How Would I Test: Running Socks

Running socks are something every runner needs. It's the one layer between our body and our shoes that doesn't get a lot of the spotlight, like shoes do. Having good running socks can make a great run that much better. Got to keep those feet happy!

Not all socks are created equal. Socks are made with different materials, may have padding, are generally odorless, and are available in different styles. Some socks last a long time and some start to fall apart after a few months of wearing them. When problems happen like that, it can be frustrating!

I personally don't know how running socks are tested or what type of quality control process they go through before being shipped to stores. However, if I were to test running socks, here are the things I would test for.

I would look at three different categories: brand new/unworn socks, wearing the socks, and sock maintenance. These factors typically dictate the life cycle of socks. You buy them at a store, you wear them, and (hopefully) wash them. Within each category are the things I would test for.

Brand New/Unworn Socks

• Does the cut of the sock actually match what the sock is?
• Does the size match what the sock is?
• What do the new socks smell like?
• How many seams do the socks have?
• Can you wear them both on the left and right foot?
• Is the same material used through out the sock?
• Does the sock have any ventilation?
• Is there any padding in them (around the ankle, toes, heel, forefoot)?
• Is there arch support in them? 
• What is the level of material thickness?
• Does the sock feel soft or hard?
• Is the brand name of the sock legible?

Wearing The Socks

• What happens when the same pair are worn for - 100 miles, 300 miles, 500 miles?
• How difficult is it to get a blister while wearing them?
• Do they slip down into your shoe as you run?
• How do they feel if you wear them inside out?
• Are the socks odorless after you run?
• Do your toes feel bunched together?
• Is it possible to get your toenails caught in the sock when putting them on?
• Do they make your feet itch?
• Do they keep their shape after being worn?
• How fast do they dry when wet?
• How hot do they make your feet?
• How cool do they keep your feet?
• Is the sock a tight fit? 
• What happens to the shape of the sock if you don't wash them? 
• Does the brand name of the sock wear off?
• How easy do they get dirty?

Sock Maintenance

• Can you wash them in a washing machine?
• Do the colors of the sock bleed when washed?
• Can you put them in the dryer?
• Do they shrink when dried?
• How easy is it to get blood washed out of them?
• How easy is it to get dirt washed out of them?
• How do they handle bleach?

I don't know if any of these tests are used at sock companies. If I was testing running socks, these are things I would look for.

How Would I Test?

During the day, my job is a software tester. I get to help make sure the program works and doesn't have bugs before customers use it.

I've been a software tester for over ten years. To me, testing software is both challenging and fun. Over the last couple weeks I was thinking about how a lot of the same ways I look at testing software could be used to test other things - like physical objects. Physical objects...like objects runners use.

I know there are obvious differences between testing software and testing a physical object - physical objects don't have a mouse or keyboard. Physical objects are things you can look, touch, feel, and smell.

What I'm going to do is take something runners often use and I will write a new post about how I would test it. I'm not sure how far I will go with this new idea, but it could be fun.

Displaying Race Artifacts

When you run a race, you almost always get a race bib. You might get a medal or a ribbon at the end of the race. After the race is done, what do you do with these race artifacts?

Some people throw them away or put them in a box or drawer and forget about them. Why not display your accomplishments!? You put in the hard work to get to race day, right? You found a way to cross the finish line. You earned the right to have those accomplishments on display. Even if you don't like to have things on display for others, it can be a positive reminder of what you've accomplished and help keep you motivated to keep running.

A way to display these artifacts can be to add them to a shadow box. This makes for a great way to elegantly display your achievements as well as help protect them from getting ruined or worse yet, lost forever.

How to get started?

Putting together shadow box displays is relatively easy and doesn't require a large amount of time or skills. Most craft stores carry a selection of shadow boxes in different sizes, shapes and finishes and typically come with some sort of fabric or cork backing.  If you don't like the shadow boxes your neighborhood store has to offer, you can also order shadow boxes online at various retailers as well.  

Race bibs and ribbon shadow box - All my race bibs were put in clear plastic page protectors from an office supply store.  If the page protectors are too large, they can be trimmed down to fit.  You can also find smaller page protectors in the scrapbook section of arts and crafts stores.

Medals shadow box - Choose a handful of your favorite medals. Fold the ribbon up just enough to let some of the ribbon show and let the medal hang freely.  It helps to gently sew the ribbon together at the edges with clear thread to keep it from tangling.  You can also use silk pins or dressmaker's pins to pin the ribbon to the shadow box backing.  

How I made it work

One shadow box I have has all my race bibs (which is quite a lot!) and three finisher ribbons when I first started running. With all the race bibs I've collected, I have the one that means the most to be at the front of the pack. All races are special and have great memories associated with them, but the Detroit Marathon race bib means the most to me. It's my first marathon. I entered, crossed the start line and found a way to cross the finish line.

The other shadow box has a few of the finisher medals that mean a lot to me. I have my medals from Detroit Half Marathon, Brooksie Way Half Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Crim 10 mile, and Bayshore Half Marathon.

I have both shadow boxes hanging on the wall in my office. I use them as a reminder to myself of what I've been able to accomplish and as positive motivation to keep on running.

What about you?

What do you do with your race artifacts? Do you display them or have a special place for them?