Page 31 - Waterfall City_Issue 10_2022

Running shoe showing
the heel lace lock

Widthwise, the foot should not bulge The sock’s main job is protection. It
over the side of the shoe, especially the must protect your skin from blistering,
forefoot (the front of your foot). The moisture, friction, and the shoe. It also
ideal fit lengthwise should give you a needs to fit correctly and flex with
finger space at the back if the longest your foot. All of this is important in
toe is touching the front of the shoe. preventing an uncomfortable run, as
well as hotspots.
LACING THE SHOES
Once you’ve selected your shoe, it’s also When purchasing running socks, keep in
important to lace correctly. Poor lacing or mind the two ‘Fs’ – flexion and fit. Most
laces that are too tight can cause nerve running socks will have a snug fit with a
compression resulting in a numb toe or compression band to accurately fit and
forefoot. A lace that’s too loose results in flex with your foot while in motion. One
black toenails and compensation injuries. of the key factors in a running sock’s
A heel lace lock is essential for every protection is that it is seamless. It is not
runner, it prevents the foot from shifting a true running sock if it has seam lines.
forward in the shoe and the laces from The toe box should also be reinforced
slipping. A box lace can also be more and made of thicker fabric to provide
comfortable for a high arch foot and stop extra protection from friction around
nerve compression from a lace that is your toes but should give enough space
tied too tight. to allow your toes to flex safely.
Running shoe showing a box lace
SOCKS The yarn that the sock is woven from
Although not often given much is also important. The yarn should While running can be seen as a “low
thought, socks are a vital component have moisture-wicking technology, maintenance” sport, the small things
of the correct running equipment too. which wicks moisture away from the can make a big difference. Finding
While many people will just grab the surface of the skin, keeping it dry the right type of shoes and socks will
nearest pair, a lot of technology goes and well-ventilated and preventing enable you to reach your running goals
into a running sock. uncomfortable hot spots. and keep you injury-free.

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