For most, athletic sock brands matter little; a pair of athletic socks being exactly that. On occasion, that rare customer comes looking for something so much more. A brand of socks that will perfectly conform to their foot, allow their foot to breathe in the summer and stay
warm in the winter, not cause blisters and most importantly, keep their shape wash after wash after wash. The blisters are what always get me, and thus I set out on the hunt for the perfect pair of running socks. On one fateful day, when all my stars aligned, I found them – FoxRiver socks. I have run through sleet, snow, rain, heat, humidity, dirt – you name it – and they are still holding up. My sock collection has grown substantially since I opted to try the Running sock (ankle and quarter length), the Lite Running sock and the new Bio-Fiber sock.
FoxRiver was founded in 1900 and is based out of Iowa. In 1985 the company’s fetish with feet, lead it to begin manufacturing socks under the Wick Dry® name. Wick Dry® technology is what moves moisture away from your body so it can evaporate using specialized fibers. Each pair of socks goes through a series of five technical steps before the consumer can purchase them. Each pair of socks upholds and exceeds the high quality of moisture wicking, exceptional fit, durability and comfort that FoxRiver is known for.
This is all fine and dandy, but how might you ask does this benefit us the consumer? Well let me explain. Having now trained for and run three marathons, I am still wearing a few of the original pairs of FoxRiver socks that I invested in. This is a statement to their strength and durability when you consider that I run five days a week. I have worn their Running sock in the winter and been able to feel my toes at the end of those brutally cold long runs; I have worn the Lt. Running sock all summer long and other than the anticipated stink of running shoes, they have been fabulous. I have not had that fateful discomfort due to toe seams, as FoxRiver utilizes a “no feel” seam that is flat and comfortable. The narrow foot bed for women is a significant benefit, as is the rounded toe box, both preventing excess movement while in the sock and snugly fitting my foot
FoxRiver has gone that one step further in innovation, and created the Bio-Fiber sock. The Bio-Fiber sock is made from 100%corn, which is an annually renewable resource and Earth-Friendly. They use Ingeo® fiber which is the first man-made fiber derived from clean, sustainable, 100 percent renewable resources. Traditional socks are made from synthetic fibers which are created using petroleum. However, Ingeo fiber is made of natural corn crop starch. The result is a process and a product that are friendlier on the environment[1]. Earth-friendly socks you say? Fabulous, but are they athlete friendly? To which I say, indeed they are. Surprisingly, the Bio-Fiber socks lived up to my high expectations of FoxRiver socks, and I felt that much better knowing that I was doing that little bit more for the planet.
When it comes down to it, I’ve come to realize that no sock will be able to completely eradicate the blisters that come with excessive mileage on a repetitive basis. On occasion, I have experienced areas of friction which are uncomfortable during runs. It’s nothing that a little skin lube or Vaseline can’t handle for the next run.
It is with immense pleasure that I say that FoxRiver has made a lifelong customer out of me.
[1] http://www.foxsox.com/images/news/goodearthintro.pdf p. 5
