If you have been to a local running or
big chain sporting store and looked for socks, you have probably seen some Balega socks. They are one
of the more popular socks for runners.
Their socks are designed, tested and manufactured in South Africa
(although some are made in the US as well).
Balega means “To Move with Speed.” Their goal is to provide foot
solutions to help runners perform at their personal peak in comfort. Balega has 7 key
deliverables in every sock they produce.
They feel a sock must fit snugly to
ensure that they won’t move around while you are running. Movement causes
irritation, which in turn causes blisters.
That is why they offer 5 specific sizes.
Their socks have a deep heel pocket to
prevent the socks from slipping down into your shoes. The deeper heel cup ensures that your heel is
protected.
Balega uses a supersoft moisture wicking fabric that was developed
exclusively for them. It is called
“Drynamix” and it wicks moisture away rapidly, keeping your feet cool and dry.
Some socks out there have seams, which
cause irritation. Not Balega’s socks. They hand
link the toe seams to give you a great seamless sock that won’t leave you with
blisters.
Another key feature is the inclusion of
ventilation panels that are strategically placed to help keep your feet cool
and aid in the wicking process.
Each of their socks is inspected by
hand by their awesome quality inspection teams and then pre-washed before they
are packed and shipped out to the stores.
There is even a sticker with a picture of the person who inspected your
socks.
Balega believes in giving back, so with each pair of Balega socks you buy, you are giving back as well (Click
here to find out more about how they give back).
Hidden
Comfort Sock
The Hidden
Comfort sock uses elastane throughout the
whole sock for a more structured fit.
Like all Balega socks they have hand
linked toe seams, mesh ventilation, and reinforced heel and toes. The Hidden
Comfort is considered a medium volume sock and
has a plush undersole cushioning for extra protection while still remaining
breathable. There is a heel tab that
helps prevent these socks from slipping into your shoes. Because Balega uses a really high thread count, you get a softer more
comfortable sock.
What I can say is that the comfort was
not hidden for me. These are extremely
comfortable and have a great balance between cushion and ventilation. They may make you not want to take them off
after your run. At $12 on the Balega site and even cheaper if you look around, these are a
great, high-quality sock that won’t break the bank.
Blister
Resist Socks
Balega’s Blister Resist
socks are made with the perfect blend between nature and technology. They use a combination of mohair (silk-like
fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat) and Drynamix to keep your feet
cool and dry. These socks will keep your
feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer and are also a medium volume
sock that Goldilocks would say are just right.
The elastic grip construction ensures that the socks will stay put.
This was the most comfortable of the Balega socks that I tested.
The mohair blend was so soft that I could just use them to lounge around
in. They performed flawlessly and really
did protect against blisters on my long, wet first test run. In my tempo test run, I was really hot, but
my feet stayed cool. These are a little
more expensive than the Hidden
Comfort, but are still a great buy at
$15.
Enduro
V-Tech Socks
The Balega Enduro V-Tech socks
have a special arch support system that gives you a structured fit that is not
too tight or loose. There are enhanced
compression bands that create the ideal support in your mid-foot area. The Enduro V-Tech socks
are made in the US with Drynamics moisture wicking fibers. Like the other socks I reviewed, they have a
medium volume, extra deep heel pocket, mesh ventilation, and is extremely
comfortable.
I really liked the added support that
the V-Tech arch support system provided.
I did notice it on my run. For a
medium cushioned sock, it really felt cool.
You can really tell that they took extra care in making these
socks. The Enduro V-Tech socks
cost about $13, but you can find them for less.
This is a great sock, especially for those runners who have plantar
fasciitis issues or other foot ailments.
Pros:
Extremely comfortable
Great wicking capabilities
Elastic Grip to ensure the socks stay
put
Hand-linked seamless construction
High tab heel and deep heel pocket make
sure the socks don’t slip into your shoe.
Decent price (even better if you find a
sale)
Balega’s Social Media Links:
I was really impressed with all of the
socks that I tested from Balega.
The pride they have in their products definitely shows through in the
material quality, craftsmanship, and even the inspection. They want to make sure you have the perfect
sock and I love that they not only inspect each sock by hand, but they wash
them before the socks go out the door.
All three socks were extremely comfortable, but don’t take my word for
it. Head out to your local running store
(click here for locations) or get a few pairs online.
You can buy them directly from the Balega website or save a little money and
shop around.
Note: I received this product
in exchange for a review. The review is my personal opinion of the
product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it. I am not a doctor, so please use all of the
products that I review at your own risk.
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