When it comes to socks, many runners have strong loyalties. It’s no wonder, when poor sock choices can result in issues like blisters, soggy feet, or overheated feet. In ultra events, your socks can sometimes even make or break your race.
I’m primarily a merino girl myself, but I’ll happily spend time in synthetic socks like Injinji or Drymax, as well. My sock loyalties are fragile, and I don’t have a problem with playing the field. Thus, it was with an open mind and plenty of miles on the schedule that I set out to review the Zensah Trail Running Socks.
Zensah is a company known primarily for its compression wear for athletes. Their trail running socks feature a seamless design and super-soft , synthetic fabric. This was my favorite part about the socks – they simply felt great against my skin.
The anti-microbial fabric contains silver ions to keep your feet cool and dry. Although I never had the opportunity to wear the socks in extreme heat, I did find the thermal-regulating properties to be excellent. My feet always felt comfortable and dry, even after a 30 mile run.
Another unique feature of the Zensah sock is the ergonomic fit. The socks are right and left foot specific, and knit in a manner that gives light support to the arch and ankle area. It makes sense to me to have a sock that is designed to fit either the right or left foot, thus providing a better and more comfortable fit.
The only feature I feel unsure about is the mid-calf height of the sock. I generally prefer my socks to be ankle-height, but I know some people feel differently. I think this is just a matter of personal preference. I can say, however, that I never found the sock height to be uncomfortable or even distracting. The comfy fabric and thermal-regulating action of the socks had me forgetting they were even there.
Overall, I think Zensah has a great product in its trail socks. I have over 100 miles on mine so far, and I’ll be keeping them in my regular sock rotation.
Product provided for review by Zensah.
Thanks for this review. My feet get cold easily and they overheat just as easily. Maybe these socks will help. If they do they are worth every expensive penny.
ReplyDeleteHi, Gretchen! I wear my Zensah compressions sleeves for long travel days - they are a real leg-saver! I might try the compression socks, but I really love toe socks and I don't think that I can go back to traditional socks... maybe you can pass the word on to your Zensah contact?
ReplyDelete-Helen
I've been searching for trail socks that don't scorch your feet. Maybe these are the ones. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteNice review, is there any specific other then the color that make them trail socks?
ReplyDeleteZensah make some solid products but I think the height would bug me, I wonder if they are repurposed hiking socks?
Ewa - Yea, the right sock can be totally worth the price. I can't believe I forgot to mention the price on these - $24.95. Not cheap, but then most of my favorite socks run about $20 these days, so these aren't really off the mark. I hope they work for you!
ReplyDeleteHelen - I love my compression sleeves, too! These are not compression socks though, just trail socks. You can still wear them with their compression sleeves. If they ever make toe socks, I'd love to try them. I'm a fan of toe socks too!
Anne - I'd love to hear if you end up with a pair and how they work.
Stuart - I'd actually say the height is another thing that makes them trail socks, just adding a bit of protection from the brush and slop. I don't see any reason why they wouldn't work great in road shoes though. I'd say their thickness is sort of equivalent to Drymax's Trail Lite - pretty standard.
Thanks for the review - very nice, really well done. Love my compression socks. I’m a big fan of compression socks, I’ve used them for recovery and during workouts – sometimes I even sleep in them.
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