You might have seen sportsmen in spikes – some in middle-distance spikes, sprint spikes, long-distance, and many in cross-country spikes but every runner does not carry socks with them.
Here is the haze: do spikes go better with socks or sockless?
Running spikes are meticulously designed to fit a wearer tightly. Therefore, most sprinters and other professional athletes prefer barefoot in spikes. You can wear spikes with or without socks, as there is no set rule; it depends on your feet structure and personal preferences.
This article will shed light on the spikes and socks dilemma – why some wearers prefer to wear the socks while others quit the socks; additionally, we will also elaborate on which socks go best with spikes!
Different Types Of Spikes And Whether To Wear Socks With Them?
Spikes are designed for runners to help them run faster on any terrain; therefore, runners should remember to wear them when heading for track running or just for routine running. Due to the extra grip of the spikes, runners can exert more force forward and run better than others.
The followings are the types of spikes and the socks that go well with them!
Sprint Spikes
Sprinting spikes are suitable for athletes participating in 100 to 400 meters races. These are the most lightweight shoes, manufactured to keep runners on their toes, and have less cushioning on the heels. The front spike plate carries more pins to give runners more grip. Sprinters wear sprinting spikes without socks due to close-fitting.
Middle Distance Spikes
They are also the lightest shoes made with extra padding at the heels and provide better cushioning to runners for 800 to 1500-meter races. They are not as rigid as the sprinting spikes and still offer the best fit. The debate about wearing socks is also the same with middle-distance spikes. You can wear socks if your feet are skinny or your body has excessive sweating.
Note: Runners with sensitive skin, which quickly gets affected by the shoe’s inner structure – their feet catch blisters due to sweating, infections, or allergies – prefer to wear socks with spikes.
Long Distance Spikes
Long Distance Spikes are best for 1500 to 10,000-meter races; although they offer superb cushioning, they are still lightweight. These spikes take on more force due to the heavy and sturdy material. It is recommended to wear socks with long-distance spikes. The suggested socks option is compression socks because they are breathable, wick moisture quickly, and are more comfortable.
Cross-Country Spikes
They are made for cross-country events and generally have more cushioning than track spikes. These spikes provide more ankle support and a tight fit, especially while running on uneven terrain. There is no particular need to wear socks with them due to the tight fit.
What Type Of Socks Can You Wear With Spikes?
You can wear spikes without socks if they provide sung fit and cause no harm to your feet while running short or long-distance races. Many experts suggest wearing socks with boots or casual sneakers to keep feet safe from excessive sweating and blisters; the same goes for spikes.
Many spike wearers complain that wearing them without socks can lead to blistering, so if your feet catch blisters without socks, start wearing them, but remember that not all socks are good with spikes, you have to search for the specialized ones.
Let’s check what the recommended sock options are!
Thin Spike Socks
Sprinters indeed prefer running in spikes without socks, and a famous example is the world’s best sprinter Usain Bolt, who avoids wearing socks. However, this practice is only suitable for some; some experts advised wearing thin-spike socks for maximum comfort.
The thin socks are best because they sock moisture better and keep feet safe from shoes’ inner moisture and structure, which means they play a part in the extra-protective layer. Besides this, the loose movements and dead space in the running shoes’ toes can slow the runner’s speed, and socks help to overcome this problem.
Compression Socks
For long-distance spikes, compression socks are the best choice. They are popular with marathon runners, and everyone likes to wear these socks during long runs. This is because they are designed to enhance circulation, which quickly flows blood to the heart and provides oxygen to the lungs and muscles. It helps runners breathe easily and run efficiently, which means less pain during and after the races.
Compression socks are also suggested for runners because they quickly wick sweat and offer extreme comfort. They are available in different heights, so pick one per your needs and likings.
What Are The Perks Of Running In Spikes Without Socks?
Wearing spikes with or without socks is the runner’s choice, but most athletes, especially sprinters, wear spikes without socks because of various advantages.
- Most athletes avoid wearing socks with spikes because they believe they are manufactured to provide a snug fit and help them run faster without socks.
- Those whose races are scheduled in the summer season better know how comfortable running in spikes without socks would be. The feet get too hot due to hot temperatures, and they might get extra hot due to socks; hence running without socks helps to keep feet cooler.
- Most running spikes are designed to wear barefoot so that you will achieve the best fit right out of the box. Actually, these types of shoes make you feel better and more comfortable without socks.
Our Summary
Carrying spikes and socks is no rule of thumb because it is all the wearer’s choice and comfort. Many wearers dropped the socks while putting on the spike, while a few feel more functional and in form when they wear spikes with socks.
In the end, comfort, crafting, quality, and greatly-fitted socks are valid considerations for runners; otherwise, a runner can lose the game and even get injured on the feet – yes, this tiny piece of cloth can be cozy and terrible at the same time!