Laugh In

Do you remember the old tv show Laugh In? I loved Ruth Buzzie, Goldie Hawn, Arte Johnson, Lily Tomlin and all of the guest stars like Sammy Davis, Carol Channing, John Wayne, etc.. Now I bet you're wondering what this has to do with running? Remember one of their catch phrases, "Sock it to 'em/me!"? I loved it when anyone would do that bit. It made me laugh until I cried. I'd be gulping for air and snorting at the same time. This phrase made me think of, well, socks.

Socks are sort of boring. Generally white, ankle or shoe rise and pretty dull. But I am here to give you my take on socks.

I have worn all sorts of socks; expensive, cheap, bulk, thin, breathable, thick (not breathable), fitted and near perfection. I have probably owned 300+ pairs - that isn't that many considering how many years I have been running - and most of them not the same brand more than a couple times. I am a sock hunter always looking for that 'better sock'.

I am a low rise sock wearer with specific needs. I have high arches so having socks that fit correctly is important because I don't want them bunching up, shimmying around or slipping down my heel so I get blisters. I want a sock that has plenty of padding so my feet have that little extra cushion on my long runs. I like elastic in my socks so they are snug but not too tight.

My current favorite pairs are Thorlo. These socks are well padded at the toe and heel but not overly padded: there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. These give me just enough extra padding that my feet feel a little give in the shoe. The elastic around the arch is perfection it's self. It wraps it's self around with just enough tension to give support without cutting off circulation. The toe area is roomy and full without having extra material. I have been known to wash these socks daily when one pair has worn out and I haven't had time to go get another just so I can wear jus these. I do have 'back up' socks but they aren't anything close to this.

So, "One ringy-dingy, sock it to you!".

Now that I have extoled my love for my Thorlo socks I'd like to know, what brand do you like and why?