Balega Sock Review

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)

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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.