In this article
The right running socks can prevent some common running issues, like blisters, sweaty feet, and cold toes. To that end, you should avoid cotton and instead go for socks made with either synthetic materials or merino wool. They should also be “distraction free,” according to Team RunRun coach Elaina Raponi. “To me, they should be so comfortable you don’t even realize you’re wearing them,” she says. In order to find the best pairs of running socks, I spoke to Raponi and eight other seasoned runners about their favorites. Below, you’ll find socks for everyday runs, compression socks for long runs, sweat-wicking pairs, and more.
Update on September 10, 2024: Added two new recommendations: Swiftwick’s Aspire ankle socks as the best less expensive running socks for long runs, and Bandit’s Lite Run quarter socks as the best race-day running socks; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
Best running socks overall
Feetures socks are a longtime favorite among contributors, staffers, and runners we’ve talked to over the years because they’re moisture-wicking, cushiony, blister-resistant, and durable. Strategist contributor Steven John told us the sock’s mesh panels allow for heat release and breathability, resulting in drier, cooler feet during and after runs. He also pointed out that because each sock is specifically designed for a left or right foot, it provides the right kind of extra support and compression. Ultramarathoner and Clique Run Club member Sabrina White says they’ve been her go-to for years. Unlike with other socks she has run in, she’s never gotten blisters while wearing these, and they never slip. While these are sweat-wicking, if you want something a bit more lightweight, Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen says the Elite Ultra Lights keep her feet cool and dry, even on triple-digit days. Like the Elite Max, they have enough cushioning to prevent blisters and support her arches.
Best value pack of running socks
Running socks can get pricey, but attorney Victoria Ochoa, who has been running for a little over a decade, recommended this pack of eight that comes to just $2 per pair. After years of wearing socks from Hanes and K.Bell, she noticed her socks were thinning, resulting in more impact during her runs. She took to Amazon and found these, which were both highly rated and decently priced. “I noticed a difference in how my feet feel and how much impact and shock my feet absorb when I wear them,” she says, adding that these have a decent amount of compression. They’re thick enough that she doesn’t develop blisters on the sides of her feet (something she’s prone to). She also likes wearing them when walking around the city because they keep her pain free.
Best running socks for long runs
Compression around the ankles and arches helps stabilize the feet and reduces pain and risk of injury. CEP is known for its athletic compression socks, and the brand was recommended by both Goertzen and Strategist newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang specifically for long runs. Goertzen points out that the extra support helps since her feet are pronate. This pair is especially lightweight (25 percent lighter than the brand’s Short Socks) and made with sweat-wicking materials, so the socks are more breathable for long distances.
Best less expensive running socks for long runs
The Strategist’s managing editor Kelsie Schrader has gone through several brands and pairs of running socks — from Nike to the above-mentioned Sauconys — and recently became a fan of Swiftwick’s offerings. “They quickly became my ‘good’ or ‘special occasion’ socks — ‘special occasion’ meaning I save them for long or fast runs,” she says. The ultrathin Aspire line is her favorite because they’re compressive while still being far thinner than any other socks she’s tried. Even though they don’t offer much cushion, they’re plenty comfortable and durable. “They look and feel the exact same 70-plus miles later, which is more than I can say for the Nike crew socks I have — some of those had holes in them after just a few wears,” she says. A single pair is a few bucks cheaper than the CEP socks above, or you can buy them in a pack of three for $43, which comes out to less than $15 per pair.
Best race-day running socks
These socks from Brooklyn-based running-apparel brand Bandit have slightly less compression than CEP’s socks and are more lightweight and flexible, says Goertzen. They’re excellent for race day and speed runs because they have that barely-there feel, but the compression and quarter height help them stay in place while she’s moving fast. Plus, the material is smooth and sweat-wicking, so her feet never overheat when she’s wearing them. The socks come in two sizes: XS/S and M/L, and Goertzen says the XS/S fit her 8.5-to-9 foot size perfectly.
Best sweat-wicking running socks
Lululemon’s MacroPillow Tab socks are designed with breathable mesh to keep feet dry and cool throughout runs. Fitness trainer James Stirling says that’s why they’re his top-recommended pair for long runs during the summer months. They keep his feet from blistering since they stay in place and stay tight on his feet. Robert Hester, the founder of 542 Performance Nutrition, also likes the fit of the MacroPillow Tab. He says they provide lots of comfort, even during the 47-kilometer ultramarathon he ran in March. “They’re so good I recently bought five pairs while they were on sale,” he says.
Best less expensive sweat-wicking running socks
These socks from Danish Endurance are almost half the price of Lululemon’s. Tim Schmotzer, who has been running for two decades, found them online during the COVID shutdown when he wanted to get back into running and has since bought them three more times in different colors. He likes that they have light compression, stay in place to keep his heels from blistering, and are sweat-wicking. (Because of that last point, they’ve become his go-to socks not only for runs but for his job as a restaurant server.) He trained for and ran the 2022 Austin half-marathon in these and this year’s Cleveland half-marathon.
Best running socks for blister prevention
Raponi says Lululemon’s Power Stride socks are her favorite for all types of workouts and runs. That’s because the pull tab keeps her feet from blistering, unlike other socks she has used, including pairs that were taller than these ankle-cut ones. “I have never bled wearing a pair of these socks on a run, whether it’s a 5K easy run or a 30K long run or a marathon,” she says. She also likes that they’re thick but still breathable. There’s padding at the bottom of the heel and lighter material toward the top front of the foot. And, maybe more important, she doesn’t notice them when she’s running. There aren’t any seams underneath the toes or at the back of the ankle or heel, where there tends to be more pressure.
Best cushiony running socks
Brooklyn-based running-apparel brand Bandit makes quarter-length socks that are known for being cushiony and durable. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa has run about 1,100 miles in the two pairs he owns and says that they have reinforcement panels in areas where his other running socks tend to develop holes or fraying from constant use: the heel, toe box, and near the balls of his feet. He uses these for track workouts, long runs, and easy jogs.
Best less expensive cushiony running socks
Bombas running socks are about half the price of Bandit’s and are a personal favorite of mine. Unlike when I wear thinner Hanes socks, I’ve never gotten blisters while running in these, which I attribute to their thick cushioning. The extra cushion also seems to help with shock absorption and support. Wolfgang prefers these for everyday runs, not only for the cushioning but also because they’re the right weight and have a mid-foot compression band that feels like a soft hug. Both Wolfgang and I rotate between the ankle- and quarter-length versions.
Best running socks for cold weather
If you’re running in frigid temperatures, your best bet is a good pair of merino-wool socks, which keep your toes warm without overheating your feet. Smartwool socks have come up time and time again among runners we’ve spoken to, including 75-year-old marathoner Chau Smith. On top of keeping her feet warm and dry, they never give her blisters. They were her sock of choice during her Antarctica marathons. Raponi, who’s based in Ontario, Canada, also likes Smartwool for doubling up on socks for below-freezing outdoor runs. Her preference is the crew length, so that they fully extend over the hem of her leggings, and she notes that the pair she has had for four years is still holding up.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
