The Best Running Socks to Help You Go the Distance
Once you’ve slipped on a pair of premium, cushioned, no-slip running socks, you can never go back to low-quality junk. While other clothing essentials like tees and shoes get most of the attention, quality running socks are also essential for top performance.
The Best Running Socks for Men
1. Best Overall: Swiftwick Aspire Seven
Swiftwick
The best running sock is one you don’t have to think about. One of Swiftwick’s best-selling styles, the Aspire Seven supports and compresses your foot and lower leg muscles in all the right places while staying put throughout your run. The nylon-olefin-spandex fabric is so thin that it feels like it’s barely there, allowing moisture to easily pass through the material and dry quickly. In my testing, I also liked having more dexterity in this pair than one with more cushioning. It comes in different heights if you want something lower or higher than the crew cut.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Firm compression, several height options | Marketed as a cycling sock |
- Material: 79% nylon, 17% olefin, 4% spandex
- Sock Height: Crew
- Cushioning: Light
[$20; swiftwick.com]
2. Most Versatile: Smartwool Zero Cushion Ankle Socks
Smartwool
When you’re darting between work and errands, sometimes you barely have enough time to squeeze in a run. Don’t let suiting up be a barrier to getting out of the door. These zero-cushion Smartwool socks can take you from the office to the track and then to dinner. Merino wool means they won’t accumulate funky smells between washes, and the fiddle-free compressive ankle height makes them perfect for sliding into running or dress shoes. I also preferred them over other socks for gym workouts and light hikes. The material is knit in a way that prolongs its lifespan in high-wear spots, so you’ll have these for years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Seamless toe, true to size | Logo peaks out of the back |
- Material: 46% merino wool, 26% nylon, 25% recycled nylon, 3% elastane
- Sock Height: Ankle
- Cushioning: Zero
[$20; smartwool.com]
3. Best Blister Prevention: Injinji Run Lightweight Mini Crew
Injinji
These socks are like gloves for your feet. They look funny when you first put them on, but looks don’t matter once you’ve slipped your foot into a shoe. What matters is that the separate pockets keep your toes from rubbing together and forming blisters, and give them plenty of freedom to splay and align naturally as you step. The materials feature a breathable mesh panel on the top of the foot and CoolMax EcoMade fibers throughout for wicking and ventilation. The mini-crew height sits right at the ankle and never slipped down during my testing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Prevents toe rubbing | Some bunching if it doesn’t fit your toes perfectly |
- Material: 62% nylon, 36% polyester, 2% spandex
- Sock Height: Mini Crew
- Cushioning: Light
[$14; injinji.com]
4. Best for Long Days: Janji x Balega Crew Sock
Janji
Pad your footfalls with a lightweight but pillowy layer of cushioning. Running apparel maker Janji and South African sock producer Balega teamed up to create this sock that will prevent fatigue on your longest days. A V-shaped pattern contours to and supports the arch, while the deep heel pocket prevents bunching and slipping, which usually lead to blisters. Compression bands around the top of the cuff prevent it from sliding down your shin while you’re in motion. If the crew is too much fabric, the collaboration also includes a no-show style ($18).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Pillowy landings, sufficient support | Not as soft as other brands, thick for warm days |
- Material: 86% Drynamix recycled polyester, 10% nylon, 4% elastane
- Sock Height: Crew
- Cushioning: Maximum
[$24; janji.com]
5. Best Minimalist Style: Tracksmith Speed Crew Socks
Tracksmith
I’m partial to thin socks because my feet are prone to blistering and overheating on long attempts. If you experience similar problems, Tracksmith’s Speed Crew socks are for you. They were the thinnest of this testing batch, but the contouring in the arch and cushioning in the heel and Achilles supported my feet on tough days. A mesh zone on the top of the foot increases ventilation, and there’s a cooling effect to the polyamide-elastane fabric when it’s against your skin. Plus, the fitted five-inch crew is the perfect height for keeping gravel from sneaking in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Targeted contouring and cushioning | Minimalism isn’t for everyone |
- Material: 95% polyamide, 5% elastane
- Sock Height: Crew
- Cushioning: Light
[$25; tracksmith.com]
6. Best Designs: Feetures Elite Ultra Light Mini Crew
Feetures
Consider these your second skin. Using an anatomical and gender-specific design, Feetures socks conform perfectly to your left and right feet. Their tight fit decreases the chance of slippage and takes up minimal room in your shoe, minimizing rubbing and hot spots. The synthetic fabric is smooth and supple, with ventilation holes on the whole top of the foot. On hot days, they breathe. On cold days, they insulate without locking in moisture. I love the variety of colorful abstract designs, but these also come in solid white and black.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fun designs, anatomical fit | Not as durable on top |
- Material: About 90% nylon, 5% spandex
- Sock Height: Crew
- Cushioning: Light
[$20; feetures.com]
7. Best Low-Profile Cushioning: Darn Tough No Show Tab Running Sock
Darn Tough
Sometimes your feet need a little boost without excess fabric around the ankles. Darn Tough nails the low-profile, high-cushion balance in these lightweight running socks. Ultra-soft cushioning wraps from the top of the toe to the lower Achilles to increase comfort and improve rebound. The buoyant merino wool absorbs your sweat as you work, but then moves it away from the foot to dry quickly. I like the no-show height exclusively for running, though not for everyday wear. If this Darn Tough pair doesn’t last, the company will send you another pair.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Not bulky, even with the cushioning | Slightly baggy heel |
- Material: 49% merino wool, 47% nylon, 4% spandex
- Sock Height: No Show
- Cushioning: Maximum
[$18; darntough.com]
8. Best Compression: Comrad Recovery Knee High Compression Socks
Comrad
Keep the blood flowing from your knees to your toes, and increase your circulation and speed up recovery time with these knee-high compression socks from Comrad, made to reduce any soreness, fatigue, and swelling that usually follow a long day on your feet. The medium support acts as a massage on your feet, ankles, shin, and calf, and then the material itself improves healing. Infrared-infused fibers absorb your natural body heat and then reflect the energy back into the body to prevent your muscles from cramping up. Wear them while running or after.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Acts as a compression sleeve, speeds up recovery | Niche purpose, sometimes slides down |
- Materials: 36% Emana infrared nylon, 56% nylon, 8% elastane
- Sock Height: Knee High
- Cushioning: Medium
[$38; comradsocks.com]
9. Best Value: Paka Alpaca Socks
Paka
Paka’s ankle socks are the first-ever alpaca-based performance socks. Like sheep wool, alpaca fibers have natural wicking, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant properties. I also found the alpaca to be much softer than even some merino. The other socks on this list have mesh zones on the top of the foot, while this pair has ventilation on the side for breathability throughout. Extra layers of cushioning on the sole absorb impact on the climb and descent, and a tightened compression arch prevents your midfoot from collapsing upon landing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Alpaca is soft and cushioning is plush | Takes up a lot of room in the shoe, sheds fibers |
- Material: 41% alpaca, 50% recycled nylon, 8% bamboo, 1% spandex
- Sock Height: No Show
- Cushioning: Medium
[$48 for 3-pack or $85 for 6-pack; pakaapparel.com]
10. Best for Trails: Farm to Feet Greensboro
Farm to Feet
Trail running can require more hiking and walking than running, like when you’re slogging up the face of a mountain. Using its expertise in hiking socks, Farm to Feet makes running styles of equal quality. The seamless toe closure ensures dexterity and comfort in the toe box, whether you’re running or trudging slowly. With the highest merino wool content on this list, your feet will stay itch-, bacteria-, and odor-free. Choose from three heights—or get one of each.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Three heights, highest merino content | Limited color options |
- Material: 50% merino wool, 46% nylon, 4% Spandex
- Sock Height: No Show, Quarter, and Three Quarter
- Cushioning: Light
[$23, farmtofeet.com]
Features to Consider When Shopping for Running Socks
Looking online or at a wall of socks in a running store can feel bewildering. There are so many colors, styles, materials, and specifications. We can help. Not all socks on that wall are made for running, so you’ll want to narrow down your search by filtering or looking for run-specific styles. The main features to look for when buying running socks include materials, cuff height, fabric thickness and cushioning, and seam construction. Let’s break them down.
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Materials
Your feet endure a lot of friction and moisture, so paying attention to fabrics and fiber content becomes crucial. Socks have important jobs: They must stretch to comfortably form to your foot, keep their shape wear over wear, wick and ventilate your sweat and increase body temperature, prevent rubbing and blisters, and stay put while you move.
You’ll find that most if not all performance socks are made from a blend of a bunch of different fabrics. Some are entirely synthetic, whereas others are spun with natural fibers like wool. Merino wool and mohair naturally have temperature-regulating and odor-resisting properties, while synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are often treated with coatings and additives to keep your feet fresher. Elastane and spandex add a touch of stretch. Avoid cotton because it retains moisture and becomes more abrasive when it’s wet—a recipe for rubbing.
Cuff Height
Sock height is usually considered a personal preference, though it can also make a difference on your runs. You’ll find socks in a few different heights, the lowest being no-show, meaning they barely peek out of your shoes. The less fabric, the more breeze around the ankles. Ankle height sits right at or slightly below the ankle bone. Quarter height fully covers the ankle bone. Crew socks rise to the mid-shin, providing compression and keeping mud and brambles from touching your skin. Less common are knee-high socks, which provide more coverage as well as compression to increase blood circulation.
Cushioning
Socks with cushioning provide a few different benefits. First, they add comfort and warmth. But cushioning in running socks also adds protection and shock absorption in high-impact areas like the forefoot, arch, Achilles, and heel. Every brand has its own form of cushioning, so if you know you have sensitivities in certain areas, look for targeted cushion to offer comfort. That said, some styles are even designed without cushioning for a minimalist feel.
Seam Construction
The more seams, the more friction points. This applies to all garments, but especially socks because extra friction against the toes is a surefire way to develop blisters. Socks are spun in a circular knitting machine to form an open tube, thereby decreasing the need for seams. If you look down at your sock, is there a seam at the toe? If not, it’s because most running brands apply a seamless design that eliminates the need for a seam to close the tube of the sock.
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How We Tested the Running Socks
I’ve been running since high school, and testing outdoor gear of all sorts for more than five years. During the months of July and August, I tested each sock out of a pile of contenders. I ran on trails and roads in the Pacific Northwest for at least four miles in each pair. Conditions were mostly dry, though humid some days, and temperatures ranged from 55-degree mornings to 85-degree evenings during my testing period. Every time I went out, I evaluated socks on their comfort and support, moisture retention, breathability, and yes, stink. These were sniff-tested.
To help take the bafflement out of sock shopping, I’ve rounded up recommended pairs from Smartwool, Swiftwick, and more. It’s time to finally give this running essential the attention it deserves.