A good shoe/sock combination is essential when you're putting in long miles on tough terrain. Very few things put the brakes on a good run or hike quicker than blisters or soggy, achy feet.
Our friends at OFFduty featured FITs Socks Company's performance socks in their fitness gift guide last month, so I snagged a pair to see how the trail version would hold up as the miles piled on. And the verdict? These are worth their $17.99 price tag.
See why we like these so much after the jump ...
FITs, a family-owned company based in Niota, Tenn., has obviously learned a thing or two about fit and performance in the 100+ years they've been in the sock business. The company cites its F3 (fit, feel and function) Technology as the reason these socks deliver.
- The fit: The deep heel pocket (as advertised) keeps the socks from shifting and bunching, which greatly reduces the likelihood you'll get hot spots or blisters. It also kept my foot secure in my shoe, which definitely makes a difference when you're skittering down hill faster than you should be.
- The feel: While I haven't jumped in moving water (yet) in these, they did keep my feet comfortable and dry through boggy mud. I even wore them, unlaundered, on a recent 22-mile trail run and they didn't smell or rub, despite not being clean. I fully expect the 58% wool, 32% nylon, 7% polyester and 3% Lycra blend material to dry quickly after their first dunk in a stream.
- The function: I shredded my feet at a 50-miler in June, and since then have been much more careful about what kind of socks I've got on when I toe any starting line. FITs performance trails are super cushioned, which probably would have saved my feet back in June. FITs wisely put the heavy cushion only on the bottom of the sock, otherwise the fit inside your shoe would be too snug. And, on the trail version, the upper of the sock is tall enough to cover all of your ankle. Which, while a tad on the nerdy side, will keep rocks and other trail trash out of your socks.
These are easy to care for, no high-maintenance washing instructions here. Run them through a regular wash/dry cycle with the rest of your stanky clothes. No need to hand-wash, line dry, pamper and baby these; they're as tough as you are. And, if for some reason you aren't satisfied, contact FITs within 30 days and they'll give you your money back.
FITs packaging says "Buy two pair: one for yourself and one for the friend who's gonna snatch 'em," and they're completely right. While she didn't steal my pair, OFFduty Editor Amanda Miller said her pair of FITS over-the-calf Winter Sports Socks have been keeping her toes toasty, outdoors and in, since temperatures start to drop -- often for days at a time because they hold up so well between washings. The double-welted top itches a little, but she'd happily pay the $19.99 for a new pair if hers got snatched.
Find 'em here online. $17.99.
Sara Davidson is an ultramarathoner and our resident women's gear destroyer.
