The best running socks aren\u2019t just an opinion; there\u2019s a lot of data and science around what\u2019s going to keep our feet blister-free and possibly even feeling less tired from the pounding! With over 28,000 miles of running behind me, I\u2019ve tested a lot of socks, and I\u2019m happy to point you in the direction of the best options!<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, we tend to overlook this piece of our running gear because the focus tends towards fancy tech gear. But guess what, the right running socks have a lot going on.<\/p>\n
For first-time marathon runners looking for advice, I always start with the feet.\u00a0While<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0shoe fit is VERY important,\u00a0<\/strong>it\u2019s not the only thing happening down there.<\/span><\/p>\n I find that even for us long-time runners, it\u2019s good to be reminded that a few minutes of care can go a long way towards preventing blister<\/strong><\/a>s, increasing comfort, and possibly recovery.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s jump into the best running socks right now, based on many years of testing different brands.<\/p>\n But first, the real question now is, ankle, no-show socks or crew socks???<\/p>\n When it comes to running socks, it depends on the weather you\u2019re running in, the compression you\u2019re looking for, and the added features that\u2019ll work for you.<\/p>\n I definitely have my personal preferences, but I have run in all of these socks and you\u2019ll find many of them still in my drawer ready to roll! Luckily, pretty much every running sock brand offers options for either, so even if what\u2019s pictured is low-cut, have no fear, my fashion-forward friends.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a wide variety available here and though I tend towards the thin Swiftwicks a lot, Balega is a great choice. They\u2019re actually one\u2019s I tend to pick in the winter or just when my feet need some love.<\/p>\n The cushioning is immediately obvious as you slip these on, and they remain soft and comfy throughout the day. Despite the cushioning, they manage to feel really comfortable without feeling bulky.<\/p>\n The cushioning extends around the toe cap and up to the top of the toe to give protective cushioning from the top of the shoe.<\/p>\n Especially for older runners who lose fat in the pad of our feet, this can be such a great choice!<\/strong><\/p>\n And\u00a0the seamless toes help to keep the shoe from irritating the foot and the ventilation panels around the top wick away sweat and keep the feet cool.<\/p>\n Thanks to the rib-band design, the fit is tight and supportive without feeling restricting. This design not only makes the sock more comfortable, but it also keeps its shape over long runs.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t like visible names, you will find that pretty consistently with these. Along with some big bold colors.<\/p>\n Bombas has so many different types of socks that you can pick from based on your activity type.<\/p>\n We love these lightweight, ankle socks for those who find themselves getting hot rather easily.\u00a0 Plus that little tab on the back isn\u2019t just there for comfort, it\u2019s for blister protection when your running shoes come up maybe a little too high.\u00a0 Winter means my toes often feel like popsicles, and that isn\u2019t terribly pleasant when you\u2019re pounding the ground.<\/p>\n But super thick socks can mean sweaty feet, which also become cold\u2026what\u2019s a poor determined runner to do?!<\/p>\n The answer lies in merino wool!<\/strong> Merino wool is a fiber you can wear year-round thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, move moisture, and resist odors.<\/p>\n This makes it perfect for winter, as it keeps your feet warm while still being moisture-wicking. These socks feature a performance-oriented fit and a mesh ventilation design.<\/p>\n They also call their wool technology \u2018Indestructawool,\u2019 which features a construction method that\u2019s known for its incredible durability. So, if you\u2019re looking for running socks that\u2019ll last, these are the ones for you!<\/p>\n The one thing to remember when looking at winter socks is that as they get thicker, you need to consider replacing your shoes to ensure they don\u2019t become too tight and\u00a0cause blisters<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n What\u2019s great about Smartwool is you can get a variety of designs and also heights. They are a MASSIVE hit among trail runners and winter runners.<\/p>\n If you have an issue with blisters, then this might be just what the running doctor ordered. For some reason these are what I prefer on trail runs, I\u2019ve noticed fewer issues with big toes when I use them. And David swears by them for cyclin<\/strong>g, which makes them a perennial on our list of fitness gift for men<\/a>.<\/p>\n Injinji\u2019s patented five-toe design helps prevent blisters and hotspots while I\u2019m running. It also features excellent moisture management which further helps prevent blisters and increases comfort. These nylon socks also include mesh panels for ventilation and compression in the arch that gives additional support.<\/p>\n Another thing to consider with rubbing is the height of your socks\u2026I know that the look right now is no-show socks, but if your ankles are being rubbed raw it\u2019s very hard to keep the running habit going.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re hitting the trails a higher sock is designed to keep the pebbles from crawling inside.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve tested a few different socks in this category and nothing feels quite like theses socks.<\/p>\n These Feetures PF<\/strong> socks are designed with particular left and right forms that fit each of your feet, which give you both the compression and arch support you need. It\u2019s not the same as a full compression sock because you can feel that it\u2019s designed to stabilize the Plantar Fascia.<\/p>\n We were honestly pretty amazed how darn good these feel. You could wear them to run or for your everyday activities.<\/p>\n It also features\u00a0a seamless toe that will not bother your feet\u00a0and a high heel clip that\u2019ll\u00a0prevent the sock from slipping down into your shoe. These socks also feature a tab in the back to protect from the heel cup of the shoe.<\/p>\n I get a TON of messages from runners who really like Feetures, so they definitely have wide spread support. Coach Stacey actually wears these all the time to help with her PF. She said after first they can feel a little tight but then after a few wears it\u2019s just the right amount of support.<\/p>\n You might assume all socks feel the same if you\u2019ve been living in a world of cotton\u2026but they don\u2019t! And when it comes to your running socks, bamboo socks, like\u00a0EcoSox, are hard to beat at their price point.<\/p>\n First of all, it\u2019s pretty awesome to wear a sustainable resource, but also bamboo fibers are twice as soft as cotton which is going to mean less friction and less chance of blisters!<\/p>\n The\u00a0EcoSox No Shows\u00a0are a go-to for warm feet thanks to the vented top and because bamboo is thermoregulating!! A fancy way of saying it keeps your feet cool when they should and warm when they should.<\/p>\n These are a THICKER sock,<\/strong> so I use them more for winter runs or if you really like cushion.<\/p>\n Most of you know about knee-high compression socks by now (if not read this post on\u00a0why compression socks work<\/strong><\/a>). I love wearing these on race day, but actually enjoy\u00a0low cut compression socks\u00a0on other runs!<\/p>\n Especially as I increase mileage I find wearing them after my long run for the rest of my day as I walk around feels great.<\/p>\n This is where CEP Ankle Performance socks<\/strong><\/a> come into play. They\u2019re the best compression socks on the market and are incredibly comfortable to wear. This brand has been in the compression gear market for a LONG time, which means they know what they\u2019re doing. This is going to be a lighter level of compression than tall socks, but can still help with swelling and recovery.<\/p>\n Especially great if you feel like your feet muscles are often sore or tired. They also have the seamless toe are to help prevent potential issues with blisters.<\/p>\n There are so many different types of socks that you can throw on for a run or as part of your post-run recovery.<\/p>\n I wore them while running, weight lifting, and resting at home.\u00a0 After my run workouts, I noticed I was slightly less sore and more energized. The ankle socks provide targeted arch support and would be perfect for sweaty summer runs.\u00a0 The socks come in cheerful colors, patterns, and different lengths. If you like to put together fun matching outfits for runs and races these are going to be perfect because there\u2019s something for everyone!<\/p>\n Have you ever tried to put on tall compression socks before? Oof, what a challenge.<\/p>\n Once you figure out the technique for putting on the Comrad compression socks, they are very comfortable, providing compression without feeling restrictive.\u00a0Comrad even provides a video with helpful tips on how to get the socks on correctly!<\/p>\n Pro tip, make sure you pull the socks firmly onto the foot,\u00a0 otherwise, you may notice the seam at the toe while running.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably seen the logo for\u00a0Swiftwick\u00a0<\/strong>in tons of my travel running photos and it\u2019s because I can wear these socks for multiple days in a row and they\u2019ll repeatedly pass the sniff test!<\/p>\n This means less to pack and I can take off my shoes on the plane without fear thanks to their Olefin fiber. It\u2019s all along the footbed and helps wick moisture and dries quickly.<\/p>\n These are very thin socks, which means they won\u2019t be best for those who want some cushion, but are definitely the ones you want if you\u2019re looking for breathability and ventilation.<\/strong><\/p>\n And it does make them nice for long runs when your feet swell and are my go-to for running all summer<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0long.<\/p>\n Swiftwick\u2019s proprietary GripDry Fiber includes micro-treads in the heel and forefoot that use frictional force to keep your feet in place when you run which improves stability.<\/p>\n Highly recommend these Swiftwick socks if you\u2019re planning on running during the summer or just want a sweat-wicking and smell-proof option. Also, if you want socks with very little show or branding these hit the mark.<\/p>\n When it comes to comfort and blister prevention, the Farm to Feet Greensboro \u00bc Crew gets an A+.<\/p>\n Made from 100% merino wool, these socks are odor-resistant, anti-microbial, durable, comfortable, and sustainable. When you wear the Farm to Feet Greensboro \u00bc Crew, your heart and your feet can feel good.<\/p>\n Farm to Feet\u2019s entire supply chain is domestic; socks are made using wool from American sheep that is processed into yarn and then made into socks in the Carolinas. I have noticed that my feet get pretty toasty in these socks \u2013 yet I have not gotten a single blister while wearing them.<\/strong><\/p>\n10 Best Socks for Running<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nBest Cushioned Running Socks: Balega Hidden Comfort Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Lightweight Running Socks \u2013\u00a0Bombas Lightweight Athletic Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Plus, every purchase with Bombas equals a donation of socks. Buy 3 pairs, Bombas donates 3 pairs. We love when a brand\u2019s mission is about giving back to the community.<\/p>\n\n
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Best Winter Running Socks \u2013 Smartwool Running Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Running Socks for Toe Blisters \u2013 Injinji Run Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Plantar Fasciitis Running Socks \u2013 Feetures PF Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Budget Natural Fibers Running Socks: EcoSox<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Low Cut Compression Running Socks \u2013 CEP No Show Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Tall Compression Socks: Comrad Compression Socks\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Running Socks for Summer: Swiftwick Aspire No Show Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Best Socks to Prevent Blisters \u2013 Farm to Feet Greensboro Crew Socks<\/a><\/h3>\n
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If you want a sock that makes you feel like you are standing on a cloud, look no further! Despite the light cushion claim, the Greensboro is soft and comfortable \u2013 a great balance when pounding pavement.<\/p>\n\n