I've bought 5 different pairs of running socks, and I thought I'd give my opinions on the different ones.
SmartWool Running Light Socks
These are easily my least favorite of the 5 pairs I've tried. They are actually the only pair I've bought that I just can't stand running in. I was talking to one of my friends who does tris about socks and he said he loves wool socks...for everything but running. When I was running in these, I actually felt like my feet were on fire. I'll give them another go when it gets cold and burning feet become a positive attribute, but for the rest of summer and most of fall, these will stay in my dresser (msrp $15).
Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro
I like these socks just fine, and I've read a lot of great things about Wigwam socks. One thing I like about Wigwams is that every pair I've seen looks pretty awesome. I'm sure this is a non-issue for a lot of people, but if I'm spending over $10 a pair on socks, I want something special, and these at least look the part. Very comfortable to run in. If you have the means, check them out. If I were going to ask for socks as a gift, it would probably be these (msrp $12).
Feetures Multi-Sport
These are probably the most practical of the "high dollar" socks that I own. They fit great, feel great, keep your feet dry, and pretty much do everything that the Wigwams do, while looking more traditional and fitting a little tighter (which is apparently a good thing). If I'm in the market for an expensive pair of socks, I think these will get my nod because they give you the best bang for your buck (msrp $10).
Pearl Izumi Attack Cushion
The next 2 pairs of socks are probably the best reason I've ever seen to make sure you shop at multiple stores before making up your mind on things. These Pearl Izumis aren't as tight fitting as the Feetures, but keep my feet as dry and are probably more comfortable. Great to run in, I love these socks. My only fear is that since they are almost 1/2 the price per pair of the other socks, they may not last as long, but since all of these socks are pretty new, its just not something I can comment on yet. Great socks for the price (msrp $18 for 3 pairs)
Ascics Performance
This is probably what all of the socks I own will eventually be. Extremely attractive price point, all of the things I like about the Pearl Izumis except these have a lower cut, which I can't hold against the Pearl Izumis since I probably could have bought lower cut ones, but I didn't, so these are more comfy. At $3.33, you won't find a better deal on socks that are designed for physical activity (msrp $10 for 3 pairs)
These 5 pairs of socks are probably not going to be the end of my sock exploring, but I'm glad I'm at the point where I can tell a difference between most of them while I'm wearing them running.
As far as running goes, I've had a busy last few weeks. I've finished my Couch to 5K program and have gone right into one of the 5K training programs from Jeff Galloway's book on 5K/10K running. His training programs seem far and away better than other programs I've seen because he has you doing a lot of "game day" practice, which I haven't really seen in other programs. What I mean by this is that you have several "Race Rehersal" runs, where you run extended distances at your target race pace, which is awesome so you can try to get comfortable in that pace. You also will always at least a couple runs at your race distance or farther, which isn't really a big deal for distances under a marathon, since you are probably running at least your race distance on your long days any way, but his is the only marathon program I've seen that actually has you getting up in the mid/high 20s before your race, so that you know going into your race that you can do it. That will be something I'll be very happy knowing going into my marathon in April.
