Best Running Socks
Don’t start your run off on the wrong foot! Choosing socks can make or break your run. Whether you’re striving for a quick mile or a long 8, you’re going to want socks that deliver on fit, comfort, and performance so you can power through.
You should never sacrifice comfort for convenience, especially if you’re doing something that puts pressure on your feet, like running. Make the most of your run with high-quality socks made of Merino wool and synthetic fibers that wick moisture away to keep your feet comfortable. Our running socks also have specific features like heel tabs to prevent slipping, ventilation zones for breathability, targeted cushioning to ensure comfort and protection, and more.
We’ve already rounded up the best running socks, but you should also check out our post on what makes a running sock good for running so you can make sure you’re choosing the right one for you.
Long Runs
Smartwool Women’s PhD Outdoor Ultralight Pattern Mini Crew Socks (and Men) - $15.95
Whether it’s a trail run at dawn or a hike in the heat of summer, this multi-sport sock features the power of Merino for maximum breathability, moisture management, and temperature regulation. Made with Indestructawool™ technology for ultimate durability and the 4 Degree® elite fit system to keep the sock in place. The mini height offers the perfect balance of low profile and protection from debris.
Races
Wigwam Ironman Velocity Pro No Show Sock - ON SALE NOW $7.50
The Wigwam Ironman Velocity Pro II No Show Socks are the ideal performance athletic socks for athletes who refuse to compromise on features or performance. Like all of Wigwam's Pro Series socks, the IronMan Velocity Pro II keep your feet dry and blister-free by lifting moisture directly out of the foot of the sock. X2O Acrylic fibers also contain Chitosan, a natural odor-fighter that keeps your socks odor-free. And when it comes to breathability, the Velocity is one of the thinnest IronMan socks offered by Wigwam — and that, coupled with mesh vents on the top of the socks, means you'll get plenty of air. The IronMan line isn't just a name — since 1994, Wigwam has been the official sock of the IronMan Triathlon.
Anti Odor
Feetures! Elite Merino+ Ultra Light Cushion No Show Tab Sock - $15.99
Thanks to the technically advanced Sock-Lock Support System, the foot and the sock become one. Constructed with Merino+, Feetures! special blend of silky soft rayon bamboo and Merino wool, Feetures! Elite provides unsurpassed comfort. It's the ultimate fit and feel ... realized. The no-show tab sits below the ankle but features front and back tabs to protect against chafing and keep the sock from sliding into the shoe.
Anti Blister
Injinji Run 2.0 Midweight No Show Sock - $14.00
Injinji 2.0 Run Midweight No Show Toesocks has a Midweight padded heel and metatarsal support will ensure you'll be performing at your best on any road, anywhere. It will provide the comfort and support you need for the most demanding of workouts. Also available in Mini Crew.
Cushioned
Thorlos Experia Multi Activity Low Cut Socks - $14.99
Featuring specially sculpted THORLO® pads in the ball and heel to provide protection from impact, and lightweight Achilles Tendon pads to protect against rubbing while also functioning as a heel lock, this sock will make sure your feet are comfortable and protected.
Durable
Darn Tough Men’s Vertex No Show Tab Ultralight Socks (and Women) - $16.00
Looking for an ultra-light running sock that disappears when you put it on? Weighing in at a mere 13 grams per sock this is the lightest sock Darn Tough makes but still incredibly tough and comfortable.
Softest
Wrightsock Stride No-Show Socks - $15.00
The STRIDE is a new technical midweight sock offering which is the update to the RUNNING II. The needle count has increased to 168 to offer a cleaner look, a softer hand, and a more performance fit.
Snuggest
Swiftwick Vibe Zero No Show Sock - $13.99
MEDIUM CUSHION AND MODERATE COMPRESSION. EVERYDAY VERSATILITY. Packed with Olefin fibers to optimize moisture wicking. Ideal for trail running, cross training and daily active wear. Sits just below the ankle with minimal extension above your shoe. Swiftwick's most popular cuff height for running, the ZERO no-show sock is also preferred by many cyclists and golfers. Made in the USA.
BENEFITS OF EVERY SWIFTWICK SOCK: CONTOURED COMPRESSION FIT: Contours and supports every hill and valley of your foot. No bunching and no voids. FIBER FIRST MOISTURE WICKING: High-performance fibers are sculpted into breathable designs constructed to move moisture. BLISTER-FREE DRY PERFORMANCE: The outcome of two Swiftwick fundamentals: Contoured Compression Fit and Fiber First Moisture Wicking.
Women
Balega Hidden Contour Socks - $14.00
Balega brand is designed for high performance both in product and in service. Featuring a hand-linked toe closure, mesh construction for ventilation, a reinforced heel and toe and plush under sole cushioning for extra protection.
Men
Smartwool Men’s PhD Run Ultra Light Micro Socks - $15.95
Smartwool's put all of their smarts into these new and improved run socks that feature Smartwool's 4 Degree™ Elite fit system, ReliaWool™ technology for superior durability and a virtually seamless toe. Men's-specific mesh ventilation zones provide ultimate temperature and moisture regulation where male runners need it most.
Winter
Smartwool Men’s PhD Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks (and Women) - $20.95
It's time to take "burr" out of your running vocabulary. Stride out in the PhD Run Cold Weather Mid Crew. A Merino blend and mesh zones designed for runners help keep your feet warm during long winter runs. With a run-specific profile and our 4 Degree elite fit system, with two elastics for greater stretch and fast recovery, these socks stay in place at every turn and up every hill.
Year-Round
Drymax Run Lite-Mesh Mini Crew Socks - $12.50
The Drymax Running Lite-Mesh Mini Crew socks contain a dual-layer moisture removal system that stays dry by moving sweat out and away from your feet. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Other running socks rely on moisture-wicking fibers that use the slow process of evaporation. Drymax socks dry at the same speed as you sweat, keeping you on the road longer. Designed for mild to warm-weather days, Drymax Lite-Mesh Running socks contain Drymax Low-Density padding in the heel and toe to provide added cushioning without adding unnecessary volume in your shoes. Made in the USA.
Smartwool Women’s PhD Run Light Elite Striped Micro Crew Socks (and Men) - $17.95 
Smartwool's best fitting, most advanced run socks yet, they packed years of testing, prototypes and running smarts into these socks. Featuring Light Elite cushioning in the ball and heel of the foot for ultimate shock absorption with minimal in-shoe volume, women's-specific mesh ventilation zones, and a Virtually Seamless toe.
Compression
Compression socks can increase oxygen delivery and circulation, decrease lactic acid build-up, prevent cramps, and minimize muscle fatigue during your runs.
CEP Women’s Progressive+ Run Socks 2.0 (and Men) - $60.00
No matter the distance, the Run Sock 2.0 offer maximum benefits. The flagship product in the CEP line-up, these socks are the defining performance product in the compression category. CEP’s proprietary compression profile improves blood flow, reduces muscle soreness and quickens recovery time.