The Best Running Socks, According to Runners

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 Johntold usthe 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 andClique Run ClubmemberSabrina Whitesays 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 writerBrenley Goertzensays theElite Ultra Lightskeep 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.

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.

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 editorAshley Wolfgangspecifically 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’sShort Socks) and made with sweat-wicking materials, so the socks are more breathable for long distances.

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.

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. I can also attest to the sweat-wicking, since I’ve run many miles in the Texas heat in these. The socks come in two sizes: XS/S and M/L. The XS/S fits Goertzen’s 8.5-to-9 foot size perfectly, and it fits my 6.5 foot size, too.

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.

Physical therapist and run coachDr. Bonnie Wilder’s top recommendation is Balega’s no show running socks, especially for blister prevention. The soft cushioning, heel tab, and seamless toe box makes these blister resistant for anyone with a history of skin irritation. They have a snug, supportive fit that can help with recurring foot pain. She also likes that they’re made of silver fibers to help prevent odor buildup, which is “especially helpful during hot summer runs when sweat tends to get trapped in shoes,” she says.

This pack of Lululemon Power Stride socks comes out to a little over $12 a pair, so they’re a bit more affordable than the above. Raponi says they’re 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.

Brooklyn-based running-apparel brand Bandit makes quarter-length socks that are known for being cushiony and durable. Strategist writerJeremy Rellosahas run about 1,100 miles in the two pairs he owns andsaysthat 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.

Denise Chakoian, a boutique fitness consultant and personal trainer, uses only two brands of running socks: Bombas and Balega. Her favorites are Balega’s Hidden Comfort socks, because they’re designed with some compression and thicker material around the arch and heel to create more cushion and support. In fact, she often recommends them to clients with plantar fasciitis or any heel injury. And unlike other no-show socks she’s tried in the past, these stay in place no matter how many miles she’s running.