Many running socks utilize one or more synthetic or natural materials. Commonly used materials include:

Cotton
This material is natural, very lightweight, and adept at moisture control. It is durable and has great ventilation. It is the most common of the fibers used in items such as socks and is usually combined with synthetic fibers such as nylon to create a sweat-wicking environment.

Polyester
This synthetic fiber is known for its durability. It maintains its quality, even in high wear conditions. It can hold color for long periods of time and it dries rather quickly. On its own, this fiber can be quite harsh to the touch. It usually needs to be blended with cotton and other fabrics for comfort.

Nylon
This material is synthetic but strong. It is also very flexible. It will increase the durability of any item as well as offer added elasticity.

Spandex
A very minute amount of this synthetic material can be added to an item to increase elasticity or to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.

Natural materials increase sock comfort and synthetic materials help socks to maintain their shape and reduce the chances of them stretching out of shape. Ideally, some or all of these materials are combined to produce a unique fabric blend.

When running, the heel-to-toe action can take a toll on specific parts of your feet. High impact areas endure large amounts of force and work for long periods of time. This can leave them sore and fatigued, making them even more susceptible to injury. For this reason, many running socks are fitted with a compression arch. A compression arch does two main things. It will apply significant force to your feet and it will support your weak spots. The force applied to your feet during compression will improve circulation and blood flow by forcing the blood back up toward the heart. The pooling of blood and a buildup of waste materials have the potential to become a major issue. As with any piece of machinery your “gear” or feet can weaken over time. The arch will support not just the natural arch of your feet but your ankles as well. The combination of the two helps to keep your feet steady; it improves your ability to absorb the force from running, and it will also help your sock to maintain a snug fit.

This snug fit is necessary to reduce friction. A sock that is not fitted and moves around on your feet or inside of your shoe can increase the friction that naturally occurs when running and cause skin irritation and blisters. A well supported foot can mean a shorter recovery time after workouts and competitions.

During intense activity, we sweat, and it’s not limited to our faces, underarms, or back. Our entire body sweats, which includes our feet. Getting a sock that has good ventilation will ensure that your feet are dry and cool while you work or work out. Wet feet with constant friction can cause painful blisters. When our feet sweat and it’s not absorbed or allowed to dry by means of ventilation, it can also produce odors and create an environment that breeds fungus and bacteria.

You can achieve ventilation in two ways: by using the right fabric and by including mesh vents. Some fabrics breathe well, while others do not; some are absorbent, while others are not. Natural materials such as cotton and wool are lightweight, allowing air to pass through freely. They are also very absorbent. Combined with synthetic materials, they aid in wicking sweat away from the skin and keeping feet dry during intense activity. Mesh vents are slips of fabric inserted in the sock that alleviate moisture and promote a dry,cool atmosphere within the shoe.

Dri-FIT is a feature exclusive to NIKE. It is a microfiber blend that works in conjunction with your body’s natural functions to keep you dry. Its base is polyester, which is a synthetic material that dries at an impressive rate. The technology takes moisture that has been absorbed and evenly distributes it across the material allowing your feet to dry at an increased rate. Because it utilizes natural processes, the system does not slow down. The material used does not wear out as polyester is made of non-biodegradable plastic. Since this technology exists in a thin inner lining, it will last as long as your sock does.

If you are going to be engaged in prolonged physical activity, be it on a professional level or for health and recreation, you have to take care of your “gear.” You have to make sure it is well maintained and able to perform at its best when you need it to, even more so, when you expect it to. As a runner, good quality, comfortable socks are a must.

When we run, tremendous amounts of force are applied to specific parts of our feet. Our toes and heels bear the brunt of the burden. That makes it so important to get a sock that not only offers comfort to the touch but has extra cushion in these high impact, high wear areas. Comfort starts with the fabric used. Most running socks are fiber blends; however, you want to select a sock that has a high cotton or wool count. These natural fibers are not only gentle on the skin but very absorbent, which keeps your feet dry.

Synthetic materials such as polyester can be harsh and uncomfortable. The second element is added cushion. Most cushioned socks have an extra layer of material which lessens the friction that naturally occurs while running. This decreases the occurrence of bruises and blisters on the feet. These types of socks can help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain, especially in professional athletes, and it will also reduce recovery time. Some socks have a unique feature called anti-slip technology. They are developed with treads in the sole and are specially fitted to your heel. This ensures they will not rotate around your feet and you will have added traction within your shoe. In order for this to be effective, you must ensure you have the right size. A proper fit eliminates the friction that naturally occurs when running and prevents irritating injuries such and blisters or bruising of your feet.

Reinforcing socks adds to their durability. High wear areas on a sock such as heels and toes can be quickly and easily damaged after continued use. There are three main ways to reinforce a sock. You can double stitch the fabric, hand sew the fabric, or the most popular way is to insert a heel pocket, toe pocket, or both. Double-stitched fabric uses either two separate threads, the original and another more sturdy one, or the current thread is doubled. A hand-sewn reinforcement is when an additional stitch is added after the sock is competed. A heel pocket insert is an extra piece of fabric that is inserted and is always in the shape of the area you are trying to reinforce. All these methods ensure durability and decrease the chances of holes and tears in your sock.

You can also blend a sturdy fabric into the high wear areas and at the sole of the feet. This will not only improve the sock’s durability, but it will also increase comfort and reduce friction at the toes, heels, and soles of the feet.