Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.
We tested dozens of pairs. These are the running socks worthy of a spot in your drawer.
Editor’s Note: We reviewed and updated our sock selections on August 2, 2022 and still stand by our recommendations below, with one addition. We have included a new merino wool sock option for budget-minded runners.
Runners obsess over every detail of a running shoe to make sure they have comfort dialed for every step. But many of us will still jam an old cotton sock between that pricey shoe and our foot. The humble running sock, however, plays an important role in keeping you dry and warm (or cool).
First off, avoid cotton at all costs. Sure, you could safely make it through a three-mile recovery jog in running socks that came from a 12-pack, but on hot or wet days you’ll find cotton absorbs an incredible amount of water and easily causes blisters. Merino wool, on the other hand, is a fiber you can wear year-round thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, move moisture, and resist odors. You’ll find it used in many pairs of performance running socks. Most, however, use a mix of synthetic fabrics—nylon, polyester, and spandex—which offers good value and durability, plus prevents irritation.
The thickness of a running sock can do two things: make each step feel a little softer and take up some of the extra room within a shoe. If you like a soft shoe, pair it with a sock that has thick cushioning underfoot for a supremely plush experience. We often suggest a thick or thin sock to adjust the fit of a shoe. For example, if your shoe fits a little loose—but not enough to up a half size—opt for a thicker sock to take up some of that volume.
Unless you’re hitting the trail (where a taller sock will help keep dirt away from your skin and fend off grass and brush scrapes), sock length is a matter of personal style. Crew-length running socks have made a comeback in recent years, but the cut offers little performance value—although one could argue that the sock is unable to slide into your shoe like a no-show length sometimes can.
Our team of experienced testers spent many hours and miles running year-round to evaluate how these socks fared in a variety of conditions—from hot and humid track workouts to bitter cold runs through the snow to rainy slogs on the trail. We also noted how well these running socks held up between multiple wears and washes. In addition to gathering detailed on-foot impressions, we used a vertical moisture-wicking test to objectively assess how well each sock handled sweat and moisture. To do it, we cut six-inch-long by one-inch-wide strips from the socks’ fabric and suspended them from a support stand with one end in blue-dyed water. We then measured the amount of time it took for the water to migrate roughly two inches up each fabric strip.
The pairs we’ve included in this list are some of the top performers across all of our tests, and we’ve indicated the qualities or conditions in which a specific sock excelled. That said, every running sock here strikes a good balance of odor control, moisture management, comfort, durability, and value for your runs.
Cuff heights: Ankle, crew Cushioning: Medium
Socks made with natural fibers, such as merino wool, offer three main benefits prized by runners: odor-fighting abilities, cozy softness, and good durability. But wool isn’t the only option out there. “I’m a sucker for a good pair of socks. Most often, you’ll find me in a pair from Darn Tough because they’re guaranteed for life (as are Paka socks) and the wool construction doesn’t stink. Lately, I’ve been wearing another natural fiber—alpaca. Paka claims that alpaca retains less water than other wools, and I’ve noticed that the socks stay dry even on sweaty runs this summer,” deputy editor Jeff Dengate said. While Paka also offers a taller crew version, Dengate says that these ankle socks really stays put, which he sometimes has trouble with on such low-cut models. “They didn’t move a bit on a hike up the lower half of Mount Madison in New Hampshire during a thunderstorm. I had no troubles with hot spots on the climb and descent—and no complaints about cold, wet feet even though they were soaked.”
Cuff heights: No-show, ankle, quarter, crew Cushioning: Light
Gear editor Amanda Furrer grabs these socks first when she wants an extra recovery-enhancing squeeze on the run, without wriggling into a pair of knee-highs during the hot summer months. “Personally, I’ve not always felt a significant performance boost from compression socks, but the fit and firmness of this pair feels like they’re really doing something,” Furrer said. “It’s amazing they manage to stay up the entire run—no sliding down, or bunching. I’ve taken up speedwork and long runs again, so I’d like to believe these help me recover on my easy runs,” she added. This mid-cut model delivers between 18 and 20 mmHg of compression around the arch and ankle, which is slightly less than what you’ll get from CEP’s taller pairs (20-30 mmHg). We like it because it supports tired feet and helps promote bloodflow, but doesn’t feel uncomfortably snug or restrictive during workouts. Plus, the new 4.0 model has a padded and ventilated footbed for some softer cushioning underfoot that also moves heat and sweat away from your skin.
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s
Cuff Heights: No-show, quarter, crew Cushioning: Medium
Despite all the benefits a premium wool sock offers, it’s still hard for some of us to justify spending $15 for fabric that goes on your stinky feet. We get it. If that’s you, this is the budget-friendly merino wool option we recommend. Seventy-two percent of the socks’ construction is wool—which is actually quite a bit more than the percentage used by Smartwool and Darn Tough. (We mention this only so you know Solax doesn’t skimp on the merino portion, despite the brand’s overall lower price tag.) Saving some cash comes with a compromise, though. We found that pairs from Solax aren’t quite as durable, nor are they as cozy and silky-smooth against the skin as the more expensive models we’ve tried. You’re also more limited in color options. Nevertheless, these simple socks performed admirably on our runs, and also impressed us during our water-retention testing. After thoroughly soaking both Darn Tough and Solax socks in water, these cheaper Solax pairs were only marginally heavier. And, both options dried just as quickly. The best part? You’ll spend only 25 bucks for three pairs.
Cuff heights: No-show, ankle, quarter, crew Cushioning: Medium (zero cushion also available)
Even socks with thicker cushioning can efficiently wick sweat away from your skin, which helps prevents blisters from forming on your feet. Just take this plush Smartwool pair, for example—it was the top performer overall in our moisture-wicking test. Made from a soft, cozy blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex, it was also one of the most comfortable we tested, with targeted underfoot cushioning that didn’t feel bulky or take up too much room in our shoes. Plus, the 52-percent wool construction really cuts down on stink. We found that even after four wears back-to-back, the sock smelled immensely better than standard cotton or polyester models that endured the same sweaty treatment. The only downside was that the Smartwool’s thicker cushioning took longer to dry once it got wet in our follow-up tests, so it’s not the best sock to wear on rainy runs when you’ll be splashing through puddles.
If you’re a believer in ultra-running R&D and sock doping (a.k.a. the notion that snazzy socks make you feel faster), check out the Athlete Editions that Smartwool designed with ultra-legend Rob Krar. These vibrant pairs kept our feet dry and comfortable in every season; we’ve worn them for winter runs and summer races, and through a full year of testing, they have excelled in all conditions.
Cuff heights: No-show, ankle, quarter, crew Cushioning: Medium
Ultrarunners especially know that even a small blister can become debilitating over the course of a long race. That’s likely why so many endurance athletes swear by Drymax socks. (In fact, the brand has collaborated with runners like Ian Sharman, Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, and Hayden Hawks to design models tailored to their specific preferences.) Like all Drymax socks, the best-selling Running Lite Mesh features a dual-layer construction designed to move moisture away from the foot and reduce blister-producing friction. The inner layer uses hydrophobic materials that don’t allow moisture to adhere to the sock, pushing sweat and water away from your skin. The sock also has additional strips of airy mesh on top of the arch for ventilation, while the underfoot portion offers plush—but not dense—cushioning from heel to toe.
During our testing, we noticed that some inseam threads came loose, but we were able to trim them easily without any unravelling. While this model isn’t as bombproof as the Sharman Quarter Crew, it’s much softer with a surprising amount of cushioning for its featherlight weight.
Cuff heights: Two, five (inches above the ankle) Cushioning: Medium
Swiftwick dubs its latest creation, the Flite XT Trail, the “most technically advanced sock for hiking and trail running.” While much simpler socks have also excelled in our tests, this new model proved itself a cut above. The Flite XT Trail builds on the original Flite XT model from Swiftwick. Both pairs use portions of grippy fibrous material beneath the heel and forefoot, which help prevent your foot from sliding around inside your shoe. Combined with snug arch and ankle compression, this lends extra support for lateral movements in agility drills and circuit training—or for dodging rocks, roots, and potholes midrun. The trail-specific version, however, also incorporates merino wool that naturally controls foot odor and feels a little softer against the skin. All that comes together to make this one of the best socks we’ve run in. The material is thick, durable, and dries quickly after we soaked it in a rainstorm. Plus, there’s enough cushion so you’ll feel a little extra protection on longer runs, but it’s not too heavy or mushy.
“My favorite thing about this sock is how it makes the fit of every running shoe feel a little more locked in. That’s especially helpful in some daily trainers where I have a little too much wiggle room,” gear editor Morgan Petruny said. “These socks take up that bit of extra space and grip the shoe’s insole without making my feet feel too cramped or sweaty—the material is durable and thick, but still breathes nicely.”
Cuff heights: Zero, one, two, four, seven, twelve (inches above ankle) Cushioning: Light
Opinions were mixed on the Aspire Zero’s height (which barely peeks out from your shoe) for cold-weather runs, but our testers raved about the taller Aspire models. This sock from Swiftwick is a triple-threat that packs in hidden ventilation, cushioning, and stability. A unique combo of fabrics (nylon, olefin, and spandex) and varying compressive weaves make it especially stable around the ankle, while its Goldilocks cushioning adds softness without feeling mushy. Plus, testers said the sock remained surprisingly light—and just as supportive—even when soaked by the end of drizzly long runs. “The snug compression gives me a little extra support when I’m worried about rolling an ankle on uneven ground,” one tester said. The Aspire can feel a bit slick inside looser-fitting trainers; however, we noticed this only on tight U-turns at the midpoint of out-and-back runs, and when cruising down steep hills.
Cuff heights: No-show, quarter, crew Cushioning: Medium
For one of our testers, between-the-toe blisters were inevitable on long runs—until she took a chance on this pair of Injinjis that wrap each toe in its own sleeve. Made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and a pinch of Lycra, the sock is smooth but not slippery; your toes can glide next to each other without rubbing. Even toe sock skeptics were converted by this pair. “I always thought toe socks were a solution to a non-problem,” said one tester. “As someone who hasn’t struggled with blisters between my toes, I never saw the need—but now I completely get it. I thought they would cause a cramped fit in the forefoot of my trainers, but the opposite was true. The material allowed my toes to move freely, letting each digit splay individually.” The only negatives were that the toe-sock style took us longer to wiggle into, and some testers found the pinky toes a little baggy.
We’ve also been putting some miles on Injinji’s latest NüWool toe socks, which we do like for their slightly softer merino interior and marginally improved odor control. However, the Ultra Run remains our preferred model from the brand, as we noticed some early wear and pilling in our wool-based pairs.
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s
Cuff height: No-show Cushioning: Light
Most multipack socks feel soft and comfortable out of the package, but many lose their original texture after a handful of sweaty runs and washes. Not so with these Sauconys. The simple budget sock surprised us with its durability and long-lasting stretchy softness that rivaled those with a much bigger price tag. Made from mostly polyester with just a pinch of spandex, it offers some cushion underfoot without using any cotton. Our testers—in addition to more than 95,000 Amazon shoppers who gave five-star reviews—liked the breathable mesh paneling, adequate moisture-wicking, and light arch compression. Just don’t wear these twice in a row without washing; our testers found that the sock can hold some odor and feels baggy in the heel after a double-wear.
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s
Cuff height: No-show Cushioning: Medium
Running shoes are breeding grounds for bacteria, which of course means your socks are going to stink. While wool will cut down on the odors, you can also boost comfort and smell fresh with this pair from Balega. The sock’s moisture-wicking fibers are covered in silver ions to help kill germs. We found the sock remains stink-free, even after multiple wearings between washes (yes, we know this is gross, but we still do it). Runners will also like the thicker cushioning underfoot, and the breathable top panel kept us cool during an extended bout of muggy 90-plus degree days. Available in a slew of neon options, it’ll add a pop of color to your next virtual race—why not be bold and go with bright lilac and watermelon? We just wish the Silver was available in more cuff heights.
Cuff heights: No-show, quarter Cushioning: Medium (also available without cushioning)
Performance socks aren’t cheap, but rest easy knowing that if you ever poke your big toe through this merino sock you’ll get a replacement pair for free. But it’s unlikely you will wear this sock down; we found it to be the most durable, lightweight wool model. Darn Tough uses a high stitch count for the Run Ultra-Light, so it’s velvety soft against your foot and wraps the arch with just enough compression for a secure fit and a smidge of extra support. “I have a purple and green pair of Darn Tough socks that I’ve been wearing for almost three years, and they’re still as cushy as they were on the first run,” said one tester. “They’re my go-to for 20-milers during marathon training because they stay put and don’t bunch or slide, even when I’m moving for hours and my feet start to swell.” One tester who had a little extra space around the pinky toe thought left-right specificity could make the fit even better.
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s
Cuff heights: Ankle, quarter, crew Cushioning: Medium
Swiss company On Running builds apparel that’s all about performance but doesn’t sacrifice style. (Just ask On athlete Alicia Monson, a Team USA Olympian in the 10,000 meters, who says these socks are her absolute favorite.) That means with models like the High, you’re getting premium materials and workmanship with attention to the details—like a left-and-right specific fit, stylish color-blocking up the Achilles, and a specialized poly-elastane blended fabric. “My heart skipped a beat when I thought I lost one in the wash,” one tester said. “They’re my all-time fave—soft and stretchy, with just enough cushioning and compression.” The technical mesh panels hold enough warmth in the winter—but also resist feeling swampy when it gets warmer—and the toe seam lays flat and smooth, so it won’t cause irritation when crammed into a low-volume toebox. (Don’t worry if you’re not into high socks; there are lower cuts for both men and women, too.)
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s
Cuff heights: No-show, quarter, crew Cushioning: Light (ultra-light and max also available)
We’ve long loved Feetures’s socks because of their dedicated left and right fits and seamless construction. Together, those two aspects dialed in fit and comfort with no baggy toes or irritating seams, but the material itself was always really slippery inside a shoe. Now, the Elite line is built with Tencel fibers and has a very high 200-needle thread count for that same comfortable fit without the sliding. The deep heel pocket and snug wrap around the arch ensure the sock stays in place on your foot; none of our testers reported any slipping around in their shoes on runs.
Even runners who preferred no-cushion socks were won over by Feetures’s cushier offerings. “The inner padding is super soft and a little fuzzy, but overall the sock is still snug, secure, and lightly compressive,” one tester said of the max-cushion Elite. “It feels like a cozy cabin sock meets performance running.” An extra bonus? There’s a rainbow of brand new colors that have already launched for fall.
Cuff heights: Ankle, quarter, crew Cushioning: Max
A staple of any “best socks” list, Bombas impresses our team. We like this merino wool version of the brand’s Performance Running sock even more than the standard because it swaps out the cotton blend for a mix of wool and nylon. That makes it a bit pricier, but we think it’s worth it for the improved durability, funk-fighting prowess, and buttery softness on foot. “I wish I had a pair to wear every day,” said one tester. “I loved the extra cushioning in the heel and toe with more compression around my arch.” Credit the plush-zoned cushioning, designed for boosting comfort without causing any unwanted “squish” on touchdown. The midsection of the sock uses Bombas’s signature snug honeycomb knit, which adds support while still feeling airy and light. We especially love that the brand matches every purchase with a donated pair to someone affected by homelessness.
Buy Men’s Buy Women’s