical running sock reduces micro-friction, improves your proprioception, increases the precision of your footing and delays muscle tension. It can also provide slight compression to promote blood circulation.

‘Optimal wicking of moisture from perspiration or external elements such as rain or snow.’

WHAT SPECIFIC FEATURES OF WOMEN'S FEET SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CHOOSING RUNNING SOCKS?

The female morphology influences the choice of your running socks because women's feet are slightly different from men's. Women's feet are generally slimmer, with a narrower heel and a smaller instep.

Female runners may also be more sensitive to overheating, which can lead to blisters. That's why it's important to choose socks with flat or seamless seams, soft fibres and targeted protection zones.

‘The female morphology influences the choice of your running socks because women's feet are slightly different from men's.’

WHAT ARE THE BEST RUNNING SOCKS FOR WOMEN?

There is no such thing as ‘the best running socks for women’; however, there is an ideal model that perfectly suits your practice and your needs.

1/ The best socks for jogging and the simple pleasure of running

If you run occasionally, to take care of yourself, for health, well-being or fitness, then comfort becomes the priority.

With its combination of simplicity, technical features and lightness, the “Run Anatomic Comfort” sock is the sock for you. No fuss. Just run for pleasure, with a smile on your face, seeking endorphins and muscle soreness as you rack up the kilometres.

Its qualities? More freedom at the front of the foot with a large toe and metatarsal box; protective areas positioned at the heels and toes for better cushioning; grip between the socks and insoles thanks to the silicone grip strip under the sock; and finally, impeccable breathability thanks to the fine, open mesh. To top it all off, the “Run Anatomic Comfort” sock is available in 6 different colours, ranging from fun to discreet, to match the mood you want to set for your day's outing.

‘There is no such thing as “the best running socks for women”; however, there is an ideal model that perfectly suits your practice and your needs.’

Running socks - Run Motion

Caitlin Fielder trail running socks

24,95€

Running socks - Run Motion

Caitlin Fielder trail running socks

24,95€

Learn more

2/ The best socks for those who train regularly

As your training volume and mileage increase, support, comfort and durability become absolutely essential. Here are two models that are ideal for frequent use and varied training sessions.

First, the Run Anatomic Ankle women's running socks, which come up to the ankle and feature a tab at the back for a perfect fit.

And their equivalent, the Run Anatomic Crew women's running socks: a version for fans of mid-calf running socks, including Camille Bruyas. The ultra-trail runner, a member of the Salomon & Sidas Teams, finished in 2nd place in the world's biggest race (170 km & 10,000 D+) wearing this ultra-versatile model, which is a hit with the entire field, whether they're tackling tarmac or trails.

"A version for fans of mid-height running socks, including Camille Bruyas. "

3/ The best socks for those aiming for speed and performance

When you're chasing seconds, nothing should be left to chance. Especially not your choice of socks. The stability, precision and dynamism of your feet will be crucial in achieving the performance you've been dreaming of and training for weeks or even months.

If you're a fan of fast sessions and road races, you'll love the Run Motion women's running sock. Designed in collaboration with professional trail runner Caitlin Fielder, this women's running sock combines innovation with an exclusive design for a unique, high-performance look. Thin and ultra-lightweight – weighing less than 32.6 g per pair – they feel like a second skin thanks to their expert knitting. Their maximum breathability and grip at the front of the foot to minimise micro-friction will make them a real ally in your quest for a PB (personal best).

Run Motion socks are designed for runners who want to go fast and far, without compromising on style.

‘Thin and ultra-lightweight – weighing less than 32.6 g per pair – they feel like a second skin thanks to their expert knitting.’

-20%

Running socks - Run Ultra blue/pink

Long distance running socks

19,90€

19,90€ ~~24,95€~~

Running socks - Run Ultra blue/pink

Long distance running socks

19,90€

19,90€ ~~24,95€~~

Learn more

4/ The best socks for marathons and long distances

Marathons impose a very specific constraint: repeated impact over a prolonged period of time. The goal is to maintain your stride for as long as possible without it deteriorating. These recurring impacts put your feet under a lot of strain. So what qualities should you look for in socks specifically designed for marathons?

Firstly, strategic cushioning in the heel and forefoot; secondly, maximum breathability to wick away sweat as effectively as possible; and finally, lasting support without excessive compression to keep your feet stable for most of the 42.195 kilometres ahead of you.

With all these features, the Run Ultra women's marathon sock is a running sock designed for future marathon runners. It acts as an exoskeleton that maintains, supports and compensates for muscle fatigue.

Its deliberately wide toe box and two grip strips for better traction promote comfort, while its breathable mesh and Polygiene fibre composition ensure optimal moisture management and odour control. Last but not least, a reflective thread has been sewn onto the upper part of the sock, at ankle level, to increase safety when running at night.

"The “Run Ultra” is a running sock designed for future marathon runners. "

5/ The best socks for preventing blisters

How can you find anti-blister socks that will solve the problem of friction that turns your runs into torture and your competitions into underperformance?

First, you need to identify the main cause of the rubbing. It could be due to excessive moisture that is difficult to wick away; repeated friction; creases in the sock caused by a poor fit; or simply the wrong choice of shoes, which are too tight or unsuitable.

Once you have identified the cause, you need to prioritise the following characteristics when buying your running socks:

Technical fibres and breathable mesh for maximum breathability
Anatomical right-left construction
Flat seams, or even seamless socks

Our Run Ultra and Run Anatomic women's running socks are considered anti-blister because they offer an excellent compromise between protection and ventilation.

‘Our Run Ultra and Run Anatomic women's running socks are considered anti-blister because they offer an excellent compromise between protection and ventilation.’