The Best High-Tech Socks to Tackle Your Next Run
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You think nothing of dropping $100 or more on a pair of running shoes. Ditto for the considerable sums you've invested in compression tights, hydration vests, and anything else that helps you conquer your own personal mountains. But what about your socks? Small as they are, they're probably more responsible for your (dis)comfort than anything else you work out in. If they don't fit properly, welcome to Blister City; if they don't handle moisture well, you're looking at a long, cold day on the trail.
Fear not. Whether you're a boot-camp addict, an ultrarunning aficionado, or a twice-a-week jogger, there's a sock for you. We've sifted through the seemingly unending variety of cut and cushion—and, yes, color—to find options well worth their price tags. Your feet are in good hands.
Updated August 2021: We've added the latest and greatest threads from Tracksmith, Swiftwick, and Zensah. Adrienne So and Peter Rubin have also contributed to this guide.
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For Everyday Workouts
After hundreds of miles testing dozens of modern running socks, these cozy ankle socks from Bombas are my go-to pair. They're medium-thick and use a proprietary poly-cotton blend to offer an ideal mix of moisture wicking and airflow. I like that they have extra padding in the toes and heel, where many running socks give up the ghost after dozens of runs. They also have a clever little V-neck for your ankle, with the front and back of the socks going higher than the sides. It prevents rubbing and makes them move a bit better with the motion of your ankle. The best part? For every pair you buy, Bombas will donate one to someone in need.
For Long Distances
If you tend to run long and far, you want a blend of lightness and comfort. That's what you get from the Cushion Crews, which have a sleek, water-resistant upper that joins a strategically padded underfoot. There's even a special hex-cushioned section right under your arch for slightly better support. Those who run at night or in the wee hours of the morning will appreciate the reflective logos on the back, so you're more visible on the road or trail. And they have special anti-odor technology woven in to prevent the growth of stinky microbes.
Best on a Budget
If you're a casual runner, you probably don't need the highest-end socks around. Instead, snag a multipack of these totally serviceable socks from American running brand Saucony. They're thin, moisture-wicking, and comfortable, not to mention they last longer than many other ankle socks I've tried. At less than $15 for six pairs, they're a steal.
Best Thin Socks
Your foot size can vary widely from sport to sport—long-distance running makes them swell, skateboarding less so. The Aspire Zero is thin enough to allow for some variance in foot size as you sweat through a wide range of activities. Fellow WIRED sock reviewer Adrienne So fell in love with the previous generation of ultralight socks from Swiftwick, and I am in love with this new one. The channels in the weave make them more breathable and also a lot less likely to slip, and they really do well in hotter weather. If you're looking for a great thin sock that works for many sports, these are the pair to get.
Best Compression Socks
Some people like the tighter, cozier feel of compression socks during recovery runs or when tackling long distances or trails with groundcover. For that, I like the Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks. These Italian-made socks don't have the same cute prints as the company's shorter-length socks above, but they perform as promised (and still come in wacky colors), keeping your legs cozy during workouts. I also like them as ski socks, because of their length and tight fit.
Best Compression Sleeves
When you're done with a long and strenuous run, leg sleeves can help you recover. These Zensahs help with calf support and shin splint compression. They also come in handy when the trail gets wet; use them when running through muddy terrain and you'll never be picking dried mud out of leg hairs. They're made in the USA.
Most Eco-Friendly
Running socks are spendy, which is why it's nice to buy a pair for life. Rockay's Accelerate socks (not to be confused with the older wool model) are made from 100 percent recycled material and come with a lifetime guarantee, making them a great choice for those who care about sustainability. Of the batch of Rockay socks we tested, I particularly like these ankle socks for hotter days, because they're light, extremely comfortable, well ventilated, and come with a slightly elongated tab on the back for easy slip-on action. That tab has a reflective Rockay logo for added visibility as your feet shuffle the pavement.
Most Tech-y
The Swiftwick Flite XT Five have more trademarked features than most running shoes, with “AnkleLock" technology and “Gripdry" fiber in the toe and heel. The naming is a bit much, but the extra cushioned areas in the front and rear, a tight but breathable arch, and smooth transition from ankle to lower calf makes these a personal favorite. They feel very stable and will even swell with your feet; I wore them on a 30-mile trail run and they felt great the whole way, no sock change required.
Most Fun
If you're looking to put a little pep in your step, Zensah has you covered. The company is known as a maker of some of the best compression socks (see our picks above), and it's also got a knack for coming up with fun patterns. I'm a particular fan of this avocado look, but Zensah's got a million cool designs. They're great socks, with a comfortable and durable mid-crew cut that makes them great for any distance or weather.
Most Elegant
Adrienne So hesitates to recommend expensive socks, but these are compressive, they don't fall down, and they're black, so they don't get as stained and gross as white ones. Crew socks are better for cooler days or anywhere where you might get a little dust or mud on your ankles, and Tracksmith's gorgeous and simple designs—for these socks, as well as shorts, shirts, and hats—are some of the best in the business.
For Cold Weather
These cozy merino wool socks are the perfect pair for colder, wetter days. They have everything you love about the natural material when used in hiking socks—it's thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and sustainable—but the design has been slimmed down for a more active workout. They've served me well during long winter runs, keeping my toes warm. The front-venting design also keeps them from roasting your feet as you get further into your workout.
For the Trail
Even if you're dedicated to the pavement, running on nature's sidewalks can help strengthen your knees and ankles and give your feet a break from the monotony of the road. It also calls for some different sock considerations, like ankle coverage to protect against brush and extra cushioning underneath to dampen the shock from roots and rocks. Balega's Enduro delivers on both counts and comes in crew length to protect your ankles from scrapes while running on overgrown singletrack. The Enduro can take a mud-dunking in stride too—actually drying off by the time you finish your run.
For Summer Trails
Adrienne So calls these her favorite running socks right now, thanks to snug arch support that provides a nonslip fit. They're also thinner than other Balega socks, and many other crew-length socks on this list, which makes them awesome for warm-weather runs and hikes. Style options are wide open; you can get them in everything from understated white to eyeball-singeing neon yellow.
For a ‘No Show’ Look
If you really hate the tabs of your socks peeking out from your running shoes, the best low-profile socks I've tested are these No Show socks from Bombas. They don't wiggle around or feel like awkward foot condoms the way other no-see-ums can, and they aren't too tight on your toes or heels.
