The 5 Best Running Socks

Regardless of whether you like to jog a few times per week or you're a serious marathoner, having the right gear for running is crucial. A great pair of running socks can make or break your run; in fact, wearing the wrong pair of socks can lead to pain and blisters. Good running socks are designed to wick away moisture, help your feet breathe freely, and prevent blisters and injuries from occurring. Some socks can even help to prevent your feet from swelling, which can happen to long-distance runners. In short, if you're a runner, it's important to invest in a decent pair of specially designed running socks. Here are five of the best to choose from.

Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks

Unparalleled on all counts

When it comes to good running socks, nothing beats Balega Hidden Comfort.

Best Overall

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With so many running socks to choose from, it can be tough to know which are the best. You can rest easy, though, because Balega Hidden Comfort Running Socks are the ultimate sock in terms of comfort, moisture-wicking ability, technical performance, and protection. Drynamix effectively wicks away sweat from the skin as you run, while specially constructed reinforced microfiber works to keep your feet nice and dry, no matter how many miles you log. Blisters will be a thing of the past, thanks to the hand-linked seamless toe construction that prevents chafing and the padded cushioning in the heel and toe. Also, these socks are made from 200-needle count fabric and are available in over a dozen vibrant colors. Basically, Balega Hidden Comfort socks check all the boxes, and then some.

Pros:

Feet stay dry for the entirety of your run (no matter how long), thanks to the powerhouse combo of Drynamix sweat-wicking technology and specially constructed microfiber mesh.
Hand-linked seamless toe construction and padded cushioning on heel and toe help to prevent blisters and chafing.
Made from plush, soft, 200-needle count fabric.
Available in over a dozen colors.

Cons:

Not the cheapest socks.

Eallco Running Socks (6 Pairs)

Best for runners on a budget

Why get one pair of running socks when you could get six?

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For the budget shopper, look no further than the Eallco Running Socks. These high-performance socks come in a pack of six, so you basically get six pairs for the price of one. The cushioned sole provides all-day comfort, while the elastic arch support holds the sock firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about your socks slipping around your ankles as you pound the pavement. And, the reinforced toe and heel offer true durability and a great fit. All in all, if you’re on a budget, Eallco socks are the way to go.

Pros:

Very affordably priced; you get six pairs for the price of one.
Decent sweat-wicking capabilities.
Cushioned sole and elastic arch support offer comfort and staying power.

Cons:

Not the best sock for smaller feet.

Injinji Toe Socks

Keep those toes nice and happy

With Injinji Toe Socks, it's all about breathability and blister prevention.

Best Toe Socks

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Toe socks can be a game-changer for runners who are especially prone to blisters. Enter Injinji Toe Socks, which are awesome at preventing moisture build-up and friction and maximizing ventilation, so feet stay blister-free. Crucially, these socks also allow your toes to align and splay naturally, and they feature a heel tab to protect against chafing. Not to mention, Injinji socks have superior arch support and fiber construction, which ensures a more secure fit.

Pros:

5-Toe Fit System Technology = a more comfortable fit.
Mesh top for added breathability and sweat-wicking.
Awesome arch support that really holds up over the years.
Heel tab prevents chafing.

Cons:

It’s best to hand-wash these.

Thirty48 Ultralight Running Socks

Light as a feather and ready to run

If you prefer your socks to be on the thin side, Thirty48 Ultralight Running Socks are an excellent pick.

Best Ultralight

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Thin sock lovers will rejoice in Thirty48 Ultralight Running Socks. Crafted from high-quality nylon, lycra, spandex, and cotton, these paper-thin socks are designed to fit like a second skin, in the best way possible. Even though the fabric is ultralight, these socks still provide decent cushioning and support; in fact, the anatomically targeted cushioning helps to pad the Achilles tendon and provide extra relief to all areas of the foot. The high-tech fabric is also great at drawing moisture away from the skin, which is a crucial component of any good running sock.

Pros:

Lightweight, with a second skin-like fit.
Anatomically targeted cushioning offers true support for all areas of the foot.
High-tech fabric effectively (and quickly) wicks away sweat.

Cons:

They’re a tad too tight, especially if you have bigger ankles.

Heatuff Low-Cut Athletic Socks

No more blisters, please and thank you

There's no need to worry about blisters anymore with these Heatuff socks, which provide a double layer of protection against skin chafing.

Best Anti-Blister

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Heatuff Low-Cut Athletic Socks offer wonderful protection against blisters and chafing, thanks to the breathable fabric, full-cushion sole, and reinforced heel and toe construction. Unlike some other running socks, these Heatuff socks have a cushion sole that covers the entire bottom of the sock, along with a padded ankle-length style. Essentially, your feet stay doubly protected from blisters when you wear these extra-soft, extra-supportive socks.

Pros:

Made from highly breathable fabric.
A full-cushion sole and reinforced heel and toe = no more blisters or chafing.
Great value, considering that these come in a six-pack.

Cons:

These tend to shrink easily, so be careful about adhering to washing instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fabric is best for running socks?

The best running socks are made from synthetic fabrics, like acrylic and polyester, because these help to wick away sweat from your skin.

Should I choose thin or thick running socks?

This depends on your personal preference and needs. Many runners prefer to wear thin socks, since they’re more lightweight. However, if you’re prone to blisters, you may want to consider wearing thicker socks, since these have extra padding that can protect against blisters.

What are some of the most important things to look for in a good running sock?

Moisture-wicking materials, arch support, and target cushioning (in the heel and rear of foot) are all important criteria to watch out for when you’re looking for the perfect pair of running socks.