Okay, let’s keep this simple. Socks are socks, right? Surely, they’re all the same? Well, not really. Just like running shoes, running socks are optimized to accommodate the heat and sweat generated by your foot while running. Because of this, running socks tend to be made of more synthetic materials than socks optimized for warmth. Cotton is an immediate no-go because it absorbs sweat and traps heat.
These socks also tend to run (get it, run?) thicker than your average socks. This is to cushion your feet a bit from the impact put on them when you run and it’s also why you may hear people tell you to buy running shoes that are a little larger than your actual size.
Running socks also come in different lengths but these are more YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) choices to make. Longer socks are better for running outdoors and on trails while shorter socks can be more comfortable in closed environments.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
Adidas Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks
- High, crew socks protect your legs from bugs and weeds.
- Cushioned bottom keeps your feet comfortable for longer.
- Made of polyester and spandex, an ultrabreathable blend.
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Best Compression Socks
Swiftwick ASPIRE FOUR Compression Fit Socks
- Compression fit provides better arch support.
- Thin and breathable fabric keep your feet from sweating and smelling, no matter how long the trail gets.
- Non-budging Y-shaped heel.
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Best Performance
Under Armour Adult Elevated+ Performance Crew Socks
- Polyester, nylon, and spandex blend fabric.
- High crew socks keep your feet warm and protected.
- Energy-returning cushioning on the soles of the socks.
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1CS Celersport 6 Pack Running Ankle Socks
The CS Celersport 6 Pack Running Ankle Socks aren’t the best running socks out there, but unless you’re an enthusiast of some kind, it really doesn’t make a difference in terms of performance. It’s comfortable, cheap, and does the job. What more could we want from a sock?
CS Celersport definitely thought of that which is why these socks each have their own heel tab to help you pull it up and keep your heels from rubbing against the back of your shoe. The mesh ventilation also helps regulate heat.
PROS
- Great bang for buck.
- Seamless toe area feels smooth to run with.
- Heel tab keeps your heel from rubbing against your shoe's back.
CONS
2Hylaea Athletic Running Socks
Maybe you’re not a big fan of black socks. White socks just have a cleaner, more professional look to them that’s hard to ignore. These Hylaea Athletic Running Socks are, fortunately, white and also come in fun variants like neons, patterned fabric, and pastel shades.
These socks have tons of extra padding to keep your feet from developing blisters and abrasion related injuries. Its 200 needle count fabric also makes it much softer and gentler on skin.
PROS
- Tons of color and pattern options.
- 200 needle count fabric that's softer than most socks on the market.
- Alternating mesh and groove patterns to improve ventilation.
CONS
3Swiftwick ASPIRE FOUR Compression Fit Socks
Best Compression Socks
The Swiftwick ASPIRE FOUR Compression Fit Socks not only has a wide variety of styles and colors, but also sizes that you can pick from. This sets it apart from most running socks as they tend to have a more limited range of sizes, especially towards the larger end. These, though? Your feet will be snug and comfy even if you wear men’s 12s.
The sock has a firm arch support designed to compress your foot, helping improve circulation and correcting your steps. The thin upper is knitted to keep your feet warm without adding too much bulk to your shoes.
PROS
- Compression fit provides better arch support.
- Thin and breathable fabric.
- Non-budging Y-shaped heel.
CONS
4Under Armour Adult Elevated + Performance Crew Socks
The Under Armour Adult Elevated + Performance Crew Socks have a special secret up their sleeves. These socks can actually return the energy from each step you put against the ground back to your body, helping you keep your momentum and get you going further than ever before.
The socks are also just as comfortable as any on this list. Made of polyester, nylon, and spandex blend, these socks stay breathable and cool no matter how long you keep running.
PROS
- Polyester, nylon, and spandex blend fabric.
- High crew socks keep your feet warm and protected.
- Energy-returning cushioning on the soles of the socks.
CONS
5BERING Women's Performance Athletic Ankle Running Socks
Cheap and comfortable, this 6-pair set from Bering is all most women really need for their daily workout routines. No cotton here, just non-sweat absorbent polyester, spandex, nylon, and elastane. These socks keep your feet from feeling all yucky even if you decide to go hiking with them.
The grooves actually have ventilation holes in them to increase airflow to to your feet. These socks also balance cushioning with thinness, keeping your feet from getting beaten up on your run without making it hard to pull your shoes on.
PROS
- Synthetic fabric blend for maximum breathability.
- Mesh air holes hidden throughout the shoe.
- Heel tab protects you from chaffing against the back of your shoe.
CONS
6Adidas Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks
Best Overall
The Adidas Men’s Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks combine performance with an affordable price point and a thickness that won’t make you go up a size. These socks are crew socks so expect to have your feet free from ant bites or itchy spots from grass whenever you take them hiking with you.
Just like the other socks on thist list, it’s made of synthetic blend fabric only this time, there’s more polyester in the mix. 97%, to be exact, so expect more flexibility and a natural, almost cotton-like feel.
PROS
- High, crew socks protect your legs from bugs and weeds.
- Cushioned bottom keeps your feet comfortable for longer.
- Made of polyester and spandex, an ultrabreathable blend.
