Looking for some high-quality socks that are ideal for running? Here’s our guide to achieving running sock nirvana!
When you first get into running, you probably wore whatever athletic clothing you had lying around the house. Then, as you got more advanced you start to accumulate more and more running-specific gear.
Often socks are overlooked as a fledgling runner begins to stock his running wardrobe. Even many elite athletes are oblivious to the benefits that proper running socks can provide.
Want to skip the details and jump straight to the best running socks? My top running socks picks are featured below!
Best Socks for Road Running
Here are some quick recommendations:
No-Show Sock Recommendation
It’s hard to go wrong with Darntough’s No Show Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks. These socks are a nylon and Merino wool blend with a hint of spandex.
They’re moisture-wicking, high-performance, no-nonsense socks that keep your feet cool and relatively dry.
These socks are the best premium sock for most runners. Click here to read our review of these socks.
High Sock Recommendation
Some athletes believe that running socks are meant to be seen. To these intrepid men, I recommend the Enduro Crew Socks from Balega.
These full-length running socks are praised for their breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and overall comfort.
Best Socks for Trail Running and Winter Running
Winter runners need to look no further than Bombas Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks. These socks are over 50% Merino Wool, warm, and blended with ample nylon for durability. Perfect for those brutal winter runs.
Trail Runners are sure to come across soft ground and mud. Balega delivers yet again with their Blister Resist Crew Socks.
The nylon and Mohair blend makes these socks sleek, yet soft. These socks will absorb the impact of each step without also absorbing water and sweat.
Balega also has a quarter sock variant for runners that don’t like their socks hugging their massive calves.
Best Affordable Socks for Training Runs
Sadly, most supermarket socks wither away when faced with frequent runs. However, you can still keep your feet safe and comfortable without breaking the bank.
This 6-Pack set of Brooks No Show Socks are over 95% nylon.
They may not have the best cooling, but they’re sure to go the distance with the proper care.
Men’s Running Sock Guide 2023
Those featured socks above are my top selection of running socks. Keep reading to learn why your current running socks may bunch up during your runs, have holes and hot spots, or even burn holes into your running shoes!
Now I’ll break down the essential factors to determine the best running socks for your specific needs.
First, we’ll cover the performance and use cases for different sock materials.
Then we’ll go over why choosing no-show socks over higher socks may actually affect your performance.
Finally, we’ll cover how a thoughtful inspection of well-worn and holey running socks can lengthen the life of your new socks.
Why Running Socks Knowledge Matters
My feet felt like they were on fire and my socks had melted away. I’d just donned a fresh new pair of cotton/polyester Kmart brand socks from a fat pack of twelve before a brutal track practice.
After just one day, they were toast. At this rate, I’d need all new socks (and new feet) every two weeks!
Clearly, the make and fit of your running socks matter. The humble running sock is hardly noticed when it performs well, but bad socks can ruin a run or even lead to injuries such as hot spots, abrasions, and blisters.
The Roles of Materials Found in Running Socks
The best-performing running socks are a blend of several different materials. Ultimately, their performance is affected by their unique combination of fabrics. These are the most common materials found in modern running socks.
Polyester Blends
Provides breathability at the expense of durability and moisture wicking. Affordable.
Nylon
Provides durability at the expense of breathability.
Spandex/Elastane
Gives socks support and makes them form-fitting. Too much can cause slipping and bunching. About 5% is ideal for no-show socks, and about 25% is the maximum amount for crew socks.
Wool/Merino Wool
Durable, moisture-resistant, anti-microbial (combats smell). Wool isn’t the most breathable material and is more expensive than synthetic materials.
Mohair
Fabric derived from goat hair, durable like wool but softer. Slightly elastic and more breathable than wool. Expensive, premium option.
Running Environments
It’s impossible to choose the optimal running sock without first choosing the correct footwear. This section is broken down into different running conditions. I’ve selected a top performer, a runner-up, and a more wallet-friendly sock pack option for each environment.
Indoor, Desert, and Pavement Running
This type of environment is the most common. This category includes road runners and casual joggers that stay inside during rough weather and primarily stick to the pavement on sunny days.
Consistent dry conditions are the perfect environment for light shoes and trainers. Light, breathable shoes can be paired with short no show socks made of moisture-wicking material.
High socks are ideal for those runners looking for a bit more flair, but they don’t have any performance benefits.
Best Choice
Darntough’s No Show Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks – nylon and wool blend. Durable, breathable, workhorse socks.
Runner Up
Balega’s Blister Resist No Show Running Socks – nylon and mohair blend. Softer but marginally less durable.
Budget Pack
6-Pack set of Brooks No Show Socks Bulletproof. Over 95% nylon, but has breathable mesh zones.
Muddy Trails and Frequent Rain
No amount of water wicking will save your feet from a good downpour or a muddy soup. Trail shoes and trainers must breathe, so your feet will get soaked and your socks will get waterlogged. It’s best to accept this fact as a part of wet trail running and find the socks that are up to the task.
Ankle and short no-show socks are likely to fall off your heels and bunch up inside your shoes. They’re always at risk of slowly migrating with the repeated friction from running and slip down your heel.
In contrast, long socks are sure to stay secure and thinner socks will limit the amount of water that can be absorbed.
Best Choice
Blister Resist Crew Socks – Nylon and mohair blend. One of the few socks that are high top, durable, and soft without getting waterlogged.
Runner Up
Swiftwick Pursuit Four – All Merino wool, has a double reinforced crew top. Can be prone to slight bunching in wet conditions.
Budget Pack
KMM Merino Wool Quarter Socks 4 Pack – A wool, acrylic, and polyester blend. Will absorb a bit more water than premium options, but are exponentially superior to budget supermarket socks.
Winter Running
Winter runners subject to frequent snowstorms and slick sidewalks are wise to prioritize stability. Uneven snowpack on trails and walkways makes every step a bit more dangerous.
I recommend a sturdier and heavier trainer for runners braving the outdoors in winter. Thicker, warm socks resistant to moisture are the holy grail for winter running.
Best Choice
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks – Wool, nylon, and spandex blend. These socks have the perfect trifecta of materials to keep you warm during winter runs and the durability for repeated use.
Runner Up
Darn Tough’s Thermolite Edge Midweight Ski Socks – Winter performance socks are a novelty item. Ski socks are expensive, but they’ll keep you warm even when you’re active in the snow.
Budget Pack
KMM Merino Wool Quarter Socks 4 Pack – This pack is the same recommendation from the trail running section. Loosen your shoelaces and double these bad boys up if you’re forging a path through fresh snow.
Sock Wear and Care
A careful examination of your current running socks often reveals a need to adjust your shoes or change out your shoes entirely. Pairs of socks that wear down evenly at the ball of the foot and the reinforced heel areas are socks that were worn in properly fitting running shoes.
However, uneven wear or holes in other locations may signify a shoe problem.
I know, you’re probably chomping at the bit to buy and wear premium running socks. We’ve all been there. Still, it’s vital to slow down and review your current sock lineup.
Otherwise, improper shoes or sloppy lacing may very well burn through your new socks and cause a rapid unscheduled sock disassembly. (It’s a rocket science joke).
Holes in the Toe Box
Holes in the toe boxes of your socks usually mean that one or more toes hit up against the front of your shoes during your workout. A longer shoe toe box or a more gradual toe cap curvature on your shoes is the best way to remedy this issue.
In this case, I’ve found it best to try different shoe brands, since these specific qualities greatly change the appearance of shoes and don’t usually vary much within the same brand.
Hot Spots Above the Heel
Wear and tear above the reinforced heels of your socks (and possibly the heels of your shoes) is a common problem. Surprisingly, this is normally caused by a loose toe box.
When runners make contact with the ground at the ball of the foot, looseness of the shoe in this upper area causes the upper heel to repeatedly slam back against the shoe with significant force.
Tightening the front laces of your shoes in the toe box area should resolve this issue. You should tighten your laces until you feel a medium tightness evenly distributed in this region. This guards against hotspots on your feet, as well as possible holes forming in your socks and shoe heels.
Conclusion
Take a deep breath. Exhale. Now wiggle your toes. Can you feel it? This my friends, is running sock nirvana. Rejoice in your sock knowledge in the comment section!
How many miles are you running this week? Let me know down below!
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