Trying to exercise without a good pair of athletic socks is like trying to eat soup without a spoon. In other words: if you like to stay in shape via vigorous workouts (be it running, lifting weights, or playing sports), then you absolutely need a quality pair (or several pairs) of athletic socks. Unlike regular old cotton socks, athletic socks are designed to keep your feet from sliding around in your shoes, wick away moisture while you sweat, and provide your feet with much-needed arch support and comfort. Without the right pair of socks, you could be looking at discomfort, fungal issues, and even injuries. All of which goes to say: it's time to do yourself a favor and pick up some of the socks on this list. Nike Performance Cushion Crew Socks Only the BestThese Nike socks provide the utmost in comfort, breathability, and support.Best OverallFind on Amazon When your sock drawer needs a serious refresh, it’s time to turn to Nike – specifically, their Performance Cushion Crew Socks. Made from an ultra-soft, comfy blend of nylon, cotton, spandex, and polyester, these athletic socks offer the utmost in support and breathability. The rib cuffs allow for a more snug fit, while, crucially, the reinforced heel and toe give fantastic arch support. And these socks come in a pack of six, so you’ll be all set for your active lifestyle for years to come. Pros: Crafted from a soft, reliably durable blend of cotton, nylon, spandex, and polyester Reinforced heel and toe Rib cuffs allow for a more snug fit Great arch support Easy to wash Cons: A tad pricey Nike Everyday Cushion Low Training Socks The Perfect LengthNike's go-to training socks are sized just right.Best Low-Ankle SocksFind on Amazon The Nike Everyday Cushion Low Training Socks are sized just right, fitting snugly right at the ankle. They’re effective at keeping sweat and odor at bay no matter how tough or long your workout is. How? Easy: the sweat-wicking fabric pulls every last drop of perspiration away from the skin so your feet stay nice and dry. And the high-friction yarn in the foot of these socks also helps to reduce slippage, while the terry sole allows for additional comfort and impact absorption. Durable, supportive, and ideally sized, these are perfect if you’re particularly peeved by a sock that doesn’t fit right at the ankle. Pros: Awesomely sweat-wicking fabric that pulls perspiration away from the skin Feet stay dry and comfy High-friction yarn helps reduce slippage Terry sole allows for extra comfort and impact absorption Cons: Pretty thin material, so may not be the right product if you want warm, thick socks Under Armour Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks Sweat Be GoneIf you're prone to sweaty, stinky feet, there's no shame – just get Under Armour's crew socks.Best Sweat-Wicking SocksFind on Amazon Sweaty feet got you down? The Under Armour Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks are here to rescue you from stinky, itchy, sweaty despair. These socks do a wonderful job of keeping your feet cool and dry while you exercise thanks to their superior moisture-wicking capabilities and extra-strength anti-odor technology. They also offer dynamic arch support and strategic cushioning, so your feet feel comforted and supported during even the most grueling workouts. Pros: Material does an excellent job of wicking away sweat Strong anti-odor technology High-quality blend of cotton, spandex, and polyester Sturdy arch support Strategic cushioning Cons: On the thick side, so not the best pick if you want a thin running sock Amazon Essentials Men’s Athletic Ankle Socks Room to BreatheBecause you don't have to break the bank just to get a good pair of socks. Best BudgetFind on Amazon If you’re shopping on a budget, you truly can’t go wrong with the Amazon Essentials Men’s Athletic Socks. These socks cover all the bases: they’re made from breathable, sweat-wicking materials (a nice blend of cotton, polyester, nylon, and elastane); they have zone cushioning in the heel and toe; and the smooth-toe seam and reinforced heel and toe are exceptionally well-constructed. On top of that, the price point is tough to beat, especially considering the fact that you get six pairs of socks. Pros: Breathable, sweat-wicking material Zone cushion in the heel and toe for additional comfort Smooth-toe seam and reinforced heel and toe for durability Excellent value buy Cons: These tend to run a bit small, so you have to be careful about consulting the sizing chart Saucony Men’s No-Show Socks To Stand in SupportSaucony's no-show socks offer targeted arch compression, so your feet stay nice and supported throughout your workout. Best Arch SupportFind on Amazon Need a little extra support in your life? The Saucony Men’s No-Show Socks offer targeted arch compression that’s engineered with just the right amount so that your feet stay totally secure. This technology also prevents bunching and slipping, which really comes in handy during long runs or other high-impact activity. Plus, the ultra-wicking fibers and top-notch mesh ventilation construction help to create great airflow and breathability. Pros: Targeted arch compression to keep your feet feeling stable and secure Also prevents bunching and slipping Ultra-wicking fibers Mesh ventilation construction helps to create great airflow Comes in a wide variety of colors and size options Cons: Not totally no-show Frequently Asked Questions What should I look for in a good pair of athletic socks? A good pair of athletic socks should keep your feet dry (or at least as dry as possible), wick away moisture, and allow for proper ventilation. Choose a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric like merino wool or nylon. Your socks should also provide ample arch support and cushioning, especially if you’re doing an activity that involves a lot of impact on the ground, like running. Are most athletic socks sweat-wicking, or is this something I should specifically look for in a product? Unfortunately, not all athletic socks have sweat-wicking properties (although most do). This is a really important feature for your socks to have, of course. Look for socks that are made from moisture-wicking materials like nylon, polyester, and merino wool to ensure that your feet don’t turn into sweaty, stinky puddles while you’re working out.