The RW Takeaway: Janji and Balega have teamed to release a special sock for runners—and for good.
- The sock has an abstract design inspired by South African artists
- Moisture-wicking fibers make for hours of comfortable running and roaming
- Contoured fit and heel tab
- 2 percent of sales go to funding to support clean water projects in South Africa
Price: $16
Our team of editors and local testers have raved about Janji’s and Balega’s products, favoring both brands’ comfy material and cool designs. We recently gave the Editors’ Choice Award to Janji’s Groundwork Tights for their seamless leg openings, flattering fit, and roomy pockets. Another award winner, Balega’s Silver Socks boast effective anti-stink tech. So when the two brands with histories of producing products runners love announced a collaboration to release a limited edition Enduro Sock, it got our attention.
Philanthropy
Every season, Janji picks a country and produces a collection featuring patterns inspired by local artists. Two percent of every purchase goes to clean water projects in that country. The collab with Balega comes as part of Janji’s South Africa 2020 fall collection. This is the first time Janji has added a sock to its running apparel line.
Teaming up with Balega, which produces its socks in South Africa, was a natural fit, said Janji co-founder Dave Spandorfer. He noted the complicated background of the country, alluding to its history of racial tension and Apartheid, which is salient to the social unrest going on now in the U.S.
Balega is a charitable company in its own right. The Lesedi Project, which the brand launched in 2004, aids disabled and disadvantaged children in South Africa, providing wheelchair-friendly buses, scholarships, and therapy playgrounds and pools. Balega also donates to breast cancer research, Back on My Feet (a U.S. organization that combats homelessness), and created the fundraising and assistance foundation Veterans in Need.
A Fun Abstract Design
The Janji x Balega no-show Enduro Sock has a fun style and bold color palette. The design was inspired by local South African wife and husband team Mrs. + Mr. Luke, who are based out of Cape Town. Their geometric and abstract aesthetic pairs well with the sock’s mesh outlines and anatomic shapes.
We tested the Enduro, which is woven with moisture-wicking mohair, on an eight-mile run. It didn’t bunch up or slip down, and a seamless toe translates to no chafing. It’s supremely soft in the heel and toes, and kept our feet dry and blister-free the entire workout. The arch provided a contoured, non-constrictive fit. We can see this sock become a part of an ultramarathon arsenal for its overall comfort and ability to evaporate sweat over hours on the trail or road.
The Janji x Balega sock is available only at janji.com.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
