Product of the Week: Are Feetures the Best Running Socks on the Market?
If you’re a serious runner, Feetures is a fantastic investment in your feet and your running wardrobe
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Feetures was founded in 2002 by Hugh Gaither and his two sons, John and Joe, who set out to make a high-quality, technically-advanced sock. After spending almost three decades in the socks and hosiery industry, Gaither decided to create a sock with a snug fit and seamless toe. Today, Feetures is one of the most popular (and one of the most expensive) running sock brands.
Athletech News tested Feetures socks to see if they live up to the hype (and price).
Pros
One of the biggest benefits of Feetures is that they offer varying thicknesses in their socks, with everything from an ultra-thin compressive sock to a plush sock. They also offer socks with varying heights, from No Show, to Low Cut (ankle), Quarter, Crew (calf), all the way up to Sleeve (which addresses plantar fasciitis). Their website is well-designed, helping consumers quickly find the right thickness and height for their needs.
Feetures socks come in an anatomical design to fit the natural shape of your foot. The brand’s targeted compression technology in the arch prevents foot fatigue and maximizes shock absorption. Their seamless toe is also very helpful for long-distance running and for general everyday comfort. Some of Feetures’ socks, like the Elite line, are also designed differently for the left and right feet, a construction that helps prevent blisters and slippage. The socks are lightweight but stretchy, and they last forever. I wore the same pair of High Performance Max Cushion Quarter socks for multiple years through thousands of miles, and they have not ripped or pilled. I also found that the socks, across different styles, didn’t overheat my feet. Some of their lower socks, like the Elite Invisible Sock, also come with a Heel Hugger 2.0 silicone tape to help the sock stay put in various running conditions.
Feetures has a lifetime warranty, as well, so you can return the socks if you’re dissatisfied in any way. The brand also uses yarn that is made of upcycled plastic bottles, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Cons
Although all Feetures socks performed well under pressure, some excelled more than others. For example, I tested the Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab under both athletic and casual circumstances. For everyday wear, the sock felt restrictive, with too much compression, and didn’t breathe as well as the other socks I tried, like the High Performance Max Cushion Quarter. I also believe this could be attributed to a potential sizing issue. Although I did choose the correct size for my shoe (with a wide range on either end), the socks felt smaller than other brands’ alternatives.
For the High Performance Max Cushion Quarter, I did find that the seamless toe area reduced blisters and toenail pressure, but was not foolproof, particularly for marathon-distance runs. Although this is to be expected with such distances, it is worth mentioning that there remains some friction with the socks.
The biggest con of Feetures is their price. Each pair clocks in at around $16, which is an investment compared to alternatives.
Overall
If you’re a serious runner, Feetures is a fantastic investment in your feet and your running wardrobe. Setting aside their lifetime warranty, you’ll never need another pair (unless you lose a sock to the washing machine), as they last for years on end, through miles and miles. If you’re willing to take the plunge, you likely won’t regret it.