My starter workout wardrobe was pitiful.  I’d worked out on and off with DVDs, the college fitness center, and with friends only to find myself too busy; i.e. I’d rather watch Prime Time eating ice cream from the container.

My love of work outs surfaced so I bought shirts, sports bras, and pants.  Then came proper shoe fitting when the running bug bit. 

Where I completely slacked: SOCKS.  Seriously, who wants to spend $10 a pair when Target has 6 pair for $7.99.  Higher prices of pants and shirts weren’t bad because I sometimes wear them twice…shhh and bargain hunt for last season’s gear.  Sports bras are necessary to hold up the girls for any activity…no black eyes here.

But socks…there’s something icky about wearing them more than once.   It’s because I have the sweatiest feet ever.  TMI? Sorry.   No matter how sweaty my clothes are, the feet are the worst.  Then the blisters come.  My regular socks were not good and no amount of Body Glide helped.

I asked for more recommendations when investing $10 for a pair of socks than my first car.  I have my priorities straight. The consensus: Balega.  I braved my local running store and bought two pair.  Yep only two.  Two runs, laundry next day (with work out clothes), repeat.  Got old fast; eventually I owned 7 pair.

They seem to last for – almost – ever, and I’m not paid to say it…I just love them. Remember my super sweaty feet? Sweat breaks down all my workout clothes easily, as does washing.  Yet over the 5 years I’ve only replaced my entire set (7 pair) once.  Comfy, easy, and barely any blisters.  Besides they looks cute.  Can someone design a shoe to show the fun designs?

In May I found a second sock love.  The amount of Fitbloggin’ swag blew my mind but I waited to dig in – minus giving a few things I knew I couldn’t eat away.  Back in the hotel room I dumped it on the bed to sort through.  Of all the things in the bag I was super happy about the Sofsole Coolmax socks…I forgot socks at home.

Heading out the door to pick up Courtney I had to pause.  The socks were like walking on a cloud and my feet were happy.  A full of sessions, walks around Baltimore, trips to Whole Foods, and just lounging; even in my uncomfortable shoes my feet where comfortable.  I tried bribing my roommates to trade their socks but no luck.  But cushy feet mean happy Cynthia.

The combination of Balega and and Coolmax socks have kept my blisters to a minimum.  My old cotton socks were replaced completely over time with performance socks and the investment. They cost more up front but like investing in shoes, wicking clothes, and bras, the pain-free workouts have proven their worth in the long run.

Don’t worry about the cotton socks.  They still have a purpose…actually two purposes:

• Covering a foot when injuries crop up.

• Cleaning.  Yep, they make great dust cloths so I can see my workout DVD’s – and football – better.

If you’re feet are crying out with blister start making the investment in good socks one pair at a time.  Shoes and good clothes are high on the priority list but socks will complete the total package.

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