As thin as possible for distance running. You want the shoe to fit just right with just the right amount of room for your toes so your foot can spread as you move forward in your gait without them hitting the front of the shoe and without your foot sliding around inside the shoe.

A good pair of running socks can be just as important as a good pair of shoes. Running-specific socks are designed to reduce blisters, wick moisture, and keep your feet more comfortable.

Yes. If you are a long-distance runner it matters. There is wicking in long-distance running socks, that absorbs the moisture, by wicking it, and drying the sock so that the moisture doesn’t build up to make your feet slip a bit in your shoes and cause blisters. Shorter runs, the 100 dashes, 200, 400, and even 800 don’t last as long so you will want different socks for those races. Running footwear stores all have experts or should in order for you to get the best socks for the best running.

If you are getting blisters on your feet, it suggests that:

• Your feet are not used to the shoes (new shoes?).

• Your feet (ties in with the above) are not used to the time (duration) and/ or distance covered.

• Once the above has been addressed (over time) and your shoes have been properly ‘worn’ in, then only do you start to experiment with the different types of socks available.

The men’s professional running socks are protective and super comfortable; they offer maximum shock absorption to keep your ankle joints and heel bones secured on high-impact jumps and tackles. The concentration of special soft-silicone fillings of the heel-ankle axis and close-toe areas make the basketball socks have an ultra-cushioning effect; the use of comb-end cotton makes it breathable for the feet.

You should wear quality shoes and socks specifically made for running, from a store that specializes in running gear. If this doesn't prevent blisters, obtain thin, snug-fitting socks to wear under your running socks. That way the rubbing will be against these snug socks, instead of your feet. Another thing you can do is to regularly apply lotion to your feet. Sweaty feet soon become dry and more prone to peeling.

Socks material is more comfortable to your feet than the inner material of your shoes. It also ensures your feet are intact inside the shoes and won't move to give you a better grip from inside and avoiding leg twists. Socks also protect the shoe’s inner part from your sweat and protect your skin from the chafing and excess moisture that cause blisters.

• You’ll reduce your shoe life due to sweat damaging the lining and insole.

• You’ll be more apt to get blisters or abrasions from the shoe stitching.

• Your shoes will, sooner or later, smell so bad that even you won’t want to be in the same room with them.

They all have their advantages.

• Ankle socks and no-show socks look sleek and are cooler for warm weather, but make sure they have a tab at the heel so they don’t slip down.

• Quarter socks are nice for trail running to keep out dirt and rocks.

• Crew socks add extra warmth in cold weather.

• And knee-high socks are usually compression socks that are worn to prevent cramps and swelling and to reduce lactic acid buildup.

• Really, the fabric is more important than the length for running socks.

For most people, you can probably get away with re-arranging your shoelaces (and loosening/tightening at the right spots of the foot), and occasionally applying some sort of lubrication to areas that are very prone. You might also want to consider a different model/make of shoe - as different manufacturers use different lasts (foot models), and put the seams in different places; so a different type of shoe may be less prone to rubbing in your sensitive spots.

The science behind compression socks is that it improves proprioception and reduces muscle oscillation, which results in improved muscle efficiency. It also helps with improving the rate of muscle recovery and alleviates the lactic acid build-up during or post-workout.

This scientific reality enhances athletic performance in all sports, whether they be competitive or leisure.

Cotton retains moisture when wet. When you sweat it will become saturated and lose most of its breathability. This will make the socks uncomfortable and heavy. Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature cools, the socks will take a long time to dry and you will start to feel cold from the dampness. Cotton is the worst-performing fabric for high perspiration sports.

The most important job for your socks is to prevent blisters.  Choose socks that:

• Will wash moisture away from the feet.

• Are skin tight. Friction should be between socks and shoes, and not involve feet/toes.

• Are no show, but with a tab above the heel to prevent slippage and chaffing.

If you are one of those who stay in places known for extreme cold weather or wish to stay warm during winters, you certainly need to have the right pair of socks. Before you go ahead and make a purchase, it is important to know what goes into the making of these socks. The winter socks you choose should keep your feet warm the whole day and should be made of high-quality wool.

If you make a habit of running in the rain, try to wear a thicker and more absorbent pair. They will reduce some of the potential slippages between your foot and the shoe.

Arch pain in the foot is due to plantar fasciitis, mostly. You must heal that part before running longer. Stretch well before and after. Strength well daily. And cover it, better with thick running socks that provide extra support for the foot arch.

Compression socks help ‘massage’ your calf muscles. This action prevents the pooling of blood in your calves and helps your heart to pump the blood back to the upper part of your body, and hence, to the heart.

Cramps happen due to some factors major being

• Low water (Dehydration)

• Low sodium intake

• Low body Calcium and magnesium

• The shift of body fluids

If you experience muscle cramps specifically during running, it might be the case 1/2. So increase your water intake and sodium (common salt) intake per day.

You can use hot water therapy before and after running because it keeps the blood circulation in check.

Compression socks might help to some extent. You can use them but they are not proven to deliver any results; it's just anecdotal. So you can try them and see for yourself.

It is very important before and after running or jogging to warm up and cool down. Both will include stretching and really relieves the muscles.