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Monday, March 10, 2014

Thorlo Sock Tri-Fecta




Thorlos clinically-tested padding provides your feet with maximum protection. It helps reduce impact from rocks, dirt and other trail debris, and the shear forces that can lead to blisters and other injuries to the skin and soft tissues of your feet during a trail run. Made of made with our exclusive THORLON yarn and COOLMAX® fiber, Thorlos also wicks moisture away better, further protecting against blisters and other foot conditions that could interfere with your comfort and enjoyment.



I was recently given an opportunity to try out some Thorlo socks. I’ve heard of the brand before, but it was more in a hiking content, rather then running. Since I was interested in doing more reviews for the blog, I figured why not. I will give them a try not knowing what to expect from socks. Would I like them? Would they give me blisters? I am training for few long races, and I can’t afford to have my feet be a mess. After doing some internet research, and seeing socks description on Thorlo’s site I was getting excited to give them a try. I was sent 3 different pairs of socks: Experia, 84NRunner, and Trail Running. Experia was designed for healthy feet that are not in pain. 84N Runner, with CTPadding, was designed for runners with foot pain, offers max foot protection. The trail running sock also has the CTP, but also was designed for foot health needs on trail. 

CTPadding is described by Thorlo as:

Thorlos clinically-tested padding provides dense cushioned support to help make up for this natural loss of fat pads. Padding is positioned in exactly the right anatomical places to provide protection for the ball and heel so your feet feel well cushioned and comfortable. Many wearers report their feet feel years younger when wearing Thorlos clinically-tested padded socks that have been fitted properly with their shoes.

Since getting these socks in early February, I’ve worn them on runs ranging from 4 to 25 miles on various terrain including road, treadmill and trails. Below I will discuss few points for each sock and overall impression for the brand.

Thorlo Tri-fecta

First Impressions

Experia: A sock designed for everyday runner without foot issues. As soon as I put it on I felt the cushion. It felt very comfortable and I didn’t not experience any weird pressure points once I got my shoes on. 

84N: A sock designed for runner with pain and feet problems. Wow. Amazing cushioning. I felt like I was wearing slippers. Extremely comfortable. I did have to loosen my shoe laces a bit due to the extra volume of these socks. 

Trail Runner: A sock designed for trails. Again, very nice amount of cushion, somewhere in between Experia and 84N. Fit with shoes was a little more bulky then what I am used to, but and I didn’t need any extra steps to feel comfortable out of the box.
Experia Photo Credit: www.thorlo.com

The Fit

Experia: I was a little worried when the sock I was sent was size XL (12-15 US Men). I am size 11.5 in running shoes, but my foot is size 10.5-11. However, they fit perfectly. Not sure if the sizing of this sock is little off, I would go one size up from your normal sock.

84N and Trail Runner: True to size. I was sent size L (9-12.5 US Men) and they fit perfect with heel and toes aligning properly.
84N Runner. Photo Credit: www.thorlo.com

Running Performance

Experia: While I could feel the cushion at the beginning of the very first run, these sock molded to my feet few minutes in. There were no issues at all. I was rather surprised with comfort and very satisfied with the performance.

84N: I could definitely feel the cushion the entire time. While this made for a smooth ride, it did feel very bulky. Again, I had no issues my feet and very satisfied with the performance. 

Trail Runner: Very nice fitting, cushioned feel. No issues to report all other then comfort. 

Trail Runner. Photo Credit: www.thorlo.com

Overall Impression

Overall, I have been very impressed with this brand. All socks very extremely comfortable and caused no hot spots or issues for me at all. I am actually very excited to test them as it gets warmer here in the East (please will it get warm soon). Since, I do not have any issues with my feet at the moment, I really do not have need for the extreme cushion of 84N, but that sock was just as comfortable. For those people looking at extra cushion, this is the way to go. I am definitely still keeping it around for those times when that extra cushion is needed. It is important to note that Thorlos are made in the USA in North Carolina, which is very rare anymore. I would definitely recommend this brand for anyone looking for a comfortable sock with cushion. If I do encounter any issues, I will make sure to update this blog at a later time. 

Altra Torin 1.5 and Thorlo Trail. A match made in heaven.
If you want to give Thorlo’s a try, they currently have “FreePair Offer” promotion where you only pay $4.90 for shipping and handling. Not a bad deal. 

Call for Comments
-
What is your favorite sock brand?
- What do you look for when shopping for a sock?

Disclaimer: These socks were provided to me free of charge. I was under no obligation to provide this review. Everything contained in this post is my own opinion.

6 comments:

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  6. It is really good accessories. It will give you proper comfort. You also have to be careful while hiking. If you do not give proper attention, you can miss your step and can be injured. You can also use walking sticks on the way. It will give you good support.

    ReplyDelete

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