Just looking for any tips about running in shoes without socks. I always seem to get blisters on my heel or sometimes on top on my small toe when doing any running over 5-7 k. In my longer races Half IM’s I always put socks on…but in sprint and Olympic stuff I don’t wear them. I am using New Balance 900’s now. Is there another brand that is better for not getting blisters.
Any other advice would be great…thanks
You need to train w/o socks some to toughen up your feet.
Once the weather warms up (+50 degrees), I resume training without socks. Takes a couple of runs to toughen up the feet, but then, no problems. I switch between three shoes/week (all asics), so my feet gets used to each shoe. Never had a problem race day with blisters. However, I still do my long runs in socks (anything over 8 miles) mainly for comfort. I think I’m lucky, I don’t develop calluses when I run sockless.
Chris
It does take a few weeks for your feet to ‘toughen up’ to no socks. Make sure you let your wounds heal or you will be making things worse. Use baby powder in your shoes (ie nature’s sock) to help your foot get more comfortable in the shoe. I never wear socks unless it is so cold I have to have them. Half IMs, no problem. I know a few guys that do full IMs without socks. I really hate wearing socks when running, so I doubt I would wear them on a full IM either (whenever I get around to doing one).
Bodyglide. At least until your feet toughen up, and continually if needed (esp in more delicate areas).
Also make sure your shoes fit properly. Switching from socks to sockless might make your shoe size change, especially if you normally wear anything but the thinnest socks.
Always train without socks year round (provided that the temp is > minus 10 celsius). Wash insoles frequently. Socks serve no utility but to take away the direct contact between the nerve endings on your feet and the road/trail. Your coordination when running fast will also improve with no sock running. Using minimalist shoes (lightweight trainer/racing flat) will also help as they tend to bend with your natural foot gait rather than create unnatural pressure points on the foot.
Banged up toes is one of those badges of honor that marks you as a triathlete. I have sometimes used duct tape on my toes but it does not always survive the start and finish of the swim. Body glide helps too but can also get worn off running through the sand or mud. Those new Pearl Izumi shoes with the seamless upper look promising but I’m waiting for a lighter model.