1000 Mile Socks Review

1000 Mile Running Socks Review

On an ultra marathon, your feet are one of your most important assets. You can have the strongest lungs and the toughest mindset in the world, but if your feet give out due to hot spots or blisters, your race could be over.

That’s why I’ve spent the last few weeks putting two pairs of socks from the 1000 Mile range through their paces. 1000 Mile have a reputation in the UK running scene, specifically for their "blister-free guarantee". I wanted to see how their newer sustainable options and their classic double-layer tech hold up on the trails

1. Men’s Run Crew Repreve® Single Layer Sock

Best for: Everyday trail sessions.

First up is the Run Crew Repreve. These are your typical single-layer construction, which offer a more streamlined fit and less bulk inside your shoe.

Performance

I took these out for a 32km trail loop. Right away, the comfort is obvious. They’ve got a ventilation mesh across the top to help stop your feet overheating during long efforts. There’s decent padding on the toe and heel, and I particularly liked that the padding extends up to cover the Achilles tendon, a nice touch that adds a bit of protection against stiff heel counters.

Throughout the 32km, they stayed put. No bunching, no rubbing, and no slippage, which is exactly what you want from a running sock.

Sizing and Fit

One thing to note, the sizing seems to run slightly large. I’m a UK 9.5 and I tested the Large (rated for UK 9-11.5). While they do have a nice compression-style fit, they weren't quite as snug as I’d usually like for a high-intensity run. If you’re at the lower end of a size bracket like me, I’d recommend dropping down a size. A Medium probably would have given me that "second skin" feel I look for.

The Eco Factor

A massive win here is the use of REPREVE® recycled fibres. These are made from recycled plastic bottles, which is a big tick in the box for sustainability. As trail runners, we spend our lives in nature, so it’s good to know our gear isn't costing the earth.

Price

The Crew Repreve® Single Layer socks come in at £16 for a twin pack. In my opinion, that's pretty reasonable for a pair of quality running socks. You can definitely find cheaper options on the market, but for a higher-end technical sock, these are good value.

1000 Mile Repreve Single Layer Sock

1000 Mile Repreve Single Layer Sock Twin Pack - £16

2. Original 1000 Mile Double Layer Sock

Best for: Blister prevention on long, repetitive miles.

The second pair I tested was the classic Original Double Layer. This is the tech that made 1000 Mile famous. The logic is simple: the inner layer stays with your foot while the outer layer moves with the shoe. This means the friction happens between the two layers of fabric rather than against your skin.

Performance

I tested these out on a 20km trail run which was a shorter distance than the first pair, but enough to get a feel for the mechanics. The big question: does the guarantee hold up?

In my case, yes, zero blisters. However, 20km is a pretty modest distance for an ultra runner. To truly validate that "blister-free" claim, I’d want to see how they feel at the 50km+ mark when the feet start to swell and the sweat builds up. That said, the initial signs are promising.

Sizing and Fit

Being double-layered, they are naturally thicker than a standard sock. I didn’t find this a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind if your race shoes are already a tight fit. The venting on the top of the foot works well to maintain temperature, though I’d be curious to see how they breathe in the peak of a British summer.

Again, like the single-layer version, I’d personally prefer a bit more compression. If I were to get another pair of these, I’d definitely go for a Medium to get that tighter, more secure wrap around the arch.

Price

The Original 1000 Mile Double Layer Sock retails at £12 for a single pair. Again, I think this is a good price point, especially if they live up to their reputation and keep you truly blister-free during the later stages of an ultra.

Original 1000 Mile Double Layer Sock

Original 1000 Mile Double Layer Sock - £12

The Final Verdict

Both of these socks have earned a permanent spot in my sock draw rotation.

The Run Crew Repreve is a good, sustainable all-rounder for your weekly long runs. Meanwhile, the Original Double Layer is the go-to "insurance policy" for when you're worried about hot spots or breaking in new shoes. 

Top Tip: If you’re between sizes or prefer a very snug fit, size down.

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