My Experiment: Finding the Right Workout Socks & Shoes

When I got home Sunday from the race, I went straight for the longest shower of my life to rinse off the stench I accumulated from running. Gross details, I know, but I feel like you guys are my best friends of whom I talk about poop with so there ya go!

It wasn't until I took off my compression socks that I realized I got a blister the size of a skittle on my pinky toe! I didn't take a picture of it because that is just too disgusting. Although I did manage to stick it in my sister's face a few times while playing games that night- she gets grossed out by that kind of thing… and sometimes I think I am truly a 5 year old boy stuck in a 22 year old girl's body.

Anyway, this blister made me think about the socks I wear when I workout. I also started thinking about how much Mizuos just do not love my feet anymore… or maybe it is the other way around. Either way, I began to think about my favorite footwear and, when I realized I didn't have favorites for socks or cross trainers, I began to research.

If there is one thing you need to know about me, it is that I am crazy-obssesed with researching. When I bought my first cell phone, I researched for 6 months to find the right plan and phone. When I wanted to buy a car, I researched for 2 years before finding my current set of wheels. So, it's no wonder that I began researching footwear to find my perfect matches.

I haven't actually worn any of these products, yet. My goal is to slowly purchase each of them and then do reviews on them to see how they fit and if I would continue using them. Based on my own research, here are the shoes and socks that I think would work best for my type of exercise needs:

Workout Socks~

These socks were reviewed by most as being a great fit, with support in the arch of the foot, which is good if you are taking a spin class or any otther gym-based cardio workout. They also have a little lip on the heel to prevent the sock from sliding. I plan to where these when I am at the gym, taking spin, or cross training- like bike rides and elliiptical.

2. Long Runs or Races: Sugoi R+R Knee Highs

After running in compressions during Surf City, I am kind of loving these knee highs for long runs. The only problem with the compression socks that I have is that they are too thin, and lead to awesome blisters! I would like to avoid that, so I am hoping these socks will be better. I plan to wear these on my long runs, that are greate then 6 miles & also races.

3. Short Runs & Sprints: New Balance Technical NBX Low Cut

New Balance is kind of known for their weight training shoes. I hate their shoes- they feel like paper to me. However, these socks got awesome reviews for sprinting! The conture of the support leads to a spring in your step, which is perfect for sprints!

4. Weight Training: Brooks Infiniti Double Tap

I love to weight train, and I have especially been getting into working on Olympic Lifts. The only problem? Those powerfully explosive movements cause my socks to slip and for my to get blisters. I am hoping, with these socks, that I can get the support I need to weight train without pain in my feet.

Working Out Shoes~

1. Cross Training & Weight Training: Nike LunarEclipse + 2

I know, I know- you guys know I usually try to avoid Nikes at all cost. I love their apparel, and their shoes are super cute. However, I can't stand running in them! When I looked up reviews for cross trainers, though, these shoes came up more often then not. Now I have to buy these and try them out in the gym!

2. Short Runs or Races: Brooks Women's PureCadence

I have wanted to try these shoes for awhile, because I heave heard so many great things from them! Tons of bloggers that I read talk about- rave about- these puppies, so I knew that I had to try them! The thing I like about them is they seem to have support, but are a lot ligther then the traditional running shoe. I may try these on long runs, like before my races, but I for sure will wear these during short runs and races.

3. Long Runs: Women's Asics GEL-Kayano 18

These Asics are shoes that I have also wanted for-freaking-ever! They are made for pronators, like me, who can't keep their ankles straight when running for long periods of time. Because I like my ankles and want to keep them for awhile, I am planning on buying these and trying them out for my longer runs, of greater then 6 miles.

Oh my gosh, guys- writing these mini reviews and seeing all these beautiful shoes just makes me want to go buy them all right now!!! Unfortunately, I am not rich, and will have to buy them one by one. I figure that I will buy the gym shoes first, since my running shoes still have a little bit of life in them. Then, as my mileage increases, I will buy the rest.

Alright, enough running talk. I promise tomorrow I will get off my trip of races and shoes and socks and training for marathons. Maybe Have a great day and I will talk to you soon!

My Question for you is…

• What are your favorite shoes to work out in?
• Do you pay attention to sock quality for exercise?

See ya~ Kay