My favorite running sock for the past 4 or 5 years has been the excellent Balega Hidden Comfort – a fairly basic cushioned sock with hand-linked seamless toes and mesh construction for added ventilation.
The local running store, Running Etc., originally clued me in on Balegas, and they’ve been the first sock I grab when I head out for a run/race ever since.
Favorite color is black as the white tends to get dirty very quickly. The Hidden Comfort pairs well with the Saucony Kinvara and Inov8 trail shoes.

Features:
Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort
Specially constructed mesh ventilation panel to keep your feet cool and dry
High tab heel ensures that your sock stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit
Extra-deep heel pocket
Cushioning for impact resistance

Available in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Available in colors: White, Black
Typical price: $10.99

I’m also a big fan of the Balega Hidden Dry which is easily described as a thinner version of the Hidden Comfort. Balega simply describe the Hidden Dry as the “race day” sock – it’s thin, breathable & fast, and perfect for those days when you don’t want too much cushioning. I tend to wear the Hidden Dry with my Saucony Grid Type A4s and various racing flats.

Features:
Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort
Mesh construction for added ventilation
Extra-deep heel pocket

Available in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Available in colors: White, Black
Typical price: $8.49

[Disclaimer: the following socks were provided free of charge for the purpose of a blog review.]

A short time ago I was approached by 3tailer who asked if I’d be interested in reviewing a couple of pairs of their running socks. Always keen to try something new, I quickly replied “Yes” and sent off my shoe size and current likes/dislikes in a sock. A week or so later a package arrived containing the Wrightsock SLT no-show tab sock, Drymax Running no-show sock and Drymax Running Lite-Mesh no-show sock.

First up for testing were the Wrightsock SLT worn in conjunction with the Saucony Grid Type A4.

Manufacturer’s description:
The Wrightsock SLT 182 No Show with Tab Socks are an ultra-lightweight, single layer sock for walking and running activities. Wrightsock’s WrightOnes system reduces irritation between your toes and shoes, while the Y Heel promotes an anatomically correct fit for added comfort. The Dri-WRIGHT II system wicks moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable. The Stabilizer Zone helps lock the sock in place, further reducing blisters. The SLT is the most lightweight sock in the WrightOnes line, and ideal for performance driven activities.

Available in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Available in colors: White
Typical price: $9.00

My thoughts:
Similar in thickness to the Balega Hidden Dry, but definitely a much nicer fit thanks to the innovative “Stabilizer Zone”. The heel tab kept the sock from slipping and the no-show style lived up to it’s name nicely. Great lightweight, performance sock and at $7.99 a pair, not a bad price too.

Next up were the Drymax Running No Show Socks – too thick to wear with the A4, so I took them for a spin with the Saucony Kinvara and Inov8 X-Talon 190 instead.

Manufacturer’s description:
The Drymax Running No Show socks contain a dual-layer moisture removal system that stays dry by moving sweat out and away from your feet. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Other running socks rely on moisture-wicking fibers that use the slow process of evaporation. Drymax socks dry at the same speed as you sweat, keeping you on the road longer. Designed for cool to warm-weather days, Drymax Running socks contain Drymax Medium Density padding in the heel and toe to provide added cushioning without adding unnecessary volume in your shoes. Made in the USA.

Available in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Available in colors: White
Typical price: $12.99

My thoughts:
Sorry, Drymax, not really a fan of these – way too thick and bulky for my liking, and quite stiff for a sock if that makes sense. The padding in the heel felt good, but to be honest, the sock didn’t really fit well on any other part of my foot. The sock test lasted five miles, and although I didn’t suffer any blisters, it was a relief to get home. The lack of tab was an issue too, as a few times I had to reach down to “pull up” the sock which was slipping down into the shoe. Note: I think Drymax make a tabbed version which would alleviate the problem.

Since the initial test before Christmas, I’ve worn this particular sock a few more times – once on the local trails, and a couple of times on the road. The bulky feeling is still there, and I’m afraid to say the Drymax Running No Show is just too much sock for my liking.

Lastly, I tried out the Drymax Running Lite-Mesh no-show sock, which turned out to be a much more pleasant experience than the thicker Drymax offering.

Manufacturer’s description:
The Drymax Sport Lite-Mesh No Show socks are perfect for the person who doesn’t want to wear sport-specific socks, but wants a sock that works for all sports and shoes. Drymax Sport Lite-Mesh No Show socks contain a dual-layer moisture removal system that stays dry by moving sweat out and away from your feet. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Other athletic socks rely on moisture-wicking fibers that use the slow process of evaporation. Drymax socks dry at the same speed as you sweat, keeping you on the court, floor, or field for longer. Designed for mild to hot-weather days, the Drymax Lite-Mesh Sport Socks use Low Density protective padding around the heel and toe to provide cushioning without adding too much volume in your shoes. Made in the USA.

Drymax Sport Lite-Mesh socks differ from Drymax Sport socks – they contain a unique top and bottom mesh air vent system designed to work with breathable shoes to keep feet cooler.

Available in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
Available in colors: White
Typical price: $10.99

My thoughts:
My first run in the Lite-Mesh was a good one – a brisk 6 miler wearing Saucony Grid Type A4s. The sock gripped my foot in all the right places and was cushioned enough without feeling bulky. The gray Y Heel felt great, and the top-side breathable mesh kept my feet cool. I initially thought the lack of heel tab could be an issue, but the sock stayed put for 6 miles and showed no signs of slipping. Good stuff!

Manufacturer links:

• Balega
• Drymax
• Wrightsock

I’ve already picked out my racing shoes for the Shamrock Marathon – the 8.4oz Brooks ST3, but my next dilemma is what socks should I wear. Okay, so it might seem a trivial concern to most of my readers – it’s just a sock after all – but it could be the difference on the day between happy feet and not so happy feet. Naturally I would much rather have happy feet for the 26.2 miles…

Recently I’ve been wearing the excellent Balega X-Athlete Hidden Comfort which sports the following features:

• Hand-linked seamless toe for seamfree comfort
• Specially constructed mesh ventilation panel to keep your feet cool and dry
• High tab heel ensures that your liner stays in place, providing for a comfortable fit
• Extra-deep heel pocket
• Cushioning for impact resistance

They perform really well and although I’ve never had a blister problem, I’ve often wished they were less bulky.

Enter the Balega X-Athlete Hidden Dry – a similar sock to the Hidden Dry with the extra-deep heel pocket and hand-linked seamless toe, but without the cushioning. Sounds just like what I was looking for doesn’t it?

Well, I’ve tried them out on several practice runs and although I think they’d be perfect for distances up to a half-marathon, I’m not going to risk them in Sunday’s marathon. The cushioning could be a great feature in the latter miles, when my legs are tired and I’m feeling every footstep.

As a final test, I even ran a couple of miles on the treadmill tonight. The Hidden Comfort definitely came out on top and I’ll feel better knowing I have that extra protection as I take my place on the start line. Think I’ll save the Hidden Drys for a fast 5k or 10k in the Spring….