If your socks tend to slip, slide, and soak up your sweat during jogs, might we suggest investing in some running socks? (Because there’s nothing quite like a bunched-up lump in your sneaker to make you lose momentum on mile three.)
You don’t necessarily need special athletic socks if you’re an occasional jogger or you’re just getting started, but running-specific socks are made to prevent annoyances like blisters, chafing, and excess sweat. So, if you’re regularly pounding the pavement or hitting the trails, it could be worth your while to pick up a pair or two. We spoke to running coaches about how to shop for the best running socks, then scoped out the latest and greatest pairs for you to try.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Feetures Elite Ultra Light Tab Ankle Socks
- Runner-Up: Balega Hidden Comfort Performance No Show Socks
- Best Budget: New Balance Coolmax Crew Socks
- Most Breathable: Bombas Running Quarter Sock
- Best for Trail Running: Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
- Best High Cushion: Feetures High Performance Max Cushion Quarter
- Best Designs: Sock Guy Running/Cycling Socks
- Best Toe Socks: VWell Toe Socks
What should you look for in a high-quality pair of running socks?
A good pair of socks won’t pull focus from your run—they shouldn’t rub, slide down, or feel soggy. Most importantly, they should be comfy for as long as you’re on the move. Keep the following features in mind while you shop to make sure the pairs you choose can go the distance.
If you’re prone to sweaty feet, look for socks made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials, Gemma Warda Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)-certified coach and a training and products specialist at New York Road Runners, tells SELF. The most common options are synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane, plus natural fibers like Merino wool. 100% cotton socks aren’t ideal, since they tend to absorb and trap moisture, Heather Padgett, a coach with Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Baytells SELF. But if the pair you’re eyeing only contains a little cotton, this will be less of an issue.
Running socks may have several levels of cushioning, ranging from minimal to completely padded. Some have targeted cushioning in the ball of the foot and heel (Raine Fussner, a coach with Girls on the Run Berks Countytells SELF that’s her preferred design). Socks with extra padding will absorb more impact from your steps, while thinner pairs will help you feel more in touch with the ground. If you’re not sure which you prefer, try a couple pairs with different cushioning to see which provides the comfiest ride.
This also comes down to personal preference (maybe you love a scrunchy half-calf sock or prefer the simplicity of a low-cut or no-show pair). But Laura Coleman Waite, a coach with Girls on the Run Greater Oregontells SELF you might want to switch up the length of your socks depending on the weather—she likes crew socks in the winter and lower profile socks in the summer.
Shop the best running socks
Tired of fiddling with excess fabric, worrying about blisters, and dealing with sweat-logged soles? Check out our top picks for the comfiest, most functional running socks out there, selected based on our experts’ recommendations, SELF tester feedback, and online reviews.
Best Overall: Feetures Elite Ultra Light Tab Ankle Socks
Pros
- No slipping
- Padded heel tab
- Lightweight but protective
- Comes in lots of fun colors
Cons
Our tester has put her Feetures Elite Ultra Lights through the wringer—she even wore them while training for the Chicago Marathon. Although they’re thin, with very little cushioning, they’ve shown only minor signs of wear (just a little pilling), which helps justify their slightly higher price point.
Plus, they haven’t caused any chafing and fit like a dream: “They’re snug, but easy to put on, and they don’t move,” she says. “No slipping or sliding around on your foot inside your shoe.” She notes that they have a compressive midfoot, which helps support her arch, and that their fabric effectively wicks away sweat (even on long summertime runs).
Original image by SELF contributor Kristin Canning
Original image by SELF contributor Kristin Canning
Sizes: US 4-6.5 to 10-13 | Materials: Nylon, spandex
Runner-Up: Balega Hidden Comfort Performance No Show Socks
Pros
- Durable
- Sweat-wicking
- Secure fit
Cons
- Runs slightly large, according to Dick’s reviewers
Balega’s socks have been recommended to SELF several times before—they’re a standout for their proprietary quick-drying materials, ventilated design, and durability (one runner and hiker previously told SELF that they’ve had the same pairs of Balega socks for over four years).
The Hidden Comfort style has lots of features that ensure the socks stay put once they’re on your feet, like a snug and stretchy fit, a high heel tab, and a deeper-than-average heel pocket.
Sizes: S to XL | Materials: Drynamix (the brand’s proprietary polyester blend), nylon, elastane
Best Budget: New Balance Coolmax Crew Socks
Pros
- Under $10 per pair
- Comfy cushioning
Cons
- Some New Balance reviewers found them too long, even for crew socks
These are Ward’s go-to socks for training runs: “They offer a nice snug fit and are cushioned and comfortable, which is really important to me,” she says. New Balance reviewers agree—one wrote that they felt “like a snug pillow wrapped around your feet.” Another noted that they didn’t create any hot spots and helped prevent sweat from building up. On top of all that, they’re built for long-lasting comfort: The heels and toes are reinforced for more durability, and the arch is designed to support your midfoot.
Sizes: US 8-10 to 12.5-15 | Materials: N/A
Most Breathable: Bombas Running Quarter Sock
Pros
- Designed to encourage airflow and wick sweat
- Built-in arch support
- Quarter-rise length prevents slipping
Cons
- Runs small, according to Bombas reviewers
- Pricey
Even though they contain a small percentage of cotton, Bombas’s running socks are impressively breezy, thanks to the brand’s Hex Tec fabric blend, which is made with breathability in mind. Coleman Waite, Fussner, and Brittany Kenst, a coach with Girls on the Run Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMCall list them among their favorite brands—and SELF staffers love them too. “They aren’t overly thick or cushioned, but they manage to support my feet and soak up sweat,” one editor previously told SELF.
Sizes: US 4-7.5 to 11-13 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, cotton, elastane
Best for Trail Running: Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
Pros
- Temperature-regulating
- Naturally wicks moisture and sweat
- Durable
Cons
Conditions can be unpredictable when you run off-road. But you can feel more prepared for puddles, mud, and super sweaty feet when you wear Smartwool’s Hike Light Cushion socks. Their star material, Merino wool, is naturally sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating (meaning it’ll keep you warm in the winter, but won’t feel stifling when the weather gets hot).
For those concerned about wear and tear, know that Smartwool uses proprietary knitting techniques to make sure its socks are as durable as possible.
Sizes: US 4-6.5 to 10-12.5 | Materials: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane
Best High Cushion: Feetures High Performance Max Cushion Quarter
Pros
- Great padding
- Plush, but breathable
- Cute, clean look
Cons
They might look basic, but these white socks are made to perform. “I run a lot, so my feet need support, but I don’t like socks that are too thick or suffocating,” one SELF editor says. “These are plush without being heavy, they hug my arch without feeling too tight, and they prevent blister-causing friction.” She adds that they have “just the right amount of cushion” and they’re pretty breathable, to boot. But the best part? “They also look cute!”
Sizes: US 4-6.5 to 10-13 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, spandex
Best Designs: Sock Guy Running/Cycling Socks
Pros
- Fun, original prints and patterns
- Height and design prevents slipping
Cons
- Sizes are somewhat limited
Who says you can’t have a little whimsy with your running gear? Sock Guy makes vibrant, playful pairs in prints, colors, and designs to match basically every vibe. We’ve spotted beachy styles, multiple cat-themed options, and too many cheery neon colorways to count.
They’re not all flair, though—Fussner says they rank as some of her favorite socks to wear on runs. They have breathable mesh uppers, non-chafing and blister-resistant soles, and ankle cuffs that won’t slip down.
Sizes: US 6-10 | Materials: Acrylic, nylon, spandex
Best Toe Socks: VWell Toe Socks
Pros
- Great for preventing blisters and chafing in between toes
- Under $10 per pair
Cons
- Limited sizing
- High cotton content
