What are the best running socks for comfort and performance. Which running socks provide the best cushioning and moisture-wicking. How do different brands of running socks compare in terms of fit and durability.
Under Armour UA Run Cushion No Show Tab: The Overall Best Running Sock
After extensive testing of numerous running socks, the Under Armour Unisex UA Run Cushion No Show Tab emerged as our top pick. These socks stand out for several key reasons:
- Luxuriously soft fabric around toes and heels
- Strategically placed cushioning for comfort
- Thinner material on top for breathability
- Excellent moisture-wicking performance
The thoughtful construction of these socks provides the perfect balance of cushioning and breathability. Extra padding around the toes, ball of the foot, and heel offers superior comfort, while the thinner top portion reduces bulk and enhances ventilation. This clever design gives runners the benefits of both thick and thin socks in one product.
In lab tests, the UA Run Cushion socks demonstrated outstanding sweat-wicking capabilities, ensuring feet stay dry during intense workouts. While the cushioning does make feet slightly warmer than uniformly thin socks, the moisture management more than compensates for this minor drawback.
Adidas Superlite No-Show: Best Value for Budget-Conscious Runners
For runners looking to stock up on affordable, quality socks, the Adidas Superlite No-Show socks offer excellent value. Key features include:
- Soft, cotton-like feel despite polyester construction
- Light arch support for improved fit
- Minimal bulk for reduced heat buildup
- Affordable price point when purchased in bulk
These socks prioritize simplicity, forgoing extras like heel tabs or specialized knitting zones. The result is a lightweight, breathable sock that performs well for walking and shorter runs. While the toe seam may be noticeable on longer distances, the overall comfort and value make these an attractive option for everyday use and training.
The Importance of Proper Running Socks
Why invest in specialized running socks? The right pair can significantly enhance your running experience by:
- Preventing blisters and hot spots
- Regulating temperature and moisture
- Providing cushioning and support
- Improving overall comfort and performance
Ill-fitting or poorly designed socks can lead to distractions, discomfort, and even injuries during your run. By choosing socks engineered specifically for running, you’re investing in your comfort, performance, and foot health.
Key Features to Look for in Running Socks
When evaluating running socks, consider the following factors:
Material Composition
Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex offer superior moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties compared to cotton. Some socks incorporate natural fibers like merino wool for odor resistance and temperature regulation.
Cushioning
The amount and placement of cushioning can greatly impact comfort. Some runners prefer minimal cushioning for a closer ground feel, while others benefit from extra padding in high-impact areas.
Fit and Compression
A snug, supportive fit helps prevent blisters and keeps socks in place during your run. Light compression can improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.
Breathability
Ventilation panels or thinner materials in key areas help regulate temperature and moisture.
Seamless Construction
Reducing or eliminating seams, especially in the toe area, can prevent irritation and blisters.
How Different Types of Running Socks Affect Performance
Running socks come in various styles, each suited to different preferences and running conditions:
No-Show Socks
These low-profile socks sit below the ankle, offering a sleek look and reducing bulk. They’re ideal for warm weather but may not provide as much protection against debris on trails.
Ankle Socks
Covering the ankle bone, these socks offer a balance of protection and breathability. They’re versatile for various running conditions.
Crew Socks
Extending several inches above the ankle, crew socks provide extra warmth and protection. They’re popular for trail running and colder weather.
Compression Socks
These knee-high socks apply graduated pressure to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. They’re often used for long-distance running and recovery.
The Science Behind Moisture-Wicking in Running Socks
How do high-performance running socks keep feet dry? The process involves:
- Capillary action drawing sweat away from the skin
- Spreading moisture across a larger surface area for faster evaporation
- Using hydrophobic fibers to repel water and prevent saturation
Advanced moisture-wicking technologies can significantly improve comfort and reduce the risk of blisters by keeping feet drier during intense activity.
Caring for Your Running Socks to Extend Their Lifespan
Proper care can help your running socks maintain their performance and durability:
- Wash in cold water to preserve elastic fibers
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can clog moisture-wicking fibers
- Air dry or use low heat to prevent shrinkage
- Turn socks inside out before washing to remove trapped debris
- Consider using a mesh laundry bag to prevent loss and reduce wear
By following these care instructions, you can extend the life of your running socks and ensure they continue to perform at their best.
Seasonal Considerations for Running Sock Selection
Your sock needs may vary depending on the time of year and running conditions:
Summer Running
In hot weather, prioritize breathability and moisture management. Look for thin, lightweight socks with ventilation panels and quick-drying materials.
Winter Running
Cold conditions call for warmer socks that retain heat while still wicking away sweat. Merino wool blends or thicker synthetic materials can provide insulation without compromising moisture management.
Wet Weather
When running in rain or wet conditions, water-resistant or quick-drying socks can help prevent blisters and keep feet comfortable. Some socks feature hydrophobic treatments to repel water.
Trail Running
Off-road running often requires more durable socks with added protection against debris. Look for higher cut styles and reinforced areas in high-wear zones.
By adapting your sock choice to the season and conditions, you can optimize comfort and performance year-round.
Common Running Sock Problems and Solutions
Even with high-quality socks, runners may encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Slipping Socks
If your socks constantly slide down, look for pairs with a more compressive fit or silicone grips in the heel. Ensure you’re wearing the correct size for your feet.
Blisters
To prevent blisters, choose seamless socks or those with flat-lock seams. Moisture-wicking materials and proper fit are also crucial for blister prevention.
Overheating
If your feet get too hot during runs, opt for thinner socks with targeted ventilation. Some runners prefer socks with mesh panels for maximum airflow.
Odor
For those struggling with foot odor, socks with antimicrobial properties can help. Materials like merino wool naturally resist odor-causing bacteria.
Wear and Tear
If your socks wear out quickly, look for reinforced heel and toe areas. Rotating between multiple pairs can also extend their lifespan.
By identifying and addressing these common issues, you can significantly improve your running comfort and performance.
The Role of Running Socks in Injury Prevention
While often overlooked, running socks play a crucial role in preventing various foot-related injuries:
Blister Prevention
Proper moisture management and reduced friction are key to preventing painful blisters. High-quality running socks create a barrier between your foot and shoe, minimizing rubbing and wicking away sweat.
Plantar Fasciitis Support
Some running socks offer arch compression, which can help support the plantar fascia and reduce strain during runs. This additional support may alleviate symptoms for runners prone to plantar fasciitis.
Impact Absorption
Cushioned running socks provide an extra layer of shock absorption, potentially reducing the risk of impact-related injuries, especially for runners with a heavier footstrike.
Achilles Tendon Protection
Socks with a padded heel tab can reduce irritation around the Achilles tendon, preventing inflammation and potential tendinitis.
Temperature Regulation
By keeping feet at an optimal temperature, running socks help prevent heat-related issues like athlete’s foot or, in cold conditions, frostbite.
Investing in proper running socks is a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of common running-related foot injuries.
This comprehensive guide to running socks covers key aspects of selection, care, and performance. By understanding the importance of proper sock choice and how different features can impact your running experience, you can make informed decisions to enhance your comfort and performance on the road or trail. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in sock selection, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and brands to find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
12 Best Running Socks of 2023
Written by Jamie Ueda
Updated July 25, 2022
If you’ve ever had a sock slip down your foot mid-run or leave your feet all sweaty, then you know the importance of a good running sock. A good sock should fit properly, help minimize heat and moisture, and not disrupt your run by shifting or slipping down. It’s also a bonus if it can help support your arch or provide extra cushioning.
Given all of this, we set out to find the best running sock. After weeks of pounding the pavement and hitting the gym, Under Armour’s Unisex UA Run Cushion No Show Tab running socks
(available at Under Armour)
became our top pick. If you’re looking to stock up, it’s hard to go wrong with the Adidas Superlite No Show running socks (available at Adidas), our best value recommendation.
Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
These unisex Under Armour running socks are well-cushioned and have silky-soft fabric.
Best Overall
Under Armour Unisex UA Run Cushion No Show Tab Running Socks
We gave the Under Armour socks our top spot for a few reasons, despite Bombas running socks having a slightly higher score in our tests. In full disclosure, the Bombas are a great running sock but the categories in which they edged out Under Armour—namely, arch support and compression—were not enough to make a big impact on my runs nor to justify the Bombas’ higher price.
Conversely, a few specific details of the Under Armour really made it stand out. Immediately upon putting these socks on my feet, they felt luxurious, due to the silky soft fabric around the toes and heels. But what really put the Under Armour socks ahead is the thoughtful construction of the socks. Most pairs we tested fall in two fabrication categories: thick or thin. The Under Armour socks are constructed with extra cushioning around the toes, and under the ball of the feet and heels, but unlike other many cushioned socks, the top portion is significantly thinner, making the sock feel less bulky and breathe better.
It’s like getting the best of both thin and thick socks in one.
The one trade-off to the cushion on the bottom is that the extra material made my feet warmer than socks that are uniformly thinner, though that’s true of all thicker socks and not particular to this specific pair. And the UA socks performed notably well in our lab’s sweat-wicking tests, meaning that at least any moisture generated from that warmth won’t pool. These socks also only come in medium and large and I found the size medium fit my women’s-size-6 feet just fine, so only the very small-footed will miss the offering of a size small.
Pros
Cushioning on the toe, balls of feet, and heels
Silky soft fabric
Top of sock is thinner to reduce bulk
Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
These running socks from Adidas are comfy and best suited for walks and short runs.
Best Value
Adidas Superlite No-Show Socks
If you like to stock up on running socks (or just go through a lot of them), these Adidas Superlite No Show socks are a great deal and sold in bulk. These socks are fairly simple compared to some of the other socks as they don’t have “extras” like heel tabs, different knitting zones or extra cushioning. On the plus side, because they don’t have extra material, they did not make my feet overly hot as I was running. They also have light arch support which is not as not as compressive on other socks but it helped the socks stay in place on my feet. These socks also felt cotton-y soft, even though they’re made of primarily polyester.
One drawback is the seam at the top of the toes. It’s not quite as comfortable as a seamless pair, and I didn’t find it bothersome while walking or shorter runs, but if you’re running long distances you may want to consider a different sock. They also only come in size medium or large, and while I didn’t find the size to be a problem for my size six feet, they might be slightly too big for someone with smaller feet.
How We Tested Running Socks
Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Each pair of running socks we tested were worn for a minimum of five miles, both on the treadmill and outside
The Tester
Hi, I’m Jamie Ueda. After spending years working for various apparel and textile companies, I pride myself on helping Reviewed readers make smart purchasing decisions for everything fabric-related—whether it be cooling sheets or other bedding, or clothing, shoes, and accessories, like breathable face masks.
I’ve spent a lot of time evaluating fabrics and apparel, which means I’m a stickler for quality materials and good design. This is especially true when it comes to activewear like running socks. Whether for running on the treadmill at the gym or outside, a good sock is just about as important as a good shoe, as a sock slipping down or providing inadequate protection from chafing and blisters can make or break your run.
The Tests
Over the course of four weeks, I ran and walked in each pair of socks for a minimum of five miles both on the treadmill and outside.
I looked to see what features they offered, such as a variety of sizes and widths. I also assessed how true to size the socks fit and if they shrank, as well as the level of arch support provided, if they slipped down or stayed in place, and if they prevented things like blisters and odors. Finally, I rated the levels of cushioning, compression and support, and heat and moisture retention, and comfort.
We also had a second set of socks shipped to Reviewed’s labs, where chief scientist David Ellerby tested how the fabric handled moisture. Ideally, running socks should stop sweat from building up around your feet. Two things matter most: how fast moisture moves along the fabric (wicking) and how easily it penetrates through a layer of the fabric (breathability). We measured wicking by dipping strips from each sock in dyed water and timing how quickly the water moved up the fabric. For breathability, we placed a layer of each sock fabric over a container of water absorber. The socks deemed most breathable allowed moisture through more quickly, and the absorber sucked up water at a faster rate.
What You Should Know About Buying Running Socks
Thin Versus Thick Material
It all boils down to personal preference when it comes to whether you should choose a thin or thick sock. Thick socks typically have extra cushioning on the bottom of the sock, which may provide more comfort and protection under foot. The trade-off to the extra cushioning is that it can also add warmth, which may be a benefit if you live in a cold climate but a drawback for creating more sweat. I personally found that socks with too much cushioning felt great when initially putting them on, but after running in them, my feet were too hot and sweaty. They may also feel too bulky for some, and can affect how your shoes fit, making them too snug.
Conversely, very thin socks have a barely-there feel and generally do not hold in as much heat. I found thinner socks allowed my feet to breathe, keeping them cooler and drier. The downside is they don’t have the extra cushion, so you may feel more impact as you run.
Left Versus Right Fit
Some socks have a left and right designation, which is supposed to ensure a better fit, but I didn’t find a significant difference. That being said, many of the socks with the left and right designation seemed to fit better in general—not necessarily because of the supposedly foot-specific design but because the companies that do this tend to produce an overall higher-quality sock.
Other Running Socks We Tested
Bombas Performance Running Ankle Socks
The Bombas scored slightly higher on our tests than our top pick from Under Armour, and if you like a thicker sock, you may prefer them. Immediately upon putting these Bombas running socks on my feet, they felt soft and padded, with plush cushioning in the toe, ball of my foot, and heel area. During my runs, the socks did not slide down my feet, and the tabs on the backs of the ankles laid flat against my heel, unlike some socks where the heel tab tends to bulge out.
One of my favorite features is what Bombas calls the “honeycomb arch support system,” which describes how the fabric at the arch of the foot is woven in a honeycomb pattern that creates gentle compression—this is the main reason for Bomba’s higher raw test score..
The one downside to these socks is that they did make my feet slightly warm and sweaty, probably due to the extra cushioning, but that’s expected of any thicker sock. They also ranked among the priciest of the socks we tested.
Pros
Soft, well-padded material
Does not slide down feet
Compressive arch support
Nike Spark Lightweight No-Show Running Socks
If you like your running socks to feel barely there, these ones are about as imperceptible as it gets: Indeed, when we measured the thickness of socks in the labs, these measured the thinnest of the bunch.
Furthermore, when I wore them with my shoes, I had to tighten my laces because these socks took up less space than my usual pairs. The fabrication is designed with temperature management in mind, with alternating stripes of meshy fabric and solid fabric for ventilation—I found my feet did not get as sweaty as with many others. These have a very snug fit and did not shift on my feet during my run, though the slick fabric initially slid around in my shoes (this was not bothersome, nor did it affect my run). The Nike Socks have the widest variety of sizing of all the socks we tested. My only complaint is minor: These socks feel a bit stiffer than others, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Pros
Very thin material
Smooth fabric
Snug fit
Saucony Inferno No Show Tab 3-Pack Socks
These Saucony socks are very similar to Bombas, with extra cushion in the toe, ball of the foot and heel and even more compression around the arch of the foot.
But overall, the Saucony socks fall shy of Bombas for a few different reasons. While these socks are soft, they are not as soft as the Bombas. Also, the placement of the arch support in the sock felt slightly off-center to me, and the tabs in the back are quite thick and tend to stick out rather than lie flat against my ankles. As with most thicker socks, they also made my feet hot and sweaty. However, the Sauconys are also a lot less expensive, so if you don’t mind the tradeoffs, they could be worth a try.
Pros
Cushioning on the toe, balls of feet, and heels
Doesn’t slip down feet
Firm compression
Lululemon Power Stride No-Show Sock with Active Grip
In contrast to the other running socks, these Lululemons are really low cut and completely invisible inside shoes.
I was almost certain that they would slide down my foot while walking, let alone running. But to my surprise they clung in place during all my activities, thanks to the sticky tabs on the inside back heel. (My one gripe about the sticky tabs is that other laundry items temporarily stuck to them in the wash.)
I found them comfortable to wear, though they felt a bit stiffer than other socks. They are great for someone who prefers a “no sock” feel—particularly because they wick sweat well, per our lab tests—but may not be the best for long-distance runners who worry about chafing and blisters, as I found that part of my foot wasn’t covered and rubbed on the inside of my sneaker.
Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
The Feetures and Saucony socks are so similar to each other, I almost can’t tell the difference when I’m wearing them side by side. Like the Saucony socks (and the Bombas, which are all more cushioned options), the Feetures socks have back heel tabs and extra padding in the heel, toes and ball of the foot.
One of the biggest differences is that the Feetures socks only have arch compression on the inner portion of the arch, whereas others have compression around the entire arch.
The Feetures cost about three times the Saucony socks, probably because they are made out of Merino wool and bamboo-derived rayon, which also may have made them feel ever-so-slightly stiffer on my feet. But as I can’t really tell much difference between the two, I’d say they’re not worth the higher price tag.
Pros
Cushioning on the toe, balls of feet, and heels
Heel tabs kept socks from sliding down
Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks
Like many pairs of running socks that I tested, these have extra cushion in the toes, ball of feet, and heel area. According to Smartwool, these have a “women’s specific fit” that is slimmer with a narrower heel, and I noticed when I put them on that they felt snugger than others.
These are made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane and though comfortable, they’re not quite as soft as other socks made purely with synthetic fibers. They also made my feet heat up, but weren’t as sweaty as other cushioned socks, most likely due to the Merino wool’s natural breathability.
Pros
Extra cushioned
Slim and snug fit
Cons
May make feet warm
Puma Low Cut Socks
These socks were one of the thinnest and most lightweight pairs. The fabric felt slightly stiff but not enough to be a nuisance, and the socks themselves stayed in place and did not slip off my feet, despite having a looser fit than others. They have arch support and also have panels on the top of the foot with an open-knit construction for ventilation and to reduce bulk.
Overall, they felt similar to the Adidas socks but not quite as soft or as snug-fitting, and I could feel the toe-box seam as I ran. If you’re looking for a simple running sock and can afford to spend a few dollars more, the Adidas socks are a better choice.
Balega Hidden Comfort
When I took these out of the packaging, they looked like they were going to be way too big for my size-6 feet despite being labeled a size small, so I was happy that they fit well after washing. The Balegas have extra cushioning along the entire bottom of the foot rather than just around the toes and heel like some other pairs, which initially I thought would be an advantage. At first, it felt very nice to have my entire foot cushioned, but when running with them, the extra material caused my feet to overheat and get sweaty. I even found my feet would warm up at times just walking in them. I like the idea of the extra cushion, but these just had too much.
Darn Tough Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock
The Darn Tough Ultra-Lightweight running socks are good for someone looking for a thinner Merino wool-based sock.
During my run, I noticed that my feet did not get as sweaty and the fabric has a lightweight, slick feel. I liked the sensation on my foot at first, but while I was running, it felt like my foot was sliding around inside my shoe. Between that and the lack of cushioning, I would not choose these socks for a long run.
Pros
Snug fit
Thinner feel
Champion Performance Low-Cut Socks
Champion Double Dry Performance socks were one of the most budget-friendly socks and also the most basic pairs. Unlike higher-end socks, they don’t have arch support or much cursing to speak of. They felt soft and comfortable to wear, though they did slip down my foot a few times and I could feel the toe-box seam as I ran.
The main thing I didn’t like about these socks is that even though they are low-cut, they came up higher on my ankle and showed above my shoe.
If you can afford to spend a little more on a basic sock, Adidas’s or even Puma’s socks are a better option.
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Meet the tester
Jamie Ueda
Apparel Staff Writer
Jamie writes about clothing, shoes, and accessories for Reviewed. She loves apparel and doesn’t like to sacrifice fashion, comfort, or quality in whatever she wears.
See all of Jamie Ueda’s reviews
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