We Tested Over 30 Pairs of Socks — These Are the Best Ones for Healthy Feet

This high-cushion, no-show sock from Jogology doesn’t skimp on thoughtful details. It has luxe cushioning around the toes and heel, with no extra padding at the midfoot. This helps the sock hug your foot for snug arch support and provide increased stability.

Other details we love? The seamless toes, the mesh ventilation system, the increased cushioning under the big toe for added comfort, and the soft moisture-management layer that wicks away sweat.

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

We also like the seamless toe that doesn't rub against our shoes while walking, and front and back heel tabs prevent skin from rubbing against the shoes.

These thick, cotton-blend socks have ribbed arch support, which gives your arch a comfortable squeeze while offering targeted compression to your midfoot.

The ribbed fabric around the arch helps keep the sock from sliding down while you’re wearing it (the worst). A seamless toe helps reduce friction and irritation, and moisture-wicking fabric keeps feet feeling cool and dry, whether you’re running a race or running errands.

Writer Marisa Olsen liked the ventilation at the top of the sock foot and the light compression on the arch. She also appreciated “the generous heel cushioning that went up past my heel and around my ankle bone and towards my Achilles, which helped prevent blisters and sore feet. I liked the style and length. I could easily wear them hiked up or rolled down a bit depending on my leggings or workout outfit.”

This four-pack comes at a wallet-friendly price, so you won’t have to make a big investment when stocking up. Plus, they’re available in men’s sizes. 

I wore compression socks a lot while I was pregnant. Speaking from personal experience, they can sometimes feel hot or stiff. These Hollow socks are made with alpaca fiber, which helps keep feet dry and cool while still providing compression. The fabric is buttery soft, and they’ll be the socks you want to wear, not the socks your doctor ordered you to wear.

Other details we love: The ribbed build helps the sock stay up all day without rolling down. And the alpaca’s soft, itch‑free feel makes these more comfortable than most synthetic compression socks, even on long shifts or flights.

Writer Jacquelyn Smith says these offered great support and compression all the way up her legs: “I liked how soft they were and how they landed just right below my knee.”

If you, like me, have wider feet or have ever noticed indent marks on your calves after peeling off your socks, then these are for you. The socks provide extra give and space from the toe box to the cuff, so they’re easy to pull on and don’t leave marks on your legs. These stretch to a 4E width to accommodate most calves. (We can’t blame you if you don’t know your calf size; 4E indicates an extra-wide fit.)

“I like the soft fabric of these socks. They feel nice against the skin,” says Cossey. “I also appreciate that they don't fall down while walking.”

Beyond the wide fit and the short crew-length style, which is designed to peek out of booties or sneakers, the socks have other thoughtful details to love. Those include the soft terry loop cushioning in high-impact areas; it feels like a towel in the best way. Plus, every pair is knit right in Vermont and available in a wide array of vibrant colors and prints, making them a great gift.

Despite what Gen Z may say, ankle socks still have a place in every sock drawer. Yes, they’re basic white socks. But they’re soft, supportive, and surprisingly comfortable.

Medium cushioning at the heel and footbed provides plush support, helping the pair live up to Cozy Earth’s name. Editor Sabrina Rojas Weiss also appreciated the supportive diamond-knit arch. “They fit nicely. I like the honeycomb pattern around the middle that feels like it hugs your feet (like Bombas socks),” she says.

I was fortunate enough to test these crew socks myself, and they’ve quickly become my new go-to. They've even replaced my slippers in the morning.

While they’re not cashmere, they feel nearly identical to my cashmere socks, with a soft, plush texture that’s cozy underfoot (without the cashmere price tag). The crew height covers the ankle and lower calf, and the reinforced heel and toe make these feel durable. They have light stretch in the arch and midfoot that helps the socks stay snug without feeling tight, even on my wider feet.

My only minor gripe? The soft material can cling to floor debris, especially if you have a pet that sheds (like I do). But that’s a small price to pay.

A classic calf-length pair of socks works well with boots or sneakers, and the knit construction helps them stay in place without slipping.

“I love the light compression at the arch; it keeps the sock from sliding around on my foot, and the cushioning at the toe and heel protects my feet from rubbing,” says editor Lili Ladaga.

If you’re looking for a barely there sock that still works hard, these Smartwool socks are it. The thin merino-wool blend helps regulate temperature, wick sweat, and reduce odor during long (or short) runs. Plus, mesh ventilation zones keep feet cool even as your miles accumulate (and the sweat does, too).

Smartwool’s women-specific shaping helps the socks stay put without bunching. And a virtually seamless toe reduces friction that can lead to pesky blisters.

“Running and hiking socks should be moisture-wicking, snug (but not tight), and cushioned in high-impact areas like the heel and forefoot,” says Pourziaee. “Merino-wool blends are ideal because they regulate temperature, reduce odor, and protect against blisters.”

And it’s not just podiatrists who like these. “I like the low-rise height in my street shoes, and the thinness of the material for running,” says editor Olivia Campbell.

“Socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials can help keep feet dry, which is key because fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. So changing your socks regularly and choosing fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin can significantly reduce the risk of athlete’s foot,” says Nicole Graf, a double board–certified podiatrist and the founder of Lexington Podiatry in Kentucky.

The breathable knit and soft wool blend make these a solid everyday option, whether you’re walking, commuting, hiking, or running. Editor Nicole Bonaccorso, who tried these firsthand, says that while they run big, they’re very high-quality, warm, and cozy.

For a long day on the trail, you need socks that go the distance. These micro-crew cushion socks from Darn Tough are made of moisture-wicking merino wool to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

They have high-density cushioning underfoot that keeps you comfortable even on rocky trails and uneven terrain. Reinforced heels and toes, and elastic around the arch, add extra durability and support. This merino wool is “shrink-treated,” meaning it’s no biggie if they end up in the dryer (though using low heat is still recommended).

“I love the micro-crew height of these socks; as a short person, crew and knee-high socks always hit higher than normal on my legs. So it was nice to finally have a pair of crew socks that hit at the correct spot,” says Ladaga. “The merino-wool fabric is really breathable and comfortable against my skin — no chafing or hot spots.”

Darn Tough backs every pair with an excellent lifetime warranty, replacing socks worn-out through normal use, holes, threadbare spots, or even damage from pets or campfires. When you buy a pair, you’re essentially guaranteed a lifetime of reliable hiking socks.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot. (We’ll get more into that later.) These socks from Feetures lift, stretch, and stabilize.

These socks have a designated left and right foot, which helps the support areas land just right. The blister-tab helps reduce irritation and blisters on the back of the foot. Plus, the high‑density cushioning makes them extremely comfortable, even when worn all day. Moisture‑wicking fibers keep feet cool and dry, too.