Whether you’re charging up hills, bolting through the city streets or sweating it out on the treadmill, we’ve rounded up the best running socks that prevent slipping, dampness and blisters.
Wearing the correct running socks is equally as important as your choice of footwear. This is because socks specifically designed for running will wick away sweat, control odour, create resistance against blisters and enhance durability. The result? You’ll be less concerned about your feet so you can channel all your focus on the road ahead.
But not all running socks are made equal. There are ones made for different distances, terrains, foot shapes and shoes. So, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best selects right here.
Best budget-friendly running socks
Bonds X-Temp Air No Show Socks 2 Pack, $21.99 at Myer
While investing in proper running shoes will set you back a few hundred dollars, the same doesn’t have to be said about the socks you wear with them. Just take these Bonds socks that come in a two-pack, meaning each pair comes down to just under $11.
Despite being affordable, they’re still made with quality in mind. Temperature regulating technology will expel heat and keep your tootsies cool, no matter how hot your sweat sesh gets. Plus, the ergonomic fit ensures zero slipping and sliding occurs, despite being a no-show design. We wouldn’t recommend wearing them for long distances or trail runs but they’re a good basic sock to have if you enjoy shorter distances.
Best crew-length running socks
Lightfeet Evolution Half Crew Socks, $34.95 at The Iconic
Crew socks are definitely one of the biggest athleisure trends of the moment, however, there are plenty of benefits to wearing proper running crew socks aside from being a fashion statement. For starters, they help retain the natural moisture of your feet and ankles in the cold and dry months and will prevent chafing on the ankles when worn with mid or high-top sneakers. These Lightfeet socks are also made with the brand’s proprietary COOLMAX for maximum moisture management and temperature control plus, X-STATIC for permanent anti-odour and antimicrobial performance. You’ll also find padding and mesh located in all the right places for smooth performance on every run.
Best toe running sock
Injinji Women’s Run Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks, $29.95 at Amazon
You’ll find many long-distance and professional runners favour Injinji’s Toe Socks over traditional socks for several reasons. For starters, because each individual toe is wrapped, the foot will remain drier and there’ll be a smaller chance of odour occurring. Secondly, toe socks reduce the friction caused by your toes rubbing against each other or your shoes, which means you can be blister-free on every run. Furthermore, toe socks will ensure your toes are properly aligned and splayed so your bodyweight is distributed evenly, which is crucial for proper running posture. We could go on about the benefits of these toe socks but we think the 2k five-star reviews and 4.7 out of five-star average rating on Amazon alone sum up why these are non-negotiable for runners of all ability levels.
Best no-show running socks
Women’s UA Breathe 2-Pack No Show Tab Socks, $25 at Under Armour
These Under Armour no-show socks provide all the benefits of supportive socks like compression and adequate padding while remaining lightweight. Despite being low-cut, they envelop your feet and function as a shield against your shoe (read: zero slipping off and chafing) so you can stay focused on the road ahead.
Best lightweight running socks
Nike Spark Lightweight Running Ankle Socks, $20 at Nike
Nike makes some of everyone’s favourite running shoes, so it only makes sense that they carry equally as good running socks, too. Amongst Nike’s lineup of socks are the Sparks which feature one of the thinnest designs you’ll ever come across to give you a barefoot feel. However, this doesn’t mean they sacrifice support in the slightest — the extra yarn in the footbed and ankle provides just enough cushioning where you need it. It’s crafted from sweat-wicking technology to move sweat away from your skin and features a striped mesh pattern at the top to help keep you cool. You’ll also find reflective design details around the collar, which makes them great for night running, too.
Best running sock for stability
Swiftwick FLITE XT ZERO Socks, from $40.57 at Amazon
Perfect for the injury-prone or trail runner, these socks feature AnkleLock Technology to keep your ankles exactly where they should be, no matter how quick your lateral transitions are. Additionally, the socks are also made with Swiftwick’s GripDry Fibre, which is woven into the heel and forefoot to create a frictional force and gripping power so you don’t slip and slide in your trainers.
Best socks for night running
Power Stride Crew Sock Reflective, $29 at Lululemon
Repeat after us: the key to staying safe when running at night is to see and be seen. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in socks that are not only bright-coloured (sorry, reserve your black socks and no-shows for daytime) but also have reflective features like these ones from Lululemon. Boasting a fluoro yellow colour and 360º reflectivity, you can finally run at night with some peace of mind. Aside from aesthetics, the socks also feature a 3D-knit heel for a locked-in feeling and 360° arch support.
Best running socks for trails
Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks, from $24.17 at Amazon
Ask any long-distance runner what their favourite socks are and there’s a good chance they’ll name-drop Balega. The secret lies in the brand’s special performance yarn Drynamix, which is not only loved for its supreme moisture-wicking properties but also a buttery soft feel against the skin and high-volume cushioning for extended training. These specific ones have also been blended with soft mohair to regulate temperature and minimise friction, thus, creating a completely blister-free sock that’s also a dream for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, they also feature microfibre mesh ventilation panels and a wide arch band to eliminate pressure marks, provide support and promote circulation.
Best post-run compression sock
2XU Compression Socks For Recovery, $50 at The Iconic
While not a sock to wear on your run, you’ll definitely want to invest in a post-run compression sock like this one from 2XU to help with recovery. Crafted from the brand’s premium Invista Lycra fabric that’s also moisture-wicking, the graduated fit promotes greater circulation and enhanced deep vein thrombosis protection. You’ll also find light toe and heel padding for added comfort and a linked toe cage, which helps the sock hold its shape while maximising the comfort of your forefoot.
Best year-round running socks
Darn Tough Women’s Ultra Lightweight Cushion Run Sock, from $33.61 at Amazon
If you can overlook the higher price tag of these socks, they’re probably the only ones you need to invest in for running and beyond. They boast a 4.8 out of five-star average rating and over 470 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, thanks to the superb fit and durability.
One person wrote: “These socks work. No blisters, not too sweaty, no rubbing, no slipping. Perfect. Expensive, but worth every penny.”
Reviewers have even noted that although they’re on the thicker side (the plush sole seriously feels amazing on your runs) and perfect for cool climates, they still manage to keep your feet dry in the hottest of conditions.
“Great durability and really comfortable for hiking,” one person wrote. “Thick and warm socks, but not too warm – I’ve hiked in these in the summer and winter.”
What type of socks are best for running?
There are certain features that make a sock ideal for running in. These include:
Material
Selecting an incorrect material like cotton, can suffocate your feet and lock in sweat. Too much sweat can leave your feet damp and smelly and can cause your socks to rub against your shoe, creating blisters. This is why running socks are made with sweat-wicking materials that absorb and diffuse moisture to keep your feet dry. Most running socks will be made with a mix of synthetic fibres like nylon, polyester and spandex, which all offer durability and prevent irritation. Merino wool is a particularly good material you can wear year-round as it regulates temperature, removes moisture and resists odours.
Compression
Compression socks encourage blood flow, improve circulation and boost post-race performance and recovery benefits. Long-distance runners normally wear over-the-calf compression running socks to reduce oscillation of the calf muscle and as a result, minimise microtrauma to the muscle.
Height and thickness
The thickness of a sock can make each stride feel softer. If you prefer soft shoes, pair them with socks that have a thicker cushioning underfoot for an extra plush run. Additionally, the thickness of a sock can also help adjust the fit of a shoe. For example, if your shoes fit a little loose, a thicker sock can take up some of that extra room to help your foot feel more secure.
Cushioning
Cushioning of a running sock can range from light to heavy, suitable for a range of distances and climates. Light cushioning provides a barefoot-running feel and is a great option for city runners. Medium cushioning gives more support while still allowing flexible movement and is a popular choice for trail runners. Heavy cushioning is suitable for those who run in colder climates or on hard terrain. When heavy cushioned socks are worn with plush running shoes, your feet get the most protection against injury.
Arch support
A good running sock will also have adequate arch support in the form of a supportive band around the arch. This provides extra support and shock absorption and helps prevent foot pain from occurring.
Sock height
- No-show: The top of the cuff sits below the ankle bone and is barely visible from the collar of the running shoe.
- Ankle: The top of the cuff sits directly on or slightly below the ankle bone.
- Quarter: The top of the cuff covers the ankle bone.
- Crew: The top of the cuff sits around the middle of the calf.
- Over-the-calf: The top of the cuff sits just below the knee cap and the length of the sock completely covers the calf.
Traction
Have you ever run or walked in cheap cotton socks only for them to slip off in your shoe? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, we recommend investing in socks with some traction, especially if you tend to run on uneven terrain or make rapid direction changes. Running socks are designed with different levels of traction but generally speaking, a good quality pair will have grip on the inside and outside to keep your foot from slipping.
Is it worth getting running socks?
The straightforward answer: yes. Often an overlooked item, wearing the right running socks is vital for optimal performance, comfort and support. This is because they have been specifically designed to increase ventilation, wick away moisture, prevent chafing and offer cushioning around the ball of your foot and the heels for more underfoot protection.
Are thick or thin socks better for running?
This is a personal preference. Experienced runners prefer to run with thinner socks because they are lighter and have a better road feel. Thin socks are also a great option for the warmer months. However, thicker socks provide much-needed cushioning, especially for rocky terrains and trail running. They’ll also provide warmth during the cooler months and can also help make a running shoe that’s too big, feel secure.
Complete your running fit with our round-up of the best running shoes for pounding the pavement. Plus, the best smartwatches to make tracking your fitness goals a breeze. While you’re here, be sure to check out The Iconic discount codes in our coupons section so you never miss out on the best sportswear deals.