If you like your running socks to perform and make a statement, you can’t go wrong with Brav Performance Socks…

Brav Performance Socks

$15.16 / £12, bravendurance.co.uk 

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Pros:

  • Durable
  • Blister-busting comfort
  • Lively designs

Cons:

  • Too thick for some race-fit shoes
  • No seamless toes

Comfort: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Durability: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

They might not be as important as picking the best running shorts or shoes, but choosing the right socks for running can make a real difference. A relatively new brand hailing from Wales, Brav makes kit for runners, cyclists and triathletes. Its running socks mix performance and reliable durability with loads of lively, statement designs. You can find everything from Bowie-esque neon zig zags to rockets and Christmas trees.

The Brav Performance crew-height socks are cut from a medium thickness blend of polyester and viscose, which delivers a soft feeling of flexible, cushioned comfort. Importantly it holds its shape even after hundreds of washes.

Brav Socks performance

There’s no fancy zonal breathability here. The socks are uniform across the foot but the fabric wicks well and in my 1,000-mile tests I’ve never suffered blisters or hotspots that I’m sure wouldn’t have happened anyway. 

They’re one of the thicker socks on test and that doesn’t always work well with tighter-fitting race shoes. They’re definitely better in a roomy daily trainer or a trail shoe. Some of the patterns create extra loops of fabric inside and this can catch toe nails when you’re putting them on. Also the toes aren’t seamless, so you need to watch how they sit on your feet. 

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Product shot of a running sock with rockets on it

However, I used three pairs of Brav socks to run 1,800 miles across Europe and not only did they protect my feet perfectly, the socks I ran in are still going today. So I can definitely vouch for their durability. 

When it comes to style, you might want to pick your patterns carefully. That said, Brav socks are the only item of clothing I’ve ever worn that’s brought compliments from strangers. And it happens a lot – even at the UTMB (the World Cup of trail running), where there’s a lot of competition for snazziest gear. 

I’m a big fan of the Rockets, the Neons 2.0 and the trail-style Explorers 3.0.  And at $15.16 / £12, they’re also pretty competitively priced. 

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