Bye-Bye, Blisters — We Found the Best Running Socks on the Market

Darn Tough has a stellar reputation for quality, and the brand backs it with a lifetime guarantee on its socks. Just mail in your worn-out socks, and a new pair will be sent back to you, no receipt needed. So you get not only peace of mind knowing the money you spend will be worth it but also a really great pair of socks.

Campbell also notes that she’s tested many competitors’ wool socks but prefers Darn Tough for its lifetime guarantee. 

If you prefer ankle running socks, we recommend this pair from Bataidis. “They don’t slide [like] some other cheaper socks, feel cushiony but aren’t too thick, and sit at just the right height so they don’t give me blisters from rubbing,” says Caitlin Beale, RDN. Plus, we haven’t noticed that they wear out any faster than those from a more expensive brand.

In fact, they come with all the premium features we look for in running socks. Are they comfortable? Yes. Do they have a chafe-preventing heel tab? Yes. Do they have a seamless toe? Yes. They even come in myriad fun colors.

If you’re looking for an easy no-show running sock to throw into the rotation, these feel like a no-brainer. 

Hanes Cushioned Crew Socks have become a viral TikTok sensation. But guess what? They hold up for running, too. They’re loved for their thickness and cushioning, making them ideal for runners who prefer a plush ride.

However, because they’re made of cotton, don’t expect them to be the best at wicking away moisture. Sarah Glinski, RD, found them to be on the warmer side, even with the added ventilation.

For shorter runs, indoor treadmill runs, or chilly spring or fall days, these crew socks are our choice for their widespread popularity and truly comfortable feel (thanks in large part to the lack of a toe seam, which prevents rubbing).

We picked the Balega Ultralight No-Show Running Sock as the best for warm weather for its cooling features, such as moisture-wicking fabric, ventilation panels, and thin material. Writer Jen Sinclair says she will wear these socks for any activity where she might sweat, including running.

“I love everything about these socks. They never bunch up,” Sinclair says. “The tab in the back comes up high enough to ensure that any kind of rub from the back of the shoe won’t force the socks to slide down. They are comfortable and come in great colors.”

By the way, Balega is another company with a stellar reputation for its quality. That could be due to its inspection policy, in which every pair of socks Balega produces is hand-inspected before they’re sent out. Consider these your go-to for hot, humid days on the track, trail, or treadmill. 

Wool, in general, does a fantastic job in keeping your body warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which is why we knew we had to pick a wool sock for this superlative. Smartwool’s Run Low Ankle Socks were an easy choice, as they performed well for writer and editor Lili Ladaga.

She has worn these socks before but appreciates the improvements in this newer model, such as increased height and an added tab at the front to prevent chafing against the tongue of her running shoes.

While the price is one of the highest on this list, it makes sense because wool is a higher-priced fiber. “I think they’re definitely worth the price point,” says Ladaga. “They’re well constructed, breathable, and hold up over time.” 

If you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing socks at all, Jogology Low Cushion, No Show Socks are the barely-there choice for you. “These socks are so thin I almost forget I have them on,” says writer and editor Katrina Cossey. The seamless toe and snug fit also lend themselves to the barefoot feel. However, this sock gives cushioning where it matters, with plush tabs on the front and back of the cuff to prevent chafing against your shoe’s heel and tongue.

Other features to love: light compression for added arch support and ventilation panels to keep your feet nice and cool. Overall, Jogology Low Cushion, No Show Socks are the choice for minimalist runners looking for a thin sock. 

If you’re looking for a cushioned running sock, then allow us to introduce you to Jogology’s High Cushion, No Show Socks. These socks are p-l-u-s-h. Perfect for long runs and recovery days when you’re feeling fatigued.

“The cushioning on these socks is so nice,” says Cossey. “I actually feel comfortable not wearing slippers at home (a huge deal, because I have plantar fasciitis).”

Best of all, they still have everything you’d want in an athletic sock: moisture-wicking materials, ventilation, and arch support. And there’s no annoying toe seam. You know, the one you tend to start really noticing when you’re already five miles into a run.

There are a couple of downsides to note. They could be too cushioned. Cossey had to loosen her shoes to fit in her feet while wearing the socks. That’s something to consider when buying running socks and shoes in tandem, says Smith. “You may want to try those shoes on in a sock that you’re going to be wearing,” he says, to ensure you’re not messing with the fit of your shoes.

The final downside is that Jogology is a pretty niche brand. You’re not going to find these outside of specialty retailers. So, if you’re looking to pick up an extra pair, you might need to do some searching. 

As a running specialty brand, Brooks knows what it’s doing. And if you’re looking for a running sock with arch support, we recommend the sweat-resistant Brooks Ghost Crew Running Sock. They’re made with extra compression around the arch for added support. Sinclair felt her arch was supported even while in her worn-down running shoes.

The Brooks Ghost Crew sock is a model example of a sock designed for runners’ feet. For example, the toe area is looser to allow the toes to spread out while running properly. The heel also has extra covering. “Regular socks tend to stretch along the heel and become extra thin,” says Sinclair. “This extra fabric stops that from happening.”

The only negative thing Sinclair had to say was that the crew cuff felt a little tight. But on the flip side, the socks stayed up throughout her runs and walks.

As Swartz told us, compression socks haven’t been proven to improve running performance. However, plenty of people prefer to run in compression socks for warmth, comfort, or a perceived boost from increased blood flow. If that’s you, we recommend Bombas Everyday Compression Knee High Socks.

In the words of Ladaga, “I can’t find anything wrong with these compression socks.” She found them comfortable to wear all day long, and they maintained their shape and snug fit. The arch support is another attractive feature and adds to the comfort.

Since these are a cotton blend, we don’t recommend them for long runs, but they’re an excellent selection for a recovery run or even a recovery day on the couch.

The Hanes Absolute Active Super No Show Socks are an easy choice if you’re trying to refill your sock drawer. If you run multiple times a week, you may not want to do a load of laundry after each run, so it’s nice to have several pairs of running socks at the ready. For a multipack option, this Hanes four-pack is a good choice.

While they may not last as long as other pairs on this list, they have plenty of positive attributes, including built-in ventilation, arch support, a seamless toe, and a nice medium-level cushioning. Where they fall flat, though, is in the feel, which came across as a bit rough to writer Marisa Olsen. On the plus side, “they are good in a pinch and cute to style,” she says.