The Best Running Socks of 2024

At less than a buck a sock, you’re not going to find a better deal than the Saucony Performance Heel Tab Athletic Sock eight- and 16-packs ($15-27). The polyester/spandex fabric wicks sweat away, while the Airmesh venting tech on the top of the foot lets your feet breathe when things start to heat up.

Cushioning doesn’t run the length of the foot, but it’s placed in high-impact locations. The cushioning runs from the ball of the foot to just over to the top of the toes and over the heel to keep your feet protected during a run.

One of our favorite features of these socks is the size of the heel tab. During testing, it was just big enough to prevent the sock from sliding down, but not big enough to act as a dirt funnel while you run. It’s just another detail that you don’t find in many socks in this price range. 

There is a toe seam, but it lies flat to minimize the risk of irritation. Despite the flat seam, our tester had to adjust their socks to find the sweet spot to prevent rubbing. 

That said, the Saucony Performance Heel Tab Athletic Sock was an excellent moisture-wicker, did not shrink significantly after machine drying, and the padded heel tab keeps your heel safe from excessive rubbing. Which, considering its price, makes this sock a killer deal.

If you tend to sweat more or run in hot weather, Swiftwick’s stylish Vision Six Impression socks ($22) are going to be your go-to.These calf-high lookers sport structurally modified fibers that pull sweat to the outside of the sock, bolstering Swiftwick’s reputation as the best moisture-wicking socks on the market.

Seamless toes keep irritation at bay, and the moderate compression gives the sock a comfortable, secure feel without feeling too tight. Medium cushioning provides comfort without bulk on long runs.

The only time this sock fell short was during low-impact winter activities — our tester’s feet would get chilly during more laid-back winter workouts. But for trail running and other higher-intensity endeavors, these socks performed perfectly.

We love this version of the Vision Six series, as the Impression has wraparound designs based on national parks. Swiftkick offers socks with designs based on Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountain range. It’s also taking suggestions on other parks it should add, with more models coming soon.

Near Earth is a brand you may not have heard of, but if our experience with The Distance Running Sock ($24) is any indication, you’ll be hearing about them a lot in the future. 

Our testers always view newcomers to the category with a healthy bit of skepticism, but that trepidation quickly dissipated once they got their hands on the socks. The quality is immediately evident, from the packaging to the design to the hand-feel of the socks themselves. They’re softer than most high-performance socks and are comfortable from the first wear. 

Once you pull the sock on, you see just how much detail went into it — from targeted compression around the midfoot to breathable, over-engineered upper sections that vent heat away from the foot. Few socks we’ve worn balance the softness of a cotton sock with the fit and function of performance running socks. 

They are made with a true anatomical fit, meaning they are left- and right-specific. Compression and padding are strategically placed to support the toes and midfoot, a feature we found invaluable over the distance of a long run. 

The Distance Running Sock is one we will be filling our sock drawer with for years. It may not have the compression of the Swiftwick Flite XT or the cushioning of the Bandit Cushion Quarter Crew. Still, the attention to detail and balance of comfort and performance make these stand out in a crowded category.

Compression socks are designed to apply pressure to your legs, helping to facilitate blood flow and keeping swelling to a minimum. Many athletes use compression after a workout to help speed up recovery, as the increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

But why start after the workout? Noted compression company CEP’s Tall Compression Socks ($60) are made for use during your run, providing compression and keeping your blood flowing while you move. The compression also helps stabilize your muscles on the run, which provides a comfortable feel and extra support for your heels and arches.

The HeiQ Smart Temp climate management system keeps your feet cool (the company claims that it cools your feet up to 3.6 degrees). Plus, the padding along the footbed feels comfortable and helps prevent blistering on runs. These features cement the CEP Tall Compression Socks socks as our choice for the best compression socks for running.

The Feetures Elite Max Cushion No-Show Tab Sock ($18) has an anatomical design with right and left designated socks, making for a precise fit. Compression at the ankles provides support, while cushioning along the foot provides comfort during repeated foot strikes.

The synthetic fibers repel sweat, wicking it from next to the foot to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate. The venting at the top of the foot keeps your feet drier while you run.

In addition to the anatomical design, the sock has a protective heel pad and a seamless toe, which eliminates two of the most common points of irritation on a run. Compression bands run along the bottom of the socks to encourage circulation under the arch.

One of our testers used these socks when he was getting over plantar fasciitis, which significantly helped overcome his injury. He also used several pairs of these while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and while they didn’t survive as long as other socks he tried, they held their own.

The fit and features are excellent, but several pairs that we’ve tested developed holes at the toe or heel. This only happened on a few, while the others haven’t had any issues, so we’re chalking it up to random flaws in the material. If not for the occasional durability issue, the Feetures Elite Max Cushion No-Show Tab Sock would be contenders for the top spot on our list.

Named for the antibacterial silver ions encapsulated in the fibers, the Balega Silver No-Show Running Socks ($20) sport full mesh panels for plenty of ventilation, which felt great during triple-digit test runs in Northern California.

The light padding adds to the breathability and felt great on shorter runs. And, as we’ve come to expect from Balega, these socks provide some of the best fit and feel of any of the socks on our list.

A deep heel cup, seamless toes, and a soft-knitted top make the Balega Silver No-Show an extremely comfortable sock. Elastic bands of varying strength provide the right amount of support at the right place, while the high heel tab protects your heel from shoe rubs.

One of the most common (and painful) places to get blisters during long runs or hikes is between the toes. Even if you’re not prone to blisters between the toes, it can occasionally occur during long runs and hikes as the feet start to swell and press against your footwear.

Injinji, the company known for its distinctive socks, splits the toe end of the Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show Socks ($14) into five separate compartments, one for each toe.

This surrounds each toe in material and prevents any skin-to-skin friction that causes blisters over time. No more need to tape each individual toe.

Besides the obvious benefit, Injinji’s no-show socks sport necessities like mesh panels for ventilation and compression in the arch for additional support. They even have a slightly taller heel tab that is handy when pulling them up after putting on your shoe.

It also ensures that it stays put and doesn’t slide down the heel cuff to prevent chafing. Lastly, they utilize COOLMAX EcoMade fibers to wick away sweat. While the Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show Socks may be considered minimalist running toe socks, the design and fabric are quite technical.

The most unique aspect of WRIGHTSOCK’s CoolMesh II Quarter Socks ($15) is its dual-layer design. The inner layer is made of smooth, hydrophobic Dri-WRIGHT II polyester for a soft feel against the skin and to help pull moisture away from the feet.

The outer layer features a mesh weave that collects moisture from the outside of the inner layer and allows it to evaporate. Not only does this help keep feet cool and dry, but it also absorbs friction between the shoe and the foot. This prevents the shear effect in the skin that causes blisters.

The mesh panel at the top vents heat and moisture while the light cushioning helps absorb impact on runs. These features, combined with the dual-layer design, make the WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks a solid option.

The first thing you’ll notice when you put on the Bombas Performance Ankle Sock ($17) is that they’re the most comfortable socks you’ve ever worn. These lightweight running and workout socks are made with a cotton-polyester blend with generous cushioning in the forefoot and heel.

The temperature-regulating vents allow cool air to flow in during workouts, keeping your feet cool, while the moisture-wicking materials keep your feet dry.

The Bombas Performance Ankle Sock is contoured specifically to fit the left and right foot, ensuring a comfortable fit that doesn’t bunch up or wrinkle as well as minimizing blisters and hot spots. Additionally, the seamless toe and Y-stitched heel help minimize irritation.

By far the least expensive compression ankle socks we’ve seen, the PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks come in multipacks that cost $20 or less, depending on the amount and size. The varying compression (from moderate to extra firm) provides support where you need it without feeling restrictive. The compression encourages circulation and helps prevent foot swelling on long runs.

We like the ankle version for its ability to support the foot without having to wrestle a full-length compression sock over your calves. This, along with the ability to buy multiple pairs at a low cost, makes it more feasible to wear a compression sock with every run.

The PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks have a mesh upper that provides ventilation. A raised padded ankle cuff prevents friction at the ankle, and a seamless toe closure reduces irritation at the toes.

Designed specifically for left or right feet, each pair of Thirty48 Elite Compression Socks ($12-27) aims for a perfect fit to minimize irritation and blistering. These knee-high compression socks provide graded compression through the calves down to the arch of the foot, facilitating blood flow during your run. If you wear them after runs, the increased circulation that the compression provides helps you recover faster and mitigates soreness.

The Thirty48 Elite Compression Socks are available in two-packs, so you can roll off the pair you just used in a run and put on a fresh pair to recover afterward. The wicking material and topside vents help regulate moisture, and the padded heel absorbs shock on runs.

The first thing that we learned when testing Darn Tough socks was that they live up to their name. Every pair that we’ve tested has endured everything we’ve thrown at them, from walking around a campsite with no shoes to filling longer socks with D batteries and slinging them across a park. The Darn Tough Coolmax Run No-Show Tab Ultra Lightweight Running Sock ($17) is no exception. We’ve put hundreds of miles on these socks and haven’t left a mark.

In addition to their outstanding durability, these socks fit like a second skin. There’s no bunching, wrinkles, or any abnormality that could cause irritation — even after a few hours on the trail. The vented upper lets hot air out, and the seam fusion gives it a totally seamless feel for comfort.

All of these features add up to a bombproof sock that’s as comfortable at mile 20 as it is at mile one. The combination of toughness and comfort makes Darn Tough Coolmax Run No-Show Tab Ultra Lightweight Running Sock one of our favorite trail running socks on the market.

The Swiftwick brand recently got a facelift (their new designs are killer), but their DNA is the same: they make some damn good socks. This holds true with the Flite XT ($24), a mid-crew sock tailor-made for running on and off the trail. 

The medium cushioning underfoot is just enough to provide some extra comfort without unnecessary bulk — our testers have had no issues with these socks on runs ranging between 3 miles and 23 miles. 

We think the moderate compression is enough to make a difference but won’t make you feel like your foot is being squeezed to death. Compression is a considerable benefit, but it’s a no-go if it keeps you from freely moving your forefoot. The Flite XTs toe the line perfectly between too loose and too tight. 

Some of GearJunkie’s staff members have been wearing Swiftwick running and cycling socks for over a decade — one of our testers even has a pair he got nearly 10 years ago that is still going strong. When it’s all said and done, longevity is probably one of the brand’s greatest strengths. You can wear Swiftwicks into the ground with complete trust that they’ll pop back into shape and retain their compression for years. 

All in all, if you’re looking for a go-to sock for every kind of run, from the track to the trail and everywhere in between, the Flite XT is a perfect choice. The price may seem high, but considering their durability, buying a couple of pairs you know will last is a no-brainer for us.

It’s impossible to talk about running socks (or all running apparel, for that matter) without mentioning Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s own Bandit Running, specifically their flagship sock, the Cushion Run Current Quarter Crew ($36 for a two-pack). 

The sock is one of the most well-cushioned on our list, but that doesn’t mean it lacks performance. The material is exceptionally cool considering its thickness, and we found that the sock retained its shape after dozens and dozens of wears and washes. 

One of the best things about the sock is its perfect height. You may scoff at this, but as much as socks provide a much-needed touch point between your foot and your shoe, they’re also an accessory that’s used for self-expression.

If you don’t love socks that go way up your calf or show off too much ankle, the Quarter Crew is the Goldilocks fit — just high enough to keep your ankles clean without veering into full-on compression sock territory. The subtle branding is just enough to be recognized by others who know what’s up but won’t detract from your running kit as a whole. 

Since they are heavily cushioned, you will want to be careful on wet days — they can scrunch up a bit in the toes when they get soggy, making your toes and forefeet susceptible to blisters. However, we found them to be great on hot days and long runs (just avoid puddles). 

The Cushion Run Current Quarter Sock is supremely comfortable, and while it may not be the perfect sock for race day, it’s not trying to be that. It’s a reliable everyday sock that just might find itself on your feet when you’re not running, too.