People usually don’t pay much attention to socks, but a good quality pair can mean the difference between an enjoyable and uncomfortable workout. That’s why it’s important to consider a few things and take your time before buying sports socks. This post covers some important things to consider when buying socks for your next workout and compares our socks with others on the market.

Things to Consider When Buying Training Socks

A pair of quality socks is your first line of defence against blisters and sweaty, tired feet. When you sweat, your the area between your feet & socks become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This is why you need to invest in the best socks during exercise, which is what this post is all about. Let’s start with some of the most commonly used materials and their pros/cons.

Sports Sock Materials

Merino Wool

Even though Merino wool is a fantastic temperature regulating fabric, it tends to be very delicate which can cause socks to be weak and susceptible to the holes forming which is not ideal especially in high intensity workouts when there is a lot of friction between your feet and socks. Other deformities and fabric failures include excessive pilling, manufacturer defects, and poor construction. 

Cotton

Many people believe cotton to be the ‘fabric of their lives’, but things are different when it comes to sports socks. Although cotton might seem perfect for your feet due to its hypoallergenic properties and softness, it can actually cause blisters and is not a recommended material for sports socks. That is the reason why you don’t see cotton-made workout clothes because cotton soaks up moisture and keeps it trapped against the skin.

Sports socks must have moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly and cotton does not fit these criteria. Wearing cotton socks gives an unpleasant feeling of dampness after some time even if you are not working out. Cotton socks might be fine for casual wear/low-impact activities, but they should be avoided in situations in which your feet might get sweaty i.e during working outs, gym sessions, runs etc.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are used in sports socks to wick the moisture away, speed up the drying process and improve durability. Although polyester helps keep the feet cool, it quickly starts to get stinky, which is why fully-polyester socks are not ideal for the gym and other intense physical activities. Cotton on the other hand absorbs moisture, but is heavier and takes more time to dry.

Gym Sock Heights

Crew Socks

Extending 6-8” above the heel, crew is the most common height of sock. It is considered to be an optimal height because it provides adequate lower-leg protection and saves you from becoming excessively hot.

Ankle Socks

Ankle socks are socks going up to the ankle. They are a good option for runners as it saves weight and allows for faster speeds.

Durability and Comfort

Good quality gym socks are designed to be comfortable and usually last longer than regular socks, so there is not much to worry about when it comes to durability. The most outstanding property of nylon is its exceptional strength resulting in high durability which is 10 times more than cotton, and 20 times more than wool. It is also stronger than polyester. Nylon is also abrasion and water resistant. 

Compression

Socks with compression help against blisters, prevents unwanted sock movement and improves blood flow during work-outs. During training, you should choose socks that have enough compression to prevent bunching-up and slippage, which is especially important in fast paced sports such as running, netball, soccer, basketball etc.

Women vs. Men Gym Socks

Although many manufacturers brand their men and women socks differently, there isn’t any real performance difference that differentiates them. The most noticeable difference is perhaps the colour, which obviously is a personal preference, while women socks are usually offered in smaller sizes. The buying decision should be based on core features and comfort and not because a pair has been labeled as women’s socks.

Our Take On Our Training Socks:

Element 47 Silverknit™ Performance Socks

Element 47 socks are designed keeping specific needs of athletes in mind. Athletes are always looking for socks that provide comfort, wick moisture and most importantly can be worn for extended periods of time without smelling and causing blisters. Our socks are made with the unique blend of nylon, spandex & our special secret ingredient; silver. 

Our lab-tested socks are designed to wick moisture and dry quickly. They are infused with silver yarn that kills bacteria and prevents it from growing moisture, which means no smell, blisters and unwanted moving-around. We offer a 30 day money back guarantee that shows the confidence we have in our product. They are made for anyone who loves to move and get their heart rate pumping. Whatever you gig, we know you'll love our Silverknit™ Performance Socks as much as we do.

What Makes Element 47 Training Socks Unique?

99.99% Pure Silver Threads

Made from 99.99% pure silver and complemented by seamless stitching for ultimate comfort. Seamless stitching in the toe-box and light padding minimises rubbing and provides adequate cushioning. Athletes get proper cushioning/padding in a lightweight package that wicks moisture like a champ.

In addition to the comfort and moisture-wicking characteristics, we’ve blended nylon and spandex for maximum durability and uniform compression. We carried out rigorous endurance and performance testing before launching the product. Although it’s hard to accurately predict the expected life expectancy of a pair, these socks are made to last.

Moisture-wicking and Temperature-regulating

Nylon is naturally moisture-wicking and helps regulate temperature, resulting in dry feet and blister-free workouts. 

Silver-infused Threads

Silver ions kill bacteria and are a rare ingredient in sports socks. Element 47 socks use silver-infused threads as they kill bacteria and prevent them from growing in moist environment aka sweaty feet. Medical professionals and astronauts use silver for the same reason i.e. to prevent the growth of bacteria. Odor prevention isn’t the only benefit of using silver lining in socks as it also prevents foot-rot and ensures blister-free feet that can easily breathe.

Blister Prevention

Blisters is one of the most common problems athletes face during training. Element 47 Socks are designed from the ground up to prevent all main causes of blisters, which is what athletes need during intensive workouts. We created a blister tab in our ankle socks which extends past the achilles heel for ultimate blister prevention. Our crew socks also features a thicker knit in areas that are susceptible to blisters during workouts.

Support

Proper support is essential in a sports sock and with three core support areas, Element 47 socks are designed to support the feet in all the right places. The toe, heel and mid-foot have all the support athletes need for intense workouts. The mid-section has a breathable compression around it, while padding in toe and heel remain soft even after extended use.

30 Day Guarantee

Element 47 Socks are backed by a money back guarantee. Give us 30 days of silver-powered walking and we’ll give you the happiest feet of your life…or you don’t pay us a thing!

We have full confidence in our product and endorsements from professional athletes of how well the socks perform. Buyers have nothing to lose and can have full confidence when purchasing our Element 47 socks. 

The Wrap-up

The silver-infused socks are a result of extensive research and fulfill all the criteria for the ultimate training socks that come into mind. The underlying design is complex, yet functional and covers everything an athlete expects from a top-of-the-line sports sock.