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Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks for Men and Women (1...
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Customer reviews
- Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks for Men and Women (1...
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- Customer reviews
Top positive review
Comparative review of five Balega sock models
July 26, 2016
I have a number of pairs of Balega socks which I've worn for running, and the Soft Tread is my favorite overall. Here's a few comparative thoughts.
I've bought five different types of Balega socks in total:
Balega Soft Tread No Show (Balega Soft Tread No Show - Royal BAL8926)
Balega Ultralight No Show (Balega Ultralight No Show Socks - Royal Blue/White - Small)
Balega Hidden Contour (Balega Hidden Contour Socks, Black/Yellow, Large)
Balega Hidden Comfort -- THIS PRODUCT
Balega Blister Resist No Show (Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks, White, Large)
The Balega Ultralight are very thin and rather smaller--especially in comparison to the other models. I've bought size Large in every sock, and they vary quite a bit. (For reference, I normally wear a men's 10, though I wear 11s for running.) If you like thin small socks, you may like the ultralight. Or go a size big if you want them to fit more comfortably.
On the other hand, the Blister Resist were way too thick and large. They had so much excess material that they felt horrible and my feet moved around in them. They are very hot. The material on the top of the foot is actually very thin, but the bottom makes up for it. That said, They make a comfortable sock to walk around in on my wood floors in the winter. Since I won't run in them, I give them use around the house.
The Hidden Contour and Hidden Comfort are similar. The Hidden Comfort are a tad thicker. They are both a bit thicker and larger than the Soft Tread socks, but they are comfortable and nicer for winter weather, when I tend to wear them running. If I were buying more, I'd go for the Hidden Comfort. Mine have stayed superbly comfortable longer than the Hidden Contour and still feel more padded.
I like the Soft Tread best (for running) because they are thick enough to be padded and comfortable, but I have to pull them snug on my feet so there is no room for my feet to move against the sock. Also, they are not so thick that I feel my feet get hot -- and I run in 100 degree Texas summer weather. Finally, the Soft Tread are made R and L foot specific, which I've found to be helpful for fit. The Ultralights are as well, but not the other three models, if I recall correctly. Though the Hidden Comfort came with an L on each sock, that stands for "Large", not "Left". Also, the heel tabs on a lot of these sock models, including this one, are great and do a lot to make sure the sock stays in place.
Hopefully this review helps a few folks decide what Balega sock might be best for them if they're looking to purchase. If you have questions, comment and I'll try to answer them.
I've bought five different types of Balega socks in total:
Balega Soft Tread No Show (Balega Soft Tread No Show - Royal BAL8926)
Balega Ultralight No Show (Balega Ultralight No Show Socks - Royal Blue/White - Small)
Balega Hidden Contour (Balega Hidden Contour Socks, Black/Yellow, Large)
Balega Hidden Comfort -- THIS PRODUCT
Balega Blister Resist No Show (Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks, White, Large)
The Balega Ultralight are very thin and rather smaller--especially in comparison to the other models. I've bought size Large in every sock, and they vary quite a bit. (For reference, I normally wear a men's 10, though I wear 11s for running.) If you like thin small socks, you may like the ultralight. Or go a size big if you want them to fit more comfortably.
On the other hand, the Blister Resist were way too thick and large. They had so much excess material that they felt horrible and my feet moved around in them. They are very hot. The material on the top of the foot is actually very thin, but the bottom makes up for it. That said, They make a comfortable sock to walk around in on my wood floors in the winter. Since I won't run in them, I give them use around the house.
The Hidden Contour and Hidden Comfort are similar. The Hidden Comfort are a tad thicker. They are both a bit thicker and larger than the Soft Tread socks, but they are comfortable and nicer for winter weather, when I tend to wear them running. If I were buying more, I'd go for the Hidden Comfort. Mine have stayed superbly comfortable longer than the Hidden Contour and still feel more padded.
I like the Soft Tread best (for running) because they are thick enough to be padded and comfortable, but I have to pull them snug on my feet so there is no room for my feet to move against the sock. Also, they are not so thick that I feel my feet get hot -- and I run in 100 degree Texas summer weather. Finally, the Soft Tread are made R and L foot specific, which I've found to be helpful for fit. The Ultralights are as well, but not the other three models, if I recall correctly. Though the Hidden Comfort came with an L on each sock, that stands for "Large", not "Left". Also, the heel tabs on a lot of these sock models, including this one, are great and do a lot to make sure the sock stays in place.
Hopefully this review helps a few folks decide what Balega sock might be best for them if they're looking to purchase. If you have questions, comment and I'll try to answer them.
775 people found this helpful
Top critical review
Not genuine Balega
November 7, 2018
I have bought multiple pairs of these exact socks from various different stores in the past. As far as I can tell these socks (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016CL88E) are not genuine Balega socks.
* The weave of the fabric is not as tight.
* The fit of the socks is not they same (they come higher on the ankle).
* The lettering on top of the socks does not match my other Balega socks.
* There are simple spelling mistakes on the packaging (eg. pereormance instead of performance).
* The printed cardboard packaging says made in South Africa, but there is sticker on the outside of the package that says made in China.
The socks I bought were sold by ALXMJ SPORT BAND (https://www.amazon.com/sp?seller=A3OCO0GGZLIM0G).
* The weave of the fabric is not as tight.
* The fit of the socks is not they same (they come higher on the ankle).
* The lettering on top of the socks does not match my other Balega socks.
* There are simple spelling mistakes on the packaging (eg. pereormance instead of performance).
* The printed cardboard packaging says made in South Africa, but there is sticker on the outside of the package that says made in China.
The socks I bought were sold by ALXMJ SPORT BAND (https://www.amazon.com/sp?seller=A3OCO0GGZLIM0G).
215 people found this helpful
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February 17, 2013
I have one pair of these and several other brands (powersox, dri-fit, etc). These are my "go to" socks. I just bought two more pair so that I don't have to worry about washing the one pair to have it ready for the next run or ride. Very soft, keep feet dry and comfortable (even on the long runs). The Dri-fits are ok, but I feel like they are "slippery" inside the shoe. These are more substantial and feel better.
August 20, 2018
I initially bought these socks from a local running store in town when I decided to start running (an interesting experience on its own). I liked how soft these socks were, how I had no blisters when I ran (again after starting) and how they did not slip down under the heel-a big deal to me.
I am also a pretty avid golfer and began wearing them for when I played with great enjoyment. Since many golf shoes do not fit as well as running shoes, the socks held up well and did not slip down inside my heel when I played. I walk and carry my clubs when I play so my shoes get a lot of work. The other thing I really enjoy about them is that I can wear them while they are wet. When I play early in the morning or in the rain the socks maintained their comfort level and wouldn't rub or chafe, irritating my feet. I have about a dozen pairs now, mostly white and I have to say they wear very well. I have not thrown out a pair yet. These are my 'go to' socks now. I have a few pairs of Darn Tough' and I think these are better for me.
I am also a pretty avid golfer and began wearing them for when I played with great enjoyment. Since many golf shoes do not fit as well as running shoes, the socks held up well and did not slip down inside my heel when I played. I walk and carry my clubs when I play so my shoes get a lot of work. The other thing I really enjoy about them is that I can wear them while they are wet. When I play early in the morning or in the rain the socks maintained their comfort level and wouldn't rub or chafe, irritating my feet. I have about a dozen pairs now, mostly white and I have to say they wear very well. I have not thrown out a pair yet. These are my 'go to' socks now. I have a few pairs of Darn Tough' and I think these are better for me.
September 5, 2017
best no show athletic sock i have ever owned. This is my 3rd order, in white this time. I can't express how good these feel. I am diabetic and do a lot of long distance walking for exercise. Socks with seems cause irritation. Socks with cotton bunch up and rub toes raw, both making walking for excercise painful and hard to stay commited to. These socks eliminate any foot discomfort i experience. I have tried many other brands, and nothing worked. These work, buy them you will not regret it.
April 24, 2018
Wonderful socks!!! I was using cotton socks for my running until a friend suggested me to start using the running socks. Thanks to the reviews on Amazon, I chose this and bought one (size: M). The feel is amazing; my foot doesnt move within the shoes (my shoe size is 8.5) . Sometimes I dont feel the socks. Moisture wicking is working really well. My feet sweats a lot; this sock doesnt stink even after a 10 mile run. Since I recently got it, I have washed it only few times. There are some socks which look worn out after few washes. This isnt one. Definitely will buy more. I recommend this.
September 14, 2016
After I purchased my new running shoes, I noticed that they were rubbing against my heel and eventually causing small cuts. I was wearing low cut athletic socks with the shoes and they were comfortable, but they didn't provide any protection for my heel. I did some research and read a recommendation from a running blog for these Balega Hidden Comfort Socks. $10 or so is expensive for a pair of socks, I agree, but they're absolutely worth it. I spent about $100 on running shoes, and they're excellent, but even the best shoes can rub the wrong way with repetitive motion. The lip of these socks protects the ankle and prevents the socks from slipping down into the shoe (which is incredibly distracting when you're trying to exercise), and the thickness provides the perfect cushion for feet. They're neither too thin nor too thick and keep me nice and dry during my workouts.
If these were less expensive, I'd replace all my socks with these. They work great in boots as well due to the fact that they stay in place. Excellent product!
If these were less expensive, I'd replace all my socks with these. They work great in boots as well due to the fact that they stay in place. Excellent product!
September 14, 2018
I absolute love these socks. The quality in which they're made is undeniable. At first I was a bit apprehensive to pay for one pair at the same price if usually spend on a pack of socks, but I am so glad I did.
What initially pushed me towards this brand, are the tabs on the back of the no-shows. I'm 6'4", and I felt like I was constantly having to stop and dig my socks out of my shoes because they were on the verge of being too small. These tabs on all of Balega's no-show socks completely eliminate that irritation. Also, they offer a wider range of sizes that leaves no body out.
You can learn much about a company from the way in which they package their product. Each pair of Balega socks are individually packaged in uniquely designed containers according to their type. The package opens into a pamphlet of sorts that contains a surprising amount of content from every design detail of the product to sports/inspiration stories. There is even a sticker from the final quality inspector that shows their name and face! These are socks people!!! This level of attention and customer care instantly made a lifetime buyer out of me.
I can't forget to at least mention that the quality you pay for IS truly there. Each type that I've bought, including the Hidden Comfort, and excluding the Second Skin, are made with a layer of padding on the sole that ease shock when walking or jogging. Aside from that, each style is specifically designed and constructed to suit a purpose. The Hidden Comfort is the everyday style, IMO.
I hope this review helps.
What initially pushed me towards this brand, are the tabs on the back of the no-shows. I'm 6'4", and I felt like I was constantly having to stop and dig my socks out of my shoes because they were on the verge of being too small. These tabs on all of Balega's no-show socks completely eliminate that irritation. Also, they offer a wider range of sizes that leaves no body out.
You can learn much about a company from the way in which they package their product. Each pair of Balega socks are individually packaged in uniquely designed containers according to their type. The package opens into a pamphlet of sorts that contains a surprising amount of content from every design detail of the product to sports/inspiration stories. There is even a sticker from the final quality inspector that shows their name and face! These are socks people!!! This level of attention and customer care instantly made a lifetime buyer out of me.
I can't forget to at least mention that the quality you pay for IS truly there. Each type that I've bought, including the Hidden Comfort, and excluding the Second Skin, are made with a layer of padding on the sole that ease shock when walking or jogging. Aside from that, each style is specifically designed and constructed to suit a purpose. The Hidden Comfort is the everyday style, IMO.
I hope this review helps.
December 29, 2018
These socks are awesome. 3 pairs originally were gifted to me last year, because the gifter knew I would NEVER pay this much for a pair of socks despite the fact I run 5 days a week and 30-35 miles per week. That being said I needed more socks and guess what I spent MY hard earned money on...these socks. Best praise I can give. Love the way they feel on my feet. Have run mini-marathons with them with no blisters or other foot challenges. I give the socks some credit (but I also believe the shoes deserve quite a bit, if not more, credit).
March 4, 2019
I don't think I've ever reviewed socks, but these earn the bother. I borrowed a pair in an REI to try on shoes once upon a time. I didn't buy the shoes, but I did buy a pair of these socks while I was there. Worth every penny. The cushion and the fabric feel amazing. I ran a half marathon in them a couple weeks ago and the cushion with the thin top really did make a difference.
November 19, 2018
Ever since receiving a pair of these as a gift, they have become my (and my husbands!) go-to socks. I have a standing desk at work, so foot comfort is a must. These socks are super plush on the bottom without feeling overly hot, and the tabbed heel is also fairly padded and high enough to provide blister protection. For extra comfort, I combine these socks with an anti-fatigue mat (for at work), or a pair of extra padded shoes, such as Saucony Triumph (for walking outside). They are holding up well to washing, they feel soft and comfy every time. My only gripe is that the heel seems to gather dryer pills/lint. It's not impacting the comfort of the sock though, so I'll let it slide.
August 1, 2019
These particular Balegas, the "Hidden Comfort" line, they are slightly different than the "Microbial Sliver" line, however they are no less comfortable.
In fact, the Hidden Comfort were the first Balegas I ever purchased. I still buy them about once or twice a month, just not as often as the "Silvers"...
That being said, they are terrific socks. Comfortable, long lasting, stylish. I absolutely endorse buying these socks.
I really can't say enough about the entire Balega line of socks. Give them a try, I bet you'll become a fan!
In fact, the Hidden Comfort were the first Balegas I ever purchased. I still buy them about once or twice a month, just not as often as the "Silvers"...
That being said, they are terrific socks. Comfortable, long lasting, stylish. I absolutely endorse buying these socks.
I really can't say enough about the entire Balega line of socks. Give them a try, I bet you'll become a fan!
