I discovered the Balega socks about 4 years ago while browsing an online running forum.
At the time, they were priced at around $10 a pair. As a new runner and budget conscience shopper, I balked at the price.
I had been buying 3-5 pairs of so-called “running socks” online and at Costco for $15-$20. That was definitely more what my wallet was happy with.
So I put the Balega Hidden Comfort socks on my Amazon wishlist and forgot about them.
The months crept by and my cheap socks quickly evaporated during my trail and beach runs. So with the holidays approaching, I revisited my wishlist.
My wallet told me no, but my blisters pleaded with me, “Please”. So 1 pair of the Hidden Comfort socks went into my cart and out came my credit card.
Two days filled with evening epsom salt baths later, the much awaited package arrived.
I shredded the small cardboard box flaps open and yanked out the clear plastic wrapped bag inside.
They were finally here.The plastic wrapping suffered the same fate as the cardboard box. Even a forensic expert would have trouble putting together the pieces.
The softness of the socks immediately blew me away.
They felt smooth and light almost suede-like. But these proved anything but fragile to my tugging and pulling.
Tossing away the shreds that remained of my budget socks, I nervously slid my new prized possessions onto my size 13 feet.
I’ve never been to heaven but I can tell you all about what it feels like to walk, slide, and float on pillowy clouds.
They formed to and held the shape of my goofy feet so effortless. I had to reach down and rub my feet to reassure myself, I was indeed wearing socks and not having that repeating dream.
Air slowly entered and cooled my feet through the vented tops.
The elastic in the heel held the socks firmly yet gently in place as I ran to grab my running shoes.
Hopping about, I shoved my feet into my shoes, started my GPS watch, and ran out the door. Seconds later I was back scrambling for the spare house key and once again bolting out the door.
That was my worse run, ever.
I hurled myself towards the beach path while dodging families on their morning walk to the farmer’s market in the park.
Dangerously, I took the stairs to the beach at a blurring pace. Mohammed Ali himself would have applauded my footwork on that descent.
As soon as my feet touched the solid pavement of the beach path, off I went.
Minutes down the path, heavily panting, searching for the nearest water fountain, I was smiling ear to ear like the latest Lottery winner.
The extra lip of fabric on the heel of the socks kept them from sliding into my shoes and ensuring happy feet at any pace or stride.
I joyfully walked home, wiggling my toes now and then.
The years have passed and with them, my old socks.
Each year I get a few new pairs of Balegas. The now $18 price tag doesn’t faze me.
I’ve begun gifting these golden nuggets to friends and family who have taken up running. Each thanks me as they dash out the door.
I still have my first pair.
As runners and athletes, we punish our bodies striving to achieve new goals, bag new peaks, and reach new levels of pain. There is no reason to let your abrasive socks or bad gear beat you up mentally and physically as you endure the challenges of a difficult run.
My Balega socks take care of my feet while I focus on my next step.
I’m a Balega customer for life.
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