LEARN MORE ABOUT US Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video tag. We’re always asking if there’s a better way. Whenever we can, we find new uses for the materials that naturally exist right in front of us, rather than relying on cheaper synthetics. Take to the streets, stomp some grapes, go nuts. If you’re not obsessed by day 30, we’ll take them back for a full refund. Free shipping, no questions asked. Don’t know their size, or which color they’d like? Give the gift of ultimate comfort with an Allbirds Gift Card instead. Get a Gift Card Sign up to get updates on our latest shoes and other news. ALLBIRDS IN THE NEWS Share product over email Share product on Facebook Share product on Twitter Share product on PinterestThe overriding philosophy at Sock Geek is "Don't ruin a great running shoe with a bad sock."  With this in mind, the following information is presented to assist you during the selection process when purchasing a high quality performance running sock.

First, why do you need a great running sock?  A high quality run sock will manage moisture, protect the foot from shoe abrasion, and provide some impact protection. To create a comfortable environment for your feet while running you need to think both footwear and socks for optimum performance. RULE #1 - Keep the cotton socks out of the running shoes!  Cotton retains moisture and when you have moisture, heat, and friction in a running shoe you are more likely to get blisters, calluses, and hot spots.  Also, cotton gets more abrasive when wet, again not good in a running shoe. The socks featured by Sock Geek are made primarily from synthetic fibers.  Blends of synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, Lycra Spandex, Olefin, or CoolMax are best for managing moisture build-up and are compatible with the materials inside your shoes.  Synthetics are "hydrophobic" meaning they don't like water so they pull the moisture away from the foot in a way that maximizes evaporation.

Some socks on Sock Geek contain natural fibers like wool, bamboo, and coconut. When you see these fibers don't be afraid, wool for example has long been used in running socks because of its natural moisture management qualities, thermo regulation capabilities, as well as natural anti-microbial characteristics.  Advanced manufacturing processes are now undertaken to eliminate any potential itching that can sometimes be attributed to wool.  Besides delivering a great fitting comfortable sock, one of the best things about the use of natural fibers is they are a renewable resource unlike the petroleum based synthetics. Beside offering fabrics that are more favorable to your feet while running, premium running socks have other benefits that enhance your experience.  A feature like hand-linked or seamless toe enclosures eliminates the chance of rubbing and irritation to the top of the toes.  Power bands, arch supports, and articulated arches improve the fit of the sock by reducing unnecessary bulk and keep the sock from twisting in the shoe. 

Also, "Y" and "W" stitched heel gores seat the heel deep in the sock to maximize fit as well as keeping the sock from slipping down your heel and into your shoe. Today's offering of running socks are the best they have ever been.  A great deal of research has gone into the design, fabric development, testing, and manufacturing of the socks featured on Sock Geek.  best running workout shoesWe suggest you try a variety of styles and fabrics to find the one that works best for you.best place to buy running shoes in victoria bcSome shoes are better to wear without any socks, especially in the summer months. best walking shoes for collegeWhether you like to wear flats, boat shoes, sandals, or loafers, here are some tips to help you keep your kicks from smelling nasty when you strut your stuff sockless.best walking golf shoes 2014

Your shoes are subject to a lot of heat and moisture, and when you don’t wear socks, there’s nothing to catch and wick that moisture away. You can’t do much about the heat, but you can keep things dry with some foot powder. For around $10 on Amazon, you can get a bottle of Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder, and it should last you the whole summer.walking shoes for mom Other powders, like baby powder, help keep things dry as well, but they may not fight odor as well. cheap discount puma shoesThe downside to using foot powders is that they can clump if your feet sweat a lot, and they leave the inside of your shoes speckled white and it may never go away. Nobody is going to look in your shoes (hopefully), but it’s still something to consider. When it comes to foot odor, a little extra washing can go a long way.

The reason your shoes get so stinky is because the odor-causing bacteria that like to live on your feet spread to the inside of your shoes. They live off of your sweat and dead skin, which makes the inside of your sockless shoes prime real estate for those little guys. The Art of Manliness explains: Once you have plenty of sweat going, the bacteria that live on your feet start growing and producing smelly stuff. The main culprit for your stinky feet is brevibacteria. These suckers eat the dead skin that sloughs off your feet every day. After digesting your microscopic skin particles, the brevibacteria expel methanethiol, a gas that smells sort of like rotten cabbage. To combat the stink, start with a foot washing regimen. Lather your feet with soap to help reduce bacteria and scrub them clean with a loofah or wash cloth to remove as much dead skin as you can. Simply standing in the shower and letting the soap wash down your body on to your feet doesn’t count! If you don’t have time to wash, alcohol-based products like antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer can also work in a pinch.

Foot odor is very similar to armpit odor, so it makes sense that products designed for the underside of your arms could work for other high-sweat areas of the body as well. Dr. Benabio at The Derm Blog suggests using an antiperspirant spray: Use a spray antiperspirant such as Gold Bond Maximum Strength Foot Spray. Your regular underarm antiperspirant will work as well, but the aluminum chloride concentration is much lower, so it is less effective. The spray variety gives more coverage for your foot and can get in the nooks and crannies between your toes. Regular deodorant can help too because they are alcohol based. Deodorants won’t keep your feet dry, but in a pinch, sweaty feet is better than sweaty and smelly feet. If your shoes aren’t too cramped, insoles can be a quick and easy odor prevention method. You can find insoles made of terrycloth, designed to absorb and wick the sweat away, but your best bet are insoles with activated charcoal. Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is very porous and incredibly absorbent.

Insoles like Dr. Sholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles are a safe bet, and you get a pack of four pairs for less than $17 on Amazon. These aren’t ideal for sandals, but they work great for boat shoes, flats, and loafers. You personally cut each insole to size, so you know it will fit almost any shoe size or type, and each pair can last more than a month of regular wear. Your mileage may vary, but these types of insoles can prevent odor from building up in your shoes right from the start. Yes, we’re talking about going sockless, but you can just as easily make it look like you’re not wearing socks. These socks go by many names (Liners, No-Shows, Loafer Socks, Boat Shoe Socks, etc.), but they all do the same thing: they absorb and wick sweat from your feet so it doesn’t absorb into your shoes. They ride really low on your feet, usually wrapping around your toes and barely hooking around the base of your heel, but they give you the advantage of socks while still being fashionable.

If you decide to go the sock route, you can usually find packs of three to five for $15 or less. Keep in mind, however, that socks don’t combine very well with any of the other methods mentioned here. You don’t want powdery socks or scrunched toes from your insole and sock combo, but it’s still good to wash your feet. Preventing shoe odor is just as much about what you do when you’re not wearing your shoes as when you do wear them. Just because you’ve pulled your sweaty feet out of your shoes doesn’t mean they’re instantly dry inside. In fact, that moisture can linger for a while and contribute to the growth of more odor-causing bacteria. Black Lapel suggests springing for some cedar shoe trees. They’ll absorb moisture, make your shoes smell heavenly, and they’ll help you maintain the shape of your shoes. These can run you anywhere from $12 to $30 each (not a pair), so they’re not exactly the cheapest option either. Of course, you can always go with the classics as well.