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www.sgb-sports.com
SGB Sports Retail - WINTER RUNNING
Sports and Outdoor
Socks
Achilles heel protection.
Bottlepacks
The socks retail at £6.50 and £8.50 respectively. For
Good socks are vital for runners all year round, and there's stockist details, or further information call HILLY on 0161 GoLite are relatively new to the UK market and have
some wonderful brands out there. We're featuring Hilly, 366 8207. some wonderful lightweight gear. Primarily, these have
ToeToe and Wigwam socks here, but don't forget relatively trail running in mind, but it's doesn't need much
new brands like teko on the market too, alongside WIGWAM imagination to use them in road running!
stalwarts like 1000 Mile socks. Wigwam are the principal sponsors of the Ironman World
So what attributes do socks need for the winter? Championships in Kona and are highly regarded in the
Wigwam's Andrew Baguley says it's all about comfort and running world… GOLITE BOTTLEPACKS
performance. "Comfort and performance are the key Pro-rated, patented moisture control system to reduce GoLite’s sleek, durable and comfortable bottle packs
factors for running socks in bad weather. If you're running blisters. Hydrophobic materials in the foot bottom repel are designed for long-distance trail running, but are
in wet conditions, you need a sock that helps keep your moisture and ideal for everyday hiking or training – all feature
feet dry by wicking moisture away from the foot and up, Hydrophilic materials in GoLIte’s No-Bounce control system.
out of the sock. With a wet sock in a running shoe you can the instep and leg
end up with pressure points and then blisters." absorb moisture using a
Of course, this means the material of the sock is one of capillary action to Hydrosprint – srp £30
its most important features and USPs. Andrew added: transport moisture out Features – highly breathable quick-dry air mesh body,
"The materials in the sock are very important. In Wigwam of the shoe for faster 21oz Specialized
socks we use a combination of hydrophobic (moisture evaporation. bottle and 5oz
hating) materials in the foot of the sock and hydrophilic gel flask, No-
materials in the top of the sock, working together in our F6026 • Ironman Flash Pro Bounce load
patented Pro design." Pro-rated and patented moisture control system keeps feet control cinch
Hilly are renowned for their technical running socks, cool, dry and protected from blisters. A mesh instep cords, Stretch
and rightly so – they're many a runner's favourite. Hilly's enhances the breathability of the sock, while the foot mesh hip
Graham Richards explained to SGB that there is a slight hugging fit moves with pockets holds
difference in the socks that are more popular in winter the wearer providing keys or gel, Webbing hip belt,
months, and it goes against what we've been saying about support and balance Angled insulated bottle holster, EVA / Plastic guide
visibility in this feature. "Specific for winter, we find that inside the shoe. scoop.
more people are looking for socks in darker colours Virtually seamless toe Materials – Durable Velocity polyurethane coated
because they're running off-road and the weather's worse, closure, 83% Stretch Nylon, 16% X2O Acrylic, 1% nylon, Double ripstop nylon, Highly breathable quick
the ground is muddier." Spandex SSP £11 dry air mesh body.
Graham added: "Certain features become more relevant
in the winter. On one of our socks, for example – the off- F6023 • Ironman Tail Wind Pro
road sock – we have a nylon welt in the upper part of the Formerly known as: Ultimax Tail Wind A breathable Hydrodash – srp £30
sock, so that if you're running through mud and water, second skin that protects and allows you to connect with Features – Highly breathable quick dry air mesh body,
basically the top of the sock won't absorb the water. your shoes. Lightweight protection with maximum 21oz Specialised bottle, No-Bounce load control
"Although people will generally run on-and off-road moisture control. Seamless toe closure. Soft, cushioned system, Stretch mesh
through the year, in winter, because some people are sole for added protection. 65% Stretch Nylon, 30% X2O hip pockets holds
training for early spring races, padded socks are also Acrylic, 5% Spandex. SSP £11 keys or gel,
popular for those doing longer runs." www.wigwam.com or for more information email Webbing hip
denali@btinternet.com belt, Insulated
HILLY bottle holster, EVA /
HILLY offer a comprehensive range of technical TOETOE Plastic guide scoop.
performance socks for the runner. In ToeToe socks fit, literally, like a glove – each toe has its own Materials – Durable
particular, two styles are ideal for winter 'compartment', just like the fingers of a glove. Not Velocity Polyurethane – coated nylon, Double ripstop
running, namely: Mono Skin Off Road and everyone's cup of tea, but people that try them are nylon, Highly breathable quick dry air mesh body.
Mono Skin Padded Training. rewarded with less blistering on and under the toes, a spot
The Off Road sock has recently been renowned for blistering on longer runs.
improved and is made from The company says that the Hydrospeed – srp £35
Merino wool and nylon. Ideal design of the socks incorporates Features – Highly breathable quick dry air mesh body,
for trail/multi- terrain running, Enhanced Proprioception two 21oz Specialised bottles, No Bounce load control
this mid-weight sock is cushioned to Technology by separating the system, Stretch mesh
provide shock absorption. The 100% toes, and also relieves 'inter- hip pockets
nylon leg sheds water and does not flap- digital' pressure and abrasion holds keys or
ideal when running in wet – hence reducing the gel, Webbing
conditions. likelihood of blisters. hip belt,
The Padded Training sock is Coolmax fabric is an added Insulated bottle
made from resilient Meraklon bonus, so the socks are also holster, EVA / Plastic
that wicks away moisture and provides maximum shock wicking. Retailing around the £7- guide scoop.
absorption to the foot of the sock which is ideal for those £8 area, they're certainly affordable Materials – Durable Velocity Polyurethane-coated
longer training runs. Air vents to the upper help to keep enough for a customer to take a punt nylon, Double ripstop nylon, Highly breathable quick-
the feet cool and the extended cushioning provides full on. Refreshingly different. dry air mesh body.
DECEMBER 2008 21
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