If you’re taking on a swimrun what comes between your skin and your trainers is worth considering carefully. There’s a few choices including neoprene, compression socks, or nothing at all. A good starting point is to just wear what you normally run in. Here’s what I’ve learned over years of swimrun racing. Neoprene I accidentally came across the Alder Vapour Sock during a March Beach Lifeguard course in Cornwall, just two months before my first OtillO Uto. When I saw them I immediately thought that they could be well suited to swimrun. They have an open heel so drain quick, this also helps with a secure feeling in your trainer. They were designed to be used with fins, made from 2.5mm soft, double-lined neoprene, and have a built-in velcro “fin-saver” which I cut off as this was surplus to requirements. I used these in many races, but they have now been retired. Key benefits are: extra cushioning, good drainage - especially if you nick a little hole in the front; extra foot buoyancy; and if you suffer from cold feet these will help. The only negative I found was they’d occasionally collect little pebbles, although I only noticed this at OtillO Isles of Scilly. In terms of weight there’s not much difference between a wet pair of compression socks and these. Depending on the fit of your trainer you may want to remove the insole of your trainer, worth playing around with. Compression Socks Popular with many swimrun athletes as they serve more than one purpose - they provide support to your calves on long runs, protect your lower legs from brambles/branches/nettles that you may run past on some of the trails, add warmth, and they can be used to store nutrition. Personally I prefer to store all of my nutrition within my wetsuit, but some use their socks too. Sports/Ankle Socks Not much to say here apart from they are relatively cheap and simple, you’ve probably already got some. They are also the lightest of the options discussed so far. No matter how many functional textiles that are put into socks, it’s rare that they will dry out completely between swims. So if you’re looking in your sock drawer for a solution think about which are the least absorbent, and a snug fit. For a quick home-test soak them in your sink/bucket (do the same with your trainers for a full test!), put them on and run 5km. This will also help you ascertain how well your trainer drains. A Dab of Vaseline I’m always seeking minimalist solutions for a number of reasons including: reduced weight; economy; and being close to nature. In addition my feet are wide and get hot quickly so don’t lend themselves to the sock approach, in swimrun or society. I try to walk barefoot as much as possible/acceptable. I’ve tested this method up to the 45km mark, on BRECA Coniston in 2017 which went well. Originally this race was held in October which meant I’d had the whole season to toughen up my feet, the only addition was a dab of vaseline on my heel. I may not use this method if my feet were straight out of my winter slippers and heading to the early season race. To toughen up your feet, and general foot care, there’s some great tips at Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhof, mostly aimed at long-distance runners and adventure racers but applicable to swimrun too. I can also recommend his book. The “barefoot” approach isn’t used by many and it is definitely worth testing pre-race as if it goes wrong it could mean the end of your race. Severe blisters can be very debilitating, if there are cut-offs this debilitation may mean you don’t make them. I love this approach, but it is a considered one. Like all gear choices, consider the course, conditions, and your body’s current state, don’t fall into an heuristic trap. A Footnote on Calves There’s a range of calf-guards available which add leg buoyancy, warmth, protection from the undergrowth, and the possibility of extra storage. They are generally not for me, but they do suit some. For more knowledge from the field, gear demo, and a mini-swimrun check out our Introduction to Swimrun Workshop. You can download the related article I wrote for the Outdoor Swimmer Magazine here: ![]()
9 Comments
3/5/2022 11:37:58
What an exquisite article! Your post is very helpful right now. Thank you for sharing this informative one.
Reply
Manuel
24/10/2024 14:48:16
Reply
moupay martins
29/10/2024 13:42:27
i was heartbroken because I had a very small manhood , not nice to satisfy a woman, I had so many relationships cut off because of my situation, I have used so many products which i found online but none could offer me the help I searched for. I saw some comments about this specialist called Dr Moses Buba and decided to email him at [email protected] so I decided to give his herbal product a try. i emailed him and he got back to me, he gave me some comforting words with his herbal pills for manhood Enlargement, Within 14days of it, i began to feel the enlargement of my manhood , " and now it just 2 weeks of using his products my manhood is about 9 inches longer and i am so happy, contact DR Moses Buba now via email [email protected] or his WhatsApp number +2349060529305 . contact him through his Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 may God reward you for your good work . For more info i can help to explain the medication +44 7375301397
Reply
Mary Robinson
12/11/2024 09:33:28
Good day to everyone reading my post, i'm here to appreciate a legitimate spell caster call Dr Kachi who can help you winning the lottery draw, i have never win a biggest amount in lottery unite the day i saw good reviews about DR Kachi how he has helped a lot of people in different ways both financially/martially and i have been playing Mega Million for 8years now, but things suddenly change the moment i contacted Dr Kachi and explained everything to me about the spell and I accepted. I followed his instructions and played the Mega Million with the numbers he gave me, now i am a proud lottery winner with the help of Dr Kachi spell, i win $640 Million Dollars in Mega Millions Ticket, i am making this known to everyone out there who have been trying all day to win the lottery jackpot, believe me this is the only way to win the lottery, this is the real secret we all have been searching for. I want to thank Dr Kachi for his endless help and his from the United States. you can contact via email [email protected] or through Text and Call Number: +1 (209) 893-8075 his website: https://drkachispellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site
Reply
Big Bull
27/12/2024 21:34:40
Hello Everyone
Reply
Shanika Stewart
26/2/2025 06:30:48
Reply
Lucy Miller
4/3/2025 12:33:39
I cannot identify myself as an "HIV Survivor" because I'm not surviving. I have conquered the battle of HIV with natural alternatives. I have broken down the walls of stigma, I have fought against discrimination, I have risen above rejections and criticisms. It has been 12 years of Victory, under the supervision of Doctor Muna Remedies. If I can find cure, comfort and healing with Doctor Muna's natural herbal products, anyone with chronic disease or viral infections can get cure too. [email protected] deserves to be spread all over for the general public, Whatsapp +2347035449257
Reply
albert zoni
7/3/2025 19:49:17
Reply
Hailey Garcia
13/5/2025 14:16:05
EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET YOUR HERPES CURE/MEDICINE ORDER FROM DR. ODUNGA HERBAL REMEDIES
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archive
April 2024
|