The Obtainer - 9/13/23, Wednesday
↦ These Socks Don't Suck
Wednesday, September 13th Edition
Did you workout this morning? If not, today’s newsletter just might inspire you to get in a few reps. We’re talking about the best athletic socks money can buy and my go-to gym shirt, from a favorite California performance brand.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Good/Better/Best
Training Socks
Socks are far too often an afterthought when it comes to your wardrobe, but they're one of those items where quality really matters. Put another way: Cheap socks really suck. They don't stay up on your legs, they bunch in your shoes and quickly develop holes. You don't want that. Especially for athletic socks—the fabrication is the difference between a dry, supported foot and a sweaty, cramped mistake.So what, exactly, makes for a good training sock? Ideally, it's sewn from quality fabric—a cushy, cotton blend that combines traditional softness with a slew of modern touches. That's where the designs differ and your personal needs come into play. Do you want more sweat-wicking and odor-controlling technology? Perhaps you require a little more support in the arches or around the ankle. Maybe you just want them to look good enough to wear with your gym shorts along with your jeans and Birkenstocks. Whatever your needs, we tested out a handful of socks and narrowed them down to the three best options, in a range of price points. The biggest surprise was those requisite Nike socks didn't make the cut and that elevating your sock game really boosts your confidence at the gym.- Jordan Taylor
Knit from a lightweight, smooth nylon blend with 5% elastane stretch
Racing stripe knit into the back for added style
Seamless toe and zoned mesh stitch on the top of the foot for breathability
Micro cushioning in the heel and achilles to prevent rubbing
Speed crew sock, $25 by Tracksmith
Knit from a supima cotton blend with 3% elastane stretch
Ribbed from toe-to-cuff for a refined look and cushioned in the footbed for a little extra softness
Thin enough for loafers, yet substantial enough for sneakers
Seamless toe and signature honeycomb arch support hugs the foot without feeling too tight
Hybrid ribbed sock, $16 by Bombas
Knit from a CoolMax poly-blend with 5% elastane stretch that's highly breathable and stretchy
The compression-style fabric has impressive sweat-wicking and anti-microbial properties
Thinner with a textured, meshy top and a thin “hem” at the top to keep it from slipping down
Graphic branding down the leg and at the toe
Lite Run quarter sock, $36 by Bandit Running
Stuff We Swear by
A Comfortable and Durable Workout Shirt
Generally speaking, you can workout in any shirt. That is, if you don’t mind being sweaty and uncomfortable. For the past two years, whenever I know I’m going to be active—be it a gym session or a long outdoor bike ride—I pull on this technical tee from Olivers. Of course, what you're looking for in a performance shirt depends on your own personal needs. For me, I want a shirt that’s comfortable and simple—I don’t like a lot of texture or “lazer-cut ventilation” holes. But I do want it to fit well and hold up against countless washes. This has done just that—which is why I now have three of them. The brand calls it their “ultimate technical training shirt,” cut from a fabric that’s made from environmentally friendly recycled poly fibers. It’s lightweight and breathable with all the moisture-wicking and anti-stink properties you want in a workout shirt. What’s more, it’s expertly tailored. The raglan sleeves not only provide optimal range of movement, but they tend to make your shoulders look nice and wide. The fit of the shirt somehow also accentuates your pecs (without feeling clingy), while the flat-lock seams don’t chafe or itch, even when drenched in sweat on a sunny day. What’s more, I’ve washed them weekly (sometimes multiple times a week) and they still pretty much look brand new. You can’t ask for more than that. Are they the most affordable gym shirts? No. But for the cost-per-wear, you definitely get your money’s worth with this one.
Pivot T-shirt,$78 by Olivers
Drops to Watch For
Todd Snyder is releasing his first-ever mainline sneaker, “The Tuscan Court Shoe”. These limited-edition kicks are classic court-style shoes with soft suede uppers and Vachetta leather accents that play against the shoe's clean lines. “Any brand can release their own shoe, but for me, this deserves the utmost attention to quality and fit. Having our own luxe footwear helps make Todd Snyder a one-stop-shop for the modern gentleman,” says Snyder. The Tuscan Court Shoe retails for $498 and is available in two colorways: Biscotti Cream and Grigio Gray.
September 14 at 10 am EST at toddsnyder.com
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This cardigan is knit from a wool blend, and the subtle donegal print is excellent for fall. Wear this at night as summer dwindles, and sport it as a mid-layer come wintertime.
$249 / $125 byA Kind of Guise
These herringbone shorts from Beams Plus are what cutting your favorite fatigues would look like. The boxy silhouette and hardy fabric make these an excellent pairing for a hoody and denim jacket for early fall.
$300 / $180by Beams Plus
Just because the weather’s cooling down, don’t give up your shades. In fact, grab a quality pair made to last. You won’t find a better glasses under $50.
$99 / $49by Walden
Not that anyone asked, but I don’t really believe in maximalism (inability to edit) or minimalism (wasted opportunity) when it comes to design. I kind of just believe in fitting the right amount of stuff in the right places.
August 7
