Thorlo Alternative? Cushioned Running Socks

Triathlon Forum
1

I have worn Thorlo Running socks for 20 years and they have been my only running sock due to the thick cushioning. In the last few years I have noticed the socks getting thinner and thinner with reduced cushioning in the ball and heel. My latest pairs are so thin they feel almost like cycling socks! My preference is for thick cushioned socks for running.

Any recommendations for thick cushioned running socks?

Thanks, John

2

My thorlo socks have additional cushioning in the ball and heel; however to answer your question I have a pair of balega socks that sound like what you’re looking for.

3

Thanks, I will look into that. My Thorlos are so much thinner than they used to be.

4

I had been wearing Ibex for a few years, but they could get heavy when running in a lot of rain or mud. I recently switched to Zensah, and I love them. They are lighter weight, have the cushioned toe and heel, and I got through a rather nasty 32M race on Saturday without any blisters.
https://www.rei.com/product/114277/zensah-grit-running-quarter-socks

5

Yup to Balega, but they have a variety of models

My thorlo socks have additional cushioning in the ball and heel; however to answer your question I have a pair of balega socks that sound like what you’re looking for.
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6

Balega Enduro or Swiftwick Maxus. I have the Balegas and ordered the Maxus to try

7

Smartwool makes some very thick socks.

8

Most socks that are thick are trending towards thickness in the ball and heel but thinner around the arch.
You might try:

Experia socks which are made by Thorlo
Balega Enduro
Swiftwick Maxus
Features Elite max cushion

Thorlo’s are typically the thickest but imo their knit is thinner than other socks. You may be able to go to a thinner sock that has a tighter knit to achieve what you are looking for.

Or the other way you could go is get a shoe(s) that is(are) more cushioned. For instance going from the Brooks Ghost to Glycerin or Asics Gel Pursue 3 to the Cumulus or to even more cushioning with the Nimbus.

I’ve found that thicker socks create as many problems as they solve for many runners. They take up more volume and often force people up a half size which can impact how the shoe fits/feels when you run.

Hope that helps

9

Thanks Brian.
I do run in the Glycerin already and am comfortable with the thicker socks that Thorlo used to make. I just ‘feel’ like I am pounding more and have sore feet from thin socks despite my Glycerin. I will gives these other socks a try.

Thank so much for the recommendations!
John

10

not sure if Falke socks are available in the US, but they’re my favourite by far. they make a cushioned runner that’s great.

11

Maybe a gel like insert of some sort + thinner socks might be a solution as well
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12

Yup to Balega, but they have a variety of models

My thorlo socks have additional cushioning in the ball and heel; however to answer your question I have a pair of balega socks that sound like what you’re looking for.

Balega hidden comfort have been my go to. Fairly thick but still breath well.

13

2nd the Balega hidden comfort. I’ve liked some of the Darn Tough socks.