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Runners: can thick socks change foot dynamics enough to cause muscle pain/trauma?

post #1 of 12
9/15/09 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 
So this is interesting. It seems that I feel the most comfortable running sockless, but although it feels great, I don't know if I can do it regularly since at the end of the run some rubbing and scratching develops inside the shoe.

However, I just ran with a thick pair of socks before and both my feet and my shins and calves were hurting like never before.. WTF..

Can socks cause that much of a change?
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post #2 of 12
9/15/09 at 7:52pm
Not a doctor, but I would guess, yes. Especially if your feet are moving around inside your shoe. I recommend VFFs...
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post #3 of 12
9/15/09 at 9:13pm
I assume it does.
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post #4 of 12
9/15/09 at 9:19pm
IMHO: Doubtful. it's just a thicker layer of fabric, and if anything, it adds a small bit of cushioning.
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post #5 of 12
9/15/09 at 10:39pm
in before dt
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post #6 of 12
9/15/09 at 10:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by thekunk07 View Post
in before dt

I know it sounds crazy, but I felt a huge difference between my sockless run a couple days ago, and this one yesterday. And the socks are like super thick and cushioned.
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post #7 of 12
9/15/09 at 10:58pm
By thick socks, I assume you mean regular "athletic" or "tube" socks. I've found they tend to twist and move within the toebox of the shoe, rubbing and causing blisters. When I run using thinner (and admittedly purpose-designed) running socks from Nike and Brooks, that slippage isn't present.
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post #8 of 12
9/15/09 at 11:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by M. Bardamu View Post
By thick socks, I assume you mean regular "athletic" or "tube" socks. I've found they tend to twist and move within the toebox of the shoe, rubbing and causing blisters. When I run using thinner (and admittedly purpose-designed) running socks from Nike and Brooks, that slippage isn't present.

They are thicker than typical athletic short socks. I gotta try something thinner. I seriously love the sockless thing, and the construction of the Nikes I have allows it, with very good ventilation too.
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post #9 of 12
9/15/09 at 11:50pm
I get the same feeling when I wear socks that are too thick. My theory is that the socks are effectively enlarging my feet so that my shoes aren't fitting properly and the arch support isn't being provided in the correct spot anymore. But I guess if you're wearing neutral shoes, that would flush my theory down the toilet.
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post #10 of 12
9/15/09 at 11:51pm
Try picking up some $8 socks from a local running store. I have several pair that are quite breathable and so thin there is very little difference between them and running sockless.
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post #11 of 12
9/16/09 at 12:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flambeur View Post
So this is interesting. It seems that I feel the most comfortable running sockless, but although it feels great, I don't know if I can do it regularly since at the end of the run some rubbing and scratching develops inside the shoe. However, I just ran with a thick pair of socks before and both my feet and my shins and calves were hurting like never before.. WTF.. Can socks cause that much of a change?
I know that different socks lead me to slightly alter my stride to adjust. I'd imagine a big enough difference could have such an impact. It's also possible that you have less connection to the impact you make when you're running with the cusioned socks, so you end up actually putting more stress on your shins/calves, because it takes more pressure for you to feel the ground. If you love running sockless but get a little raw at the end, you could try this: http://www.drugstore.com/qxp163404_3...lock_stick.htm I use it not just for running but whenever I wear new shoes / high heels to avoid rubbing and blisters. Good luck!
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post #12 of 12
9/16/09 at 10:23pm
Any subtle change with your feet can manifest itself as pain when you run. Say you just walk around with the same shoes and socks on - it probably won't be a problem. The thick cushioning allows your foot to move a little more between your heel-strike and toe-off, and you're not adjusted to those subtle motions.
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