Socks often get overlooked when it comes to running gear.
Sure, you can have perfectly designed shoes that help your feet on the pavement, but if you don't have the right sock, you'll most likely get slowed down by blisters. In just a few strides, your run can go from pleasant to painful if you’re not careful.
As any runner will tell you, the proper pair of running socks can make all the difference. Whether you're someone who likes extra cushioning, a tab on the back, a thicker sock, or a thinner sock, the right running socks will give you an overall better experience. Each element — from the shape to the material to the design — contribute to the socks' overall performance.
What to Look for in Running Socks
For starters, you want to avoid cotton. Cotton retains moisture, so once your feet get sweaty and wet, they’ll stay that way. A synthetic material works best for running socks because it wicks away moisture and keeps your feet nice and dry.
What you want to look for is merino wool. Merino wool is a popular fabric for activewear because of its effective odor control, breathability, and temperature-regulating abilities, and running socks are no exception here. Its fibers are also smaller and smoother than other types of wool, which means it’s softer on your skin.
It doesn’t matter if you’re running marathons or just 20 minutes daily on the treadmill — the socks matter. So, we set out to find the best running socks available by testing out the most popular brands around.
Best Running Socks
- Best Overall: Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Sock
- Most Durable: SmartWool PhD Ultra Light Micro Running Sock
- Best Constructed Sock: BOMBAS Performance Running Ankle Socks
- Best Lightweight Sock: Feetures Unisex High Performance No-Show Socks
- Best Sock That Stays Put: FITS Unisex Ultra Light Runner No-Show Socks
- Best Toe Design: Injinji Unisex 2.0 Run Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks
- Best All-Around Fitness Sock: Darn Tough Men's Vertex No-Show Tab Socks
- Most Breathable Sock: Lululemon T.H.E. Sock
- Best Arch Support: Rockay Unisex Accelerate Anti-Blister Running Socks
- Most Secure Sock: Under Armour Unisex Run Cushion No-Show Socks
- Best Moisture-Wicking Sock: Thirty48 Unisex Ultralight Running Socks
- Best Padded Sock: Saucony Unisex Inferno No-Show Tab Socks
- Most Comfy Sock: Thorlos Unisex Edge Running Low-Cut Socks
Testing Process
Over the course of the past year and more runs than we can count, we had BestProducts.com editors, Hearst employees, and seasoned runners test the top running socks. We asked them to give us feedback on how the socks affected their performance. Did they stay in place during a run? Was there any chafing in the toe area that could cause a blister? Was there added arch support? We wanted to know it all.
After reviewing what our testers had to say, we narrowed down the list to picks that held up over the course of the testing period and they'd actually buy themselves. Check out the top running socks that made the cut.
Best Overall
If you've ever researched running socks, chances are you've come across Balega. Everything about Balega's sock design is made to avoid blisters, from the seamless construction, to the super-stretchy material, to the ventilation panels. We polled several marathon runners during our testing, and a handful of them said Balega's Hidden Comfort No-Show running socks were their go-to for runs of any distance.
Compared to some other top-rated socks, like Feetures and Bombas, the material is simply softer and feels better on the foot. It is worth noting that this pair is on the thinner side, but we've never noticed any fatigue on the bottom of the foot or in the arch, and we've been wearing these socks for years.
Most Durable Socks
This is hands-down the best merino wool running sock, and it's no surprise since SmartWool has figured out how to make the softest wool material. These socks feature a performance-oriented fit, mesh ventilation, and a Shred Shield that helps reduce wear from toes. They also deem their wool "Indestructawool", and we can attest. The PhD Ultra Light Micro are definitely the most durable running socks we tested, and showed no signs of wear around the toe area.
When it comes to washing, the brand recommends washing them inside-out to ensure the sock is getting cleaned properly.
Best-Constructed Sock
BOMBAS socks really do live up to their name: BOMB-ASS SOCKS. They have a special Hex Tec construction that help the material breathe and give it moisture-wicking properties. Our tester, Matt Gorman, who loves running outdoors, pointed out how comfy they were and rated them a five out of five for their arch support. Each sock — specifically contoured for either your right or left foot and marked by an “R” or an “L” — is designed to allow airflow in all the right places.
BOMBAS also donates a pair of socks — the most-requested clothing item in homeless shelters — for every sock purchased.
Best Lightweight Sock
Feetures’ high-cushion socks have a unique Y-heel construction that’s specifically designed to prevent the sock from sliding down your foot. The seamless toe and 200-needle construction offer comfort and durability that make this running sock a go-to. Our tester, Erica Murphy (a marathon runner), commented on how soft and lightweight they felt from the moment she slipped them on. She also thought the sock felt solid enough that it wouldn’t form a hole in the toe after a couple of wears during long-distance runs.
The Sock That Stays Put
If your worst nightmare is a sock that rides down during your runs, slip on a pair of FITS’ Ultra Light No Show Runner and you’ll have nothing but sweet dreams. Our tester, Bridget Clegg, wore a pair of these socks and loved how secure they felt during her entire workout. Plus, the light merino wool didn’t make her feet hot while outside in the sun.
FITS has a patented Full Contact Fit that really contours the sock to your foot so they’re nice and secure on your feet. Plus, the blend of super-fine merino wool, nylon, polyester, and Lycra is woven into a flat-knit design for a less bulky feel. These socks don't have cushioning in the footbed, so if you prefer a little more padding, try the FITS Micro-Light Runner.
Best Toe Design
Don’t be weirded out by the toes. This unique design protects from skin-to-skin friction for long-distance runners and has helped Injinji amass a huge following. You’ll be able to tell the difference, especially when you’re running on uneven terrain. Tester Brian Murray Jr. wore them during his treadmill runs and was surprised by how much he enjoyed the toe-design feel.
The fabric of Injinji’s running socks is made up of COOLMAX fibers to wick away moisture, nylon for added toughness, and Lycra to help hold its shape, including a band under the arch for support and internal stability.
Best All-Around Fitness Sock
These merino wool socks are the official sock of Spartan Races, so you know they’ve been put to the test. The fibers are naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and knitted in a technique that allows them to be pretty Darn Tough — pun intended. We like the performance fit of these socks, especially how the front ankle area is designed with less fabric to eliminate bunching.
Marathon runner and tester Jon Karadimas liked how light and thin the socks were, and commented on how the low rise hits at the perfect spot on the ankle.
Most Breathable Sock
Lululemon’s seamless construction and mesh design is all about breathability. The material — made from sweat-wicking yarn — has a thicker, high-quality feel to it while still offering ample room for air. They also have extra cushioning on the heel and toe and added arch support. Karadimas thought they came up a little high for an ankle sock, but the support they provided made it a nonissue.
If you’re prone to smelly feet, Lululemon offers a version with Silverescent technology in the fabric that prohibits odor-causing bacteria from forming on the socks.
Best Arch Support
Rockay’s Accelerate Anti-Blister socks have earned high marks from most publications that review running socks, like Runner's World and Business Insider to name a few. The sock contains specific ventilation zones around the areas most prone to blisters, as well as extra padding in the heel and ankle. Plus, the brand uses 100% recyclable materials to construct the sock.
Our tester, Bridget Clegg, thought that they’d even be great for hikes, in addition to running. The elastic around the top of the sock is designed to be a little tighter in order to keep out dust and dirt.
Most Secure Sock
These UnderArmour socks are a great choice from a trusted athletic brand. The thinness of the material lends well to keeping your feet cool, while the ArmourBlock prevents any stinky bacteria from growing. Murray felt that the additional cushioning around the ball of his foot helped make the socks more comfortable during longer runs.
The socks also have a seamless toe design, arch support, and ventilation on the top of the foot to prevent your feet from heating up quickly.
Best Moisture-Wicking Sock
The moisture-wicking qualities in Thirty48’s ultra light athletic running socks were a stand out to our tester Jackie Murray during her daily runs. They’ll feel like a second skin because they're anatomically designed to be the correct fit on your foot. Plus, the seamless toe closure allows for 360-degree movement without any abrasion. Just be aware that they don’t sit as low on your ankle as most of the other socks on our list.
Best Padded Sock
Saucony’s Inferno No Show socks offer a lot of cushion while still providing moisture control, thanks to the brand's RunDry Pro moisture-wicking yarns. Murray Jr. tested these out and felt the air-mesh vents on top of the feet were the best part because they kept his feet from getting too hot.
These socks also offer Engineered Arch Stability to provide the most secure and stable fit for your daily runs.
Most Comfy Sock
Thorlos’ Unisex VRMU running socks definitely deserve a mention on our list: just take a look at the reviews. Our tester, Matt Gorman, rated them a five out of five in the comfiness category and raved about the extra cushioning they offer. These socks have Thorlos’ C.S.S. technology (cushioned suspension system) that provides excellent fit and support. The NanoGLIDE fibers in the material help reduce friction during your run.
Read More:
2020's Best Running Sneakers for Women
Your Ultimate Guide to Running Sneakers for Men
The Best Water Bottles for Staying Hydrated
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