How to Pick the Best Running Socks for Men

Running shoes can be expensive, and there are so many choices based on your running style, where you like to run, and so on. Many times, socks are an afterthought, and you may just toss whatever is on a display rack in your shopping cart or just throw on whatever is in your drawer. If you're serious about running, however, you should really consider getting the best men's running socks, just as you've carefully chosen your coveted running shoes.

When you're trying on your running shoes, make sure you consider the socks at the same time. Depending upon the thickness of the socks (thin or thick), it can affect the fit of the shoe. Remember too that your foot will swell as you run, so you don't want thick socks with a tightly fitting shoe. That will just lead to trouble.

The typical cotton socks that may be in your drawer can cause problems for you if you try to run in them. Cotton absorbs moisture without wicking it away from your feet, and this will practically guarantee that you will get blisters. Instead look at socks that have wool, synthetics or a blend of the two to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Some socks have a dual layer of materials - the first to wick away the sweat, the second to provide padding for your feet.

Running socks that are made from Merino wool or have a blend with Merino wool naturally resist odors. This can help you keep your shoes longer so they don't get too smelly after long runs.

Consider your running style too when making a decision about thicker socks versus thinner socks. If you're into running during the winter, you may need to purchase some heavier socks during the cold weather. Thinner socks can help during the hotter summer months too. If you're into trail running or where there may be mud, make sure you get a good pair of socks that can withstand the moisture, wicking it away, and still keep you comfortable.

Finally, make sure the sock fits both your foot and the type of shoe you're wearing. Minimalist shoes don't need socks to go as high up on your foot, but you want to protect your ankle and heel if you're wearing a taller shoe. Furthermore, running socks aren't a "one-size-fits-all" like regular socks typically are. Get the correct size for you. If you have too much sock material, it can bunch up or slip causing blisters. If your socks are too small, it can lead to lack of circulation.

If you have questions, be sure to ask the experts at the Mosaic City Sports and they will be happy to help you pick out the best running socks and running shoes to fit your style.

The Best GPS Running Watches for Beginners

GPS running watches primarily help runners to track their progress and pace themselves by providing information on distances run and times to complete them. Rather than guess at the riding pace, runners are given exact times and can retrace their routes at another time to compare their overall running improvement over time. GPS running watches have become a staple of long-distance runners, triathlon competitors, and others. The following provides information on some of the best GPS watches for runners.

Timex Ironman One GPS+

The Timex IronMan One GPS+ is an evolutionary “smartwatch” that works as a GPS running watch, an MP3 player, and a texting service. The watch is light and comfortable to wear and allows runners to get text messages while on the go and to respond to them. Unlike many other GPS watches, it does not require a connection to a cellular phone, but it does need a data plan for full operation. There is no heart rate monitor, so runners looking for that option will need to find another watch. Otherwise, it’s a highly competent and effective GPS running watch.

Adidas MiCoach Smart Run

The Smart Run is an Android-powered device with GPS tracking and a heart rate monitor. The Smart Run provides information on running pace, time, distance, and the amount of calories burned. When installed, a virtual coach application will tell wearers whether to speed up or slow down to maintain an ideal heart rate. The watch has a simple interface that is easy to use while running, and it includes 3GB of storage space for storing music to be played while running. The Smart Run is water resistant for running in the rain and comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Its battery is good for up to four hours in training mode and eight hours in marathon mode. Recharging simply requires access to a USB port and using the included charger.

Polar M400

The M400 is a relatively affordable GPS running watch that includes a heart rate monitor and provides around-the-clock information on activity, calories burned, and the number of steps taken throughout the day and night. An integrated Web service provides detailed analysis for runners to help them determine where they are doing well and where they need to improve. The watch has a sleek and attractive face with side buttons for changing functions and launching applications while competing or training for events.

Visit our sporting goods store in Georgetown to check out all the latest GPS equipment for runners.

What Are The Best Fitness Trackers for Runners?

If you are a runner, you are likely interested in the latest technological devices like fitness trackers that gauge your performance and health. What are the best fitness trackers for runners that have hit the market over the last few years?

Fitbit Flex

Widely considered to be the best overall fitness tracker on the market, the Fitbit Flex bracelet is designed with an internal accelerator that helps you monitor your health and running performance. It measures the number of calories that you burn during your runs, how many steps you take, the distance that you cover and much more. All of your fitness data can be delivered to your smartphone app in a moment's notice. The Fitbit Flex has Bluetooth functionality to provide iPhone owners with the option of directing call alerts directly to the bracelet. This is the perfect fitness tracker for runners who are focused on losing weight as well as those who have the simple goal of living a more active life.

Basis Science Basis B1 Band

Those who pride themselves on having the coolest tech devices will love this fitness tracker. It provides more information than most competing products. The only downside is its egregiously large size. The B1 Band is chock full of advanced features that measure all sorts of information about your personal biology. It measures your skin temperature, perspiration level, heart rate and more. It is even programmed with a “healthy habits” game that offers reward points for reaching fitness milestones.

Misfit Shine

This fitness tracker just might be the most aesthetically pleasing device on the market. It actually resembles a piece of jewelry. Yet this diminutive tracker tells you all sorts of health and fitness information like the number of steps that you have taken, the number of calories that you have burned and the total distance that you have covered during your run. It comes with a watch battery that lasts up to four months without requiring a recharge. It is extremely comfortable to wear compared to those bulky rubber wristbands that other fitness aficionados wear around the clock.
Visit our Bethesda, MD sporting goods store to see all the latest electronic gear, including fitness activity trackers.

Picking the Best Features of Sports Heart Rate Monitors

Monitoring heart rate is an essential part of any strenuous or extended exercise routine. Sports heart rate monitors carefully track heart rate and are an important tool in preventing over training and under-training. As your level of fitness increases, increasingly strenuous activities becomes easier and you need to train harder. Use a heart rate monitor to ensure you operate in your ideal fitness zone and reap the best rewards from an intense workout.

With so many options available, choosing a sports heart rate monitor can seem overwhelming. Two main types to choose between are a wrist or chest model. Look into a unit's features to be sure it meets your requirements. At the very least you want to track your heart rate, unless you climb mountains you don't need advanced features like GPS tracking and barometric pressure sensors. Chest sensors are far more accurate than wrist sensors, and high end units typically have both a chest strap and a wrist strap that communicate wirelessly. This lets you read information on your wrist while benefiting from the increased accuracy of a chest strap.

Sports & Heart Rate Monitors Have Tons of Features

Increase your budget and heart rate monitors for even more useful features. Mid-market sports heart rate monitors are an investment to track overall fitness. Monitors in this category are bought specific to the type of sport or training performed. For example, units made for runners are designed to work with speed and distance tracking pods that attach to shoe laces. Units in this range also connect to fitness applications and transmit hours of workout data to fitness tracking programs. Increase your budget for access to sensors for altitude, pressure and GPS-based distance tracking. For urgent job or important social commitments, invest in a sports heart rate monitor that has tight integration with modern mobile devices to alert you to calls or text messages as they come in. Specialty units may also be designed to help you compete, giving you information about how others are performing.

Still undecided? Then realistically consider your needs and invest in a model that has all the basics. Heart rate monitors are not cheap but are designed to endure. Just want to keep an eye on your heart rate during an aerobic workout? A basic model should do fine. Training for a competition? Consider a mid or upper range model designed for your sport that will give you statistics on your level of fitness.

Visit our Washington D.C. sporting goods store to check out all the latest electronic running gear, including heart rate monitors.

What Are The Best Women's Hiking Socks?

“Happy feet, happy life” may seem like an odd comment, but it rings true. How many hours do we spend in a shoe store trying on four or five pair of hiking boots, looking the perfect fit? And yet, when it comes to women’s hiking socks - gloves for our feet - we may just grab the pair nearest to the cash register.

It’s best to stay away from cotton socks when hiking. Cotton socks absorbs sweat and do not dry quickly. If your feet get wet from crossing a creek or stepping in a puddle, your socks are bound to stay wet for a long time.

When looking for hiking necessities, take time to find the right pair of socks for you. Bring your hiking boots with you to the store, and try the boots on with the socks. This will help to make sure they fit correctly, and aren't too thick or too thin.

The Best Hiking Socks Are Wool

Based on our experience, the ideal hiking socks are made from merino wool.
Merino wool socks are capable of keeping the feet both warm during the chilly mornings and cool during the warmer afternoon hours. While trekking through rough terrain and mountain streams, they will repel the water. Merino wool socks soften the pounding that your feet absorb when walking long distances. They are also less likely to roll up and cause bulges in the sock under the toes or heels.

When planning your next trek, be just as choosy about your hiking socks as you are about your boots and other gear. This will ensure that you protect your feet and have a great time in the great outdoors.
Visit our sporting goods store in Washington D.C. to get personal help picking the right hiking socks.

How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Women

As with any sports equipment, having good women’s running shoes is vital to reducing injuries and maximizing the benefits of your work out. With these helpful tips you should be able to find the shoe that fits.

Shoe Size is Important

When you go shopping for women’s running shoes keep in mind that the size you are in a New Balance may not be the same size you are in a Nike. The shape of the shoe and the way it is constructed will differ between companies so be sure to try the shoe on before you buy. It is also important that your heel fits snugly; however, you do not want it too tight. Your shoe should be roomy in the forefoot and allow your toes to wiggle. Running shoes that are too tight will lead to blisters and injured toenails.

Running Shoes Don't Have to be Pretty

When you are scanning the aisles for the perfect shoe it is hard not to be drawn to what you see as the most attractive shoe there. Often we will stick to a specific color or style and by doing that you are not opening yourself up to the possibility of a better shoe. You may not like the look of a shoe but if it covers all your needs by all means try that one on. You may be surprised at how it feels on your foot.

Where Do You Run?

Are you are a trail runner, treadmill runner, or road runner? The running shoe you buy will need to be designed to fit your needs whether you are running sidewalks or mountain sides. Most running shoes will list their ideal conditions on their tags, or you can ask your sales clerk.

Try the Shoes On Before You Buy

Once you have narrowed your search down to one or two pairs of shoes, try them on and walk around. Ask the store associate if you can take a few turns around the store before buy them. Take notice of how your foot feels, if anything is irritating then find another shoe.
The most important part of choosing a woman's running shoe is be sure to buy a shoe that is comfortable. Visit our running shoe store in North Bethesda, MD if you’re in the neighborhood. Happy running!

How to Choose the Best Sports Bra for Runners

Picking the right sports running bra doesn't have to be a daunting ordeal if you know the basics of bra sizing. The key factors you’ll want to understand are chest size and cup size.

The chest size is the measurement of the circumference that runs across the chest and around the back. The cup is the part that holds the breast, which is standard for any bra – whether it’s a traditional bra or a sports bra. It's crucial to get both the chest and cup sizes right to guarantee a proper fit. Depending on personal preferences, you may need more than one sports bra for adequate support.

What to Look For When Buying a Sports Bra For Runners

A support system: The support should come from an elasticated lower area that sits underneath the breast, alongside the body of the bra that should be slightly cup-shaped.

Rear Protection: Straps vary, from racer back designs to standard bra straps. Racer backs offer more support to the back, so they feel tighter and more secure.

Fabric: Fabrics in sports bras are nearly always made from a synthetic such as polyester mesh or Lycra. Mesh provides ventilation and breathability, which is perfect for circulating air. Wicking fabrics such as Polyester, Lycra, Spandex and elastane are recommended.

Design: Look for a design that provides a more flattering look, and features that allow adjustability. Various design options are available to greater support, such as underwire construction and molded cups. Some women find that different closure styles (rear clasp, front closure, or pullover) provide superior comfort. Built-in or removable pads are another design option some women select for a smoother profile. Seamless design is also known to reduce chaffing and irritation.

Different styles and brands of bras will not fit the same. So bring a few choices with you into the changing room for start. Just to go out and look for an alternate size, analyze by making a few adjustments to the bra. If you’re in Maryland, visit our sporting goods store in Silver Spring to get more help.