The Balega Enduro Quarter Sock has topped the list of our Best Running Socks buying guide for the past two years. Our readers are obsessed with the sock and it’s now ranked up there with the Darn Tough Run Ultra Lightweight Cushion Quarter Sock in terms of popularity. But why has the Enduro endured?
I think I can explain why. Personally, I’ve had a pair since I started working at Runner’s World as a gear editor, and despite the miles of wear and off-the-Garmin usage, they’re still fully intact, save for a few pills by the toes. But there are multiple reasons besides durability why the Enduro continues to be a top favorite.
Balega Enduro Quarter Socks
Balega Enduro Quarter Socks
Pros
- Secure fit around heel and ankle
- Slightly snug arch compression
- Cushioning feels plush yet lightweight
- Excellent breathability on top of the arch
Cons
- Loose threads along inner stitching
- No sex-specific fits
Soft Cushioning: Comfy Support
Several RW editors use the Enduro as a sock slipper because the material is cozy like a wool sweater. The medium cushioning on the footbed also adds an extra layer of support over your shoe’s insert and midsole foam. It’s a sock we pick for long runs and trail runs because of the added protection, which is perfect when the terrain is hard on the feet. There’s also Balega’s V-Tech system, a compressive band sewn into the sock that contours with your arch to provide support.
Quarter: Just the Right Cuff Length
Right up there with “underwear or commando” or “shorts over tights,” the right sock cuff length has made the rounds and is always up for debate at our HQ and Saturday morning run clubs. I’ll argue that quarter hits the sweet spot. It’s not too high that your socks will be rolling down midrun, and not too low that your Achilles will be massacred by heel collar chafing. The Enduro quarter is the Goldilocks of running socks.
Moisture-Wicking Material and No Friction
The Enduro is constructed with Drynamix yarn, Balega’s proprietary poly weave, which manages moisture and helps with blister prevention. Ventilation panels provide airflow, allowing your feet to breathe, and seamless construction minimizes friction and bunching.
Unisex Sizing: A Pro and a Con
I used to not be a fan of footwear products not being women-specific. This was especially true with running shoes. But after years of testing products, I think some brands have finally figured out how to create a shoe last—or sock—that serves both sexes. (Plus, the flooded market means there’s always another shoe out there that’s a better match for your foot type.)
I’m a size 5 in regular shoes and a size 6.5 in running shoes because of my wide feet. The small in the Enduro is a comfy, non-constrictive fit that doesn’t slip on my small feet. Of course, the main issue is the bunching by the toes with certain shoes. I wouldn’t choose to wear the Enduro while running in a stripped-down, minimalistic speedwork trainer because the sock’s thick material can also overcrowding inside a narrow track flat.
Is the Enduro for You?
Maybe you’ve learned the hard way already, but a cotton sock won’t cut it when you’re logging hours on the road or trail. A good pair of running socks specifically made for running is worth the investment because they provide moisture control and plush comfort—which can potentially stop festering blisters from forming. And speaking of investment, the fact that I’ve worn my pair for over the course of almost a decade says a lot about the Enduro’s longevity.
Shop Balega Enduro at amazon.com
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
