YOUR FITNESS 'QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK' :"Cushioned Training Socks - A Bad Idea"!

Many fitness enthusiasts make the mistake of trying to help cushion the impact of their activities by purchasing the thickest, most ultra cushioned sock on the market. 

The idea appears to have merit doesn’t it? I mean if I’m gonna be jumping and bumping in “Cross Fit” classes or Power Walking and jogging on the black top, why wouldn’t I want the most cushioned ‘ANY and EVERYTHING’ I could possibly find to put on my feet?  It seems more than reasonable, until you break it down to brass tacks.  We’re talking about your entire body weight, slamming down  with that kind of force,  over and over again and these poor ‘Ultra Cushioned, Super Duper Fitness Socks’ are supposed to be responsible for providing ‘Shock Absorbing Power’. Wow, a tall order for a pair of socks don’t you think? 

Of course in all reality, while they may feel comfortable when you pull them on (all warm and fuzzy), shock absorbers they’re certainly NOT! I must admit that years ago, I used to wear them too. Until that is, I started distance running to the tune of all out competitive marathon running; suddenly my $15 ‘SUPER THICK-SUPER CUSHIONED- SUPER SOCKS’ started creating more problems than I could shake a stick at.

 I started pulling blisters, growing fungus, bleeding, and losing toe nails. I couldn’t figure it out. Until that is, I started educating myself on the subject. I started talking to other fitness professionals and professional athletes who’d been there. It turns out that even before I started running for distance, they were neither helping nor harming me. They just felt ‘Cozy and Cushiony’ and that was it! 

SO what are we to wear?

Well, whether you’re a sub - hour long cardio fan, or an all out endurance athlete…the bottom line is “the thinner, the more breathable the sock…the BETTER”! YEP, you heard me right! Cool Max or socks made out of similar materials are best. They allow your feet to do what they need to do most, BREATH.  Just like the fitness clothing you buy for your body, your feet need to be able to breathe and move about naturally within the confines of your real line of Shock Absorbing Defense …your Fitness Shoes! That’s right… Your cushioning will come from your Athletic Shoes and your shoes alone (or possibly an insert or custom orthotic, if your Podiatrist recommends you need one).

This is where a fitness enthusiast should spend most of their money, their shoes! Unless our activity of choice involves using a piece of equipment to pull it off, your Shoes should always be your number one, most expensive investment. SO, hit your local running store and ask them to show you their wall of super thin line of breathable fitness socks. Your feet will thank you for it and your shoes will do what they were meant to…protect your feet, knees and hips form the impact of your favorite cardiovascular activities.

Until next time,

POWER ON,

Coach Candace

To see and purchase my FAVORITE line of Fitness wear, got to "Candace's Favorite things" store at www.FitIsItCardio.com