sportstyle

WRIGHTSOCK Product: Racer MSRP: $15 Tech Details: is blis- ter-resistant offering uses moisture-wicking Repreve recy- cled polyester and has a vented top for breathability. It is ana- tomically designed and lightly cushioned for comfort. What Runners Want: "Comfort and performance — the Racer meets both of those standards. With its so feel, perfect fit and blister resistant design, we're ex- cited to see the Racer become the new runner's favorite." - Joey Wrightenberry, president, Wrightsock FALKE Product: RU4 Endurance Reflect MSRP: $28.95 ($25.95 for the short version) Tech Details: ese all-rounders provide balanced protection with medium cushioning and great shoe contact. e padding offers protection against blisters by reducing pressure points. A strip of reflective yarn increases visibility in low light conditions. Optimal fit is adapted to the requirements of the respective foot (the le and right sock are each knitted differently, so that the larger toes have more space than the small toe). What Runners Want: "e Ergonomic Sport System socks are optimally adapted to the anatomical requirements of the respective foot. e right and le toe and different fits for men and women ensure a wrinkle-free fit. e anatomically shaped pads give optimum protection and maintain shoe contact. " - Michael Meier, product manager, FALKE BALEGA Product: Hidden Dry MSRP: $16 Tech Details: For runners desiring a minimal-sockless feel, the Balega Hidden Dry is it. e sock is engineered with ventilation panels and Drynamix moisture management yarns to keep feet cool and dry, protecting from blistering and abrasion. is year's version has additional ventilation zones to make it Balega's coolest version ever. What Runners Want: "We believe runners want to focus on their run and not their gear. e new Hidden Dry, which makes its debut in Spring '23, is our most ventilated version yet of this go-to sock for the runner seeking a minimalist design." - Ryan Green, SVP, Balega SWIFTWICK Product: Aspire 0 Tab MSRP: $16.99 Tech Details: Aspire has recently been redesigned with a heel tab to prevent slipping and blisters. e sock's thin profile easily wicks moisture away to keep feet dry and blister-free, while high-compression supports feet. A seamless toe box eliminates rubbing and a channeled upper offers breathability. What Runners Want: "Socks that comfortably protect and support their feet. Socks that are so comfortable that they won't even notice they are wearing them! ey want to have socks that fit perfectly and do not budge during runs. Plus, it's critical to control moisture in order to prevent blisters, abrasions, and hot spots." - Joanna Mariani, CMO, Swiwick CEP COMPRESSION Product: Training No-Show Sock MSRP: $15.95 Tech Details: is 93% polyamide, 7% spandex sock is slip-free thanks to the anatomical design and skin-tight fit. e compression and blend of materials ensure superior heat and moisture management, plus additional stabilization in the arch. Perfectly positioned anatomical padded zones in the foot make for ideal cushioning. DARN TOUGH Product: Men's Grit Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running MSRP: $20 Tech Details: Running goes retro with the Men's Grit offering a throwback design with natural fibers (Merino wool) that dry quickly and move excess heat. e sock has targeted flex zones and a non-slip fit. Made in Vermont from ultra-lightweight yarns for zero bulk, zero itch and a low profile, second skin effect. What Runners Want: "To get the best out of your run, you have to make a system with your shoe and your sock. Our research and development teams have spent years identifying runners' needs to ensure their system is seamless. By offering targeted breathable mesh, true seamless toe design, different weights and cushion structure all topped off with the magic that is Merino wool — runners put on our socks and forget they're on." - Jake Largess, Category Manager, Darn Tough Vermont 24 • May/June 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com RUN ESSENTIALS Above, left to right: Wrightsock Racer, FALKE RU4 Endurance Reflect, Balega Hidden Dry, Swiftwick Aspire 0 Tab. Darn Tough Grit Micro Crew Ultra Lightweight (left) and CEP Training No-Show.

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