It seems silly to write about running in the winter when it’s almost 60, yes 60, degrees in Michigan today. Michiganders know weather is a tricky son of a gun and you really never know what to expect. It could be 60 one day and the next, we’ll have snow. It’s never too early to start getting your winter running wardrobe ready to go.

Winter running can be brutal. Some people may find solace on a treadmill in some gym, but for others, they brave the conditions and run outside no matter what.

Running in the winter can be tricky — especially when people don’t shovel their driveways. Sometimes you’re trudging through several inches of snow and each step you take into the snow makes your feet colder and colder.

So besides higher cuts and more cushioning, what should one look for in a winter sock? Well, let’s discuss!

First, let’s take a look at Drymax Cold Weather Running Sock. As you can probably assume by the name, this is a sock specially made for the cold temperatures. Drymax prides itself on being the number one sock to keep feet dry and this is especially important come winter. Wet socks are a big enemy to your feet. Moisture can pull heat away from your skin 23 times faster than air. Moisture can reduce skin temperature so rapidly that wet feet feel painfully cold and are susceptible to frostbite. With Drymax, you’ll have a dual layer moisture removal system to instantly remove the moisture from your skin. Drymax fibers have the lowest thermal conductivity of fibers used to manufacture socks. These fibers can keep feet warmer more than other fibers because they conduct less heat away from the skin.

Drymax Cold Weather Running Socks are knit with Hollow Core polyester fibers on the outside to increase overall insulation. Due to the wind chill factor, the front part of your leg tends to get the coldest, so this sock has a third layer of Drymax fiber insulation. This sock presents one of the best options for winter running due to comfort and moisture-wicking capabilities. You won’t be complaining about cold feet after your run with these socks.

SmartWool is another option to consider when the snowflakes start falling. Well-known for their skiing socks, SmartWool also offers some great socks for running. Made with Merino wool, SmartWool PhD Running Socks regulate temperature and moisture. They will help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, since their "light" models are still pretty bulky, most people do just stick to them as a winter sock. With its moisture-wicking capabilities your feet will also stay dry, meaning they stay warm too.

Along with temperature and moisture control, Merino wool also brings odor control into the mix. When the run is done and you’re transitioning from running shoes to slippers, you won’t get a whiff of something smelly.

Another winter option is to wear some kind of liner and then another pair of socks over that. Maybe grab a pair of toesock liners and then you could probably wear any other kind of running sock over it and you’ll get the warmth and performance factors you need.

Remember, just because a sock is thick, doesn’t mean it’s a good option for winter time running. Stay away from cotton at all costs and make sure you have something that will wick moisture away. In fact, you can probably get away with a lightweight sock as long as it removes moisture effectively.

Good luck and hopefully you get through winter with all 10 toes still intact! Sock on!